Downtown
The complete guide to the 42nd annual VCU Health Richmond Marathon
Whether you’re running, spectating, or just trying to avoid the road closures, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to know for America’s Friendliest Marathon this weekend.
The 42nd annual VCU Health Richmond Marathon, billed as America’s friendliest marathon, takes place this weekend. And although we here at RVAHub have never run one, we have all the information you need to know whether you’re running, spectating, or just trying to avoid all the road closures.
All event information is also available on the ‘Run Richmond’ app that is available for download. The free app has everything the spectator and/or runner could need. Pull up the app. on your phone to find runner tracking, course maps, schedules, expo directions, spectator information, and other event details. The app is available for download for both iPhone and Android. If you’re more of the big-screen kind of person we’ve got you covered as well.
Quick steps
- Official Race Guide (PDF)
- Official Anthem Richmond Marathon Website
- Run tracker and spectator info to track your loved one or nemesis and get in on the party. Choose between text messages, email alerts, or track through the app. It provides 6.2, 13.1, and 20-mile splits for marathoners, 10k splits for half marathoners, and finish results for all three races
- Results – Browse previous years and check out this year’s results once the race is over
Party zones
Let’s face facts. There are way more non-runners than there are runners in the Marathon. It’s only fair that those of us that don’t run, aka sane, should get in on the good times. The full list of official Party Zones is here but all of Monument Ave is a giant party and well worth checking out.
Another great area is Southside along Forest Hill Avenue between Westover Hills and Bland. This is roughly the halfway point, and you can swing by Crossroads or jump on down to the South of the James Farmer’s Market. Be ready to deal with traffic issues due to road closures.
Course maps
If you’ve got running to do or runners to watch, here’s where to go to see them in action.
2019 VCU Health Richmond Marathon event schedule
| Friday, November 15 | |
| 8 a.m. | Three-mile shakeout run with Bart Yasso, leaving from the Omni Richmond Hotel (100 S. 12th St.) |
| 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Health & Fitness Expo Packet pick-up and walk-up registration at the Arthur Ashe Athletic Center |
| 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Bus tours of Marathon course leaving from The Diamond (adjacent to the Expo) |
| 1 p.m. | Q&A with Bart Yasso, the ‘Mayor of Running’ and retired Runner’s World Chief Running Officer |
| 3 p.m. | Meet and greet and book signing with Christopher McDougall, best-selling author of ‘Born to Run’ and ‘Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero’ (sessions at 3, 4 , and 5 p.m.) |
| 5 – 7 p.m. | Sierra Nevada Beer Tastings at the Health & Fitness Expo |
| Saturday, November 16 | |
| 6 – 7:30 a.m. | Race day registration available at Dominion Energy Center (Grace Street between 6th & 7th). Please note: There is no race day packet pick up offered. |
| 7 a.m. sharp | 8k start (8th & Broad St.) |
| 7:30 a.m. sharp | Half Marathon start – Wave A (7th & Broad St.) |
| 7:45 a.m. sharp | Marathon start (5th & Grace St.) |
| 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | CoStar Post Race Party on Brown’s Island |
| 11:30 a.m. | Half Marathon course closes |
| 3 p.m. | Marathon course closes |
Road closures
Check out the full list of street closures around town right here.
Shades of Moss Plant + Design Celebrates its Grand Opening with a Black Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Richmond Folk Festival Unveil this Year’s Brew
Run Richmond 16.19 Road Closures and No Parking Zones
Photo of the Day: Last Race at Forest Hill Park
Richmond Kickers to Join Community Pop-Up Series in Southwood
Hull Street Closed to One Lane Between 10th and 12th for 2 Weeks
43rd Street Festival of the Arts is Getting Arty this Saturday
Pridefest Cancelled, Sara and Tegan Concert Moved to the National
Richmond’s longest running festival, the Armenian Food Festival, returns this weekend
