Following the cancelation of the New York City Marathon after Hurricane Sandy, many trained runners are looking for a marathon. I know how that feels, being trained without a race. More specifically, I know how it feels, in the first weekend in November, being trained without a race. I recommend the Richmond Marathon.
Last year I had to drop out of the New York City Marathon in the 18th mile and as soon as I got home afterwards, cold, in tears and distraught, the first thing I did was search for another marathon. I worked too hard and for too long to let my training be for nothing.
When Andy and I decided on the Richmond Marathon (The Philadelphia Marathon was full and I am so thankful for that now), I signed up, paid the relatively low entry free and just like that I was in – with none of the crazy fanfare that goes along with registering/qualifying/lotterying (not a word) for the ING New York City Marathon. That simplicity set the stage for the entire marathon experience.
A few days later, I was on my way to Virginia for the Richmond Marathon. If you’re looking for a fun, fast, friendly, gorgeous, close-to-NYC race, I can’t recommend this race enough. I loved it so much that I’ll be there next weekend to run the half marathon. I loved it THAT much. I can’t wait to be back there, in my happy place.
The Richmond Marathon Simplicity Summary
- Logistics – You just drive to the start area, park in a lot (unless you can walk from your hotel) and then walk a few blocks to the porta potties and start area. No waiting around in the cold for hours like you would on Staten Island before the NYC Marathon..
- Corrals – You can get to the start right before the race is starting. There is no intense corral system. There are corrals, but you place yourself in the one you think is best for you.
- Spectator support – Richmond has designated ‘Party Zones’ for your friends and family. Andy followed the directions provided on the Richmond Marathon website and was able to see me many times throughout the race: at the start, at mile 7, at mile 13.9, at mile 20 and again at the finish line. He had my ShotBloks and Vaseline, and it was so easy to see him and get what I need. I also loved knowing exactly when I could expect to find him.
- Finish Line – You complete your 26.2 miles and you’re done! No long finisher chute, no waiting an hour to get in touch with your friends, no having to navigate public transportation to get back after. It is very easy for you and your people to meet up by the finish line right after the race.
For greater details, please check out my Richmond Marathon experience. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comments, over email or on Twitter!
And here are my reflections after the running the Richmond Marathon.
If you were a 2012 NYCM runner, did you sign up for another race? Which race and how did you make your decision? Will I see you in Richmond?
Nikki
November 3, 2012 at 1:03 pm (12 years ago)I remember reading your post about a year ago about Richmond–>glad it went so well for you!
Good luck with your half marathon coming up, hope you have a great race 🙂
Jess
November 3, 2012 at 11:26 pm (12 years ago)I can’t believe how much has happened since we ran together last Sunday! See you in VA!
Becky
November 4, 2012 at 9:15 am (12 years ago)I loved your recap last year and as soon as NYC was cancelled I thought of you and this race! I’m seriously considering it!
Carrie M
November 4, 2012 at 5:25 pm (12 years ago)See you in Richmond 🙂
David H.
November 4, 2012 at 9:41 pm (12 years ago)All are perfect reasons to run Richmond! I hope we can meet up this weekend. I’ll get details on the #runchat FB invite in the next couple of days. 🙂
Also, it’s worth noting that this year’s finish area has moved and will make the experience even better!
Sam @ Mom At The Barre
November 4, 2012 at 10:44 pm (12 years ago)I still vividly remember your recap from last year. Wow, was that really a year ago? I won’t be doing Richmond this year but it seems like it’s going to be quite a sea of familiar faces and all the more fun! Have a great race!
Sarah
November 5, 2012 at 12:27 pm (12 years ago)I’m running Richmond this weekend as my first marathon ever. Reading your experiences about how smoothly everything went is providing my pre-race jitters with a sense of calm. I am excited to hear about how the half differs from the full! Best of luck – you’re going to do great!
Armistead
November 5, 2012 at 12:42 pm (12 years ago)Hi, I live in Richmond and did the Half Marathon last year. Richmond is a great place to live and RUN> We welcome all from New York and beyond to come run here. Dori, have and everyone else, hope it is a great race weekend.
Best,
Armistead
Heather
November 6, 2012 at 4:52 pm (12 years ago)I have to agree with Armistead. I also live in Richmond and started reading your blog after the post about the Richmond Marathon last year. I ran the 8K last year and will be running my first half marathon this year. I hope that everyone that comes down will have as much fun as you did. Good luck to everyone and don’t forget to smile!
Becky
November 6, 2012 at 1:56 pm (12 years ago)Do you remember which hotel you stayed at? Everything near by is already full.
Dori
November 6, 2012 at 1:57 pm (12 years ago)The Candlewood Suites in South Richmond!
Nancy
November 7, 2012 at 9:09 am (12 years ago)I might have to do the Richmond Half next year. It’s only 3 hours away! 🙂