This is the only race I've ran twice. The leaves actually turn brown in autumn(!), and the last quarter mile of the race is downhill, so it's easy to finish strong. It's a flat road race through picturesque neighborhoods and downtown. There's a lot of cheering and support along the race. They give you a lot of swag too (hat, long-sleeve shirt, blanket, etc).

If you like a course that showcases a beautiful river, great neighborhoods full of energetic spectators, and lots of friendly, helpful volunteers then Richmond is for you! Although it is a big marathon it is well executed from packet pick-up to race start to a fun celebration finish! They even throw in a very nice downhill finish to help you soar across the finish line. The whole town gets behind the race, too, and this truly makes for an excellent marathon experience.

Have run a few times. This year, the whole family ran various distances and we all enjoyed the route through the city. The swag is also excellent.

It was hot but it still remains one of my favorite marathons. I look forward to running it every year. They advertise it as the friendliest marathon and I have to agree with this. Looking forward to next year.

Great race! Third time I have run it and will run it again next year. Had a lot of fun during the race.

Richmond has become an annual event for me. Beautiful course, great support. I opt to have packet mailed, so can't comment on the expo. Great organization and wonderful runner amenities. Always beautiful shirts and matching blankets. Hats and nice medals. Fun after party. The downhill finish is a little steep. But great race.

My 3rd Richmond, and I’ll go back! Good course with lots of variety. Good fan support (“America’s Friendliest Marathon”), and nice post-race celebration at a park by the James River. The only hiccup this year was a long line to get our drop bags after the finish. It was cold and windy, and the 20-30 minute wait was tough. Everything else is dialed-in perfectly!

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of support for this race! Not only were the entire roads kept open the entire day, but the majority of the police force who were at every intersection, cheered us on as well! I really appreciated not being anywhere near cars all day, when running through a city! I liked the course, which took us through neighborhoods, a nature area along the river, and through downtown, it was a great way to see the city. There was also lots of spectators, even though it was a bit cold to be standing around for hour. I would definitely recommend this race, especially for slower runners!

Awesome race with great crowd support. Water stops every two miles up to mile twenty, then the water stops are every mile. Two gel stops on the course and numerous food stops. Very scenic course. I have run this marathon five times and the only thing I do not care for is the MTT coaches that support the MTT runners, they are all over the course and get a little carried away.