2026 Richmond Marathon - Nov 14

2026 Richmond Marathon - Nov 14 Countdown

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Race Information

Race2026 Richmond Marathon - Nov 14
CityRichmond
Date2026-11-14 at 07:00
Field Size~4,943 runners
Time Limit7 hours
TimezoneAmerica/New_York
Official SiteSports Backers
RegistrationSold out · waitlist open · Official Site

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature8°C / 46°F
Humidity70%
Wind11 km/h
Rain Chance25%
Typical ConditionsCool, crisp mid-November morning along the James River

What to Prepare: Mid-November in Richmond usually means a chilly start around 46°F / 8°C, often climbing into the low-to-mid 50s°F (11–13°C) by late morning — close to ideal marathon weather. Mornings can be damp near the river, so pack throwaway gloves and a long-sleeve you can shed once you warm up. Skies are often clear with autumn foliage still lingering along the riverside miles.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 11 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Course Profile

Course TypeCity loop with river finish
Elevation Gain208m
TerrainRoad (city streets, riverside drives, two James River bridge crossings)
ProfileA rolling, scenic point-to-point-style city route branded "America's Friendliest Marathon." It starts downtown at 6th & Broad Streets, runs through the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus and the tree-lined mansions of Monument Avenue, tours the historic Fan District, then drops to Riverside Drive to run parallel to the James River. After a climb back through Forest Hill and a notable hill around mile 16, the course weaves past Sports Backers Stadium and delivers a fast downhill finish into downtown at Brown's Island on the riverfront. Total climbing is moderate — about +685 ft (208 m) — over a rolling profile. USATF-certified and a recognized Boston qualifier, the race is famous for fun aid stations (pickle juice and junk-food stops), party zones, live bands, and huge spectator support.
Boston QualifierYes — Check your BQ time

Prepare for 2026 Richmond Marathon - Nov 14

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Featured In

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 Richmond Marathon and what time does it start?

The 2026 Allianz Richmond Marathon is on Saturday, November 14, 2026 — note it runs on a Saturday, not a Sunday — starting at 7:00 a.m. ET in downtown Richmond at 6th & Broad Streets. It traditionally falls on a mid-November Saturday and is run alongside the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon and Capital One Richmond 8k.

How do you register for the Richmond Marathon, and how much does it cost?

Registration is handled through RunSignup via the official Richmond Marathon site, on a tiered pricing schedule that rises as race day nears. Organized by the local non-profit Sports Backers, it is popular and sells out months ahead — the 2026 marathon is now sold out, with a waiting list open on RunSignup and charity fundraising bibs as another way in. For 2027, register early: the tiers fill fast.

What is the Richmond Marathon course like?

It is a rolling, scenic city course that starts downtown, runs through the VCU campus and historic Monument Avenue, tours the Fan District, then follows the James River along Riverside Drive before a downhill finish at Brown's Island on the riverfront. The route crosses the river twice and is USATF-certified.

How much elevation gain does the Richmond Marathon have, and is it hard?

The course is rolling rather than flat, with about +685 ft (208 m) of total climbing — rated moderate difficulty. The early miles undulate, there is a notable hill near mile 16 after the James River section, and the race rewards you with a fast downhill finish into downtown, which helps you close strong.

Is the Richmond Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. The course is USATF-certified and recognized by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying, and it is regularly listed among the better fall BQ options. Use our Boston Qualifying Calculator to check the time you need for your age group.

What is the time limit for the Richmond Marathon?

The full marathon has a 7-hour course time limit, with the course closing at 2:00 p.m. — about a 16:02-per-mile pace. There are intermediate cutoffs along the way (for example mile 16 by 11:30 a.m. and mile 20 by 12:30 p.m.), so runners need to keep moving to stay ahead of the sweep.

Why is it called "America's Friendliest Marathon"?

The branding comes from the race's legendary crowd support and fun aid stations. You will pass a pickle-juice stop and junk-food stations (pretzels, chocolate, gummy bears, soda) in the late miles, plus party zones, live bands and dance crews lining the route. The finish at Brown's Island brings a post-race celebration with pizza and a local beer — a big-festival feel for a mid-size marathon.

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