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Tips for Running Richmond!

November 10, 2015 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC47 Comments

The Richmond Marathon is hands down my favorite marathon. It was my first (and third) and therefore it’ll always be special to me. This year marks the third year in a row I’m going to Richmond to race. However, this year since I already ran two marathons last month, I’m running the half marathon. I have a number of friends racing Richmond as well this weekend and I thought I’d offer up a few tips for running Richmond. These are all based on things I learned over the past couple years and while some tips are marathon specific, a few are more general. If you’ve raced Richmond before, add your tips for running Richmond in the comments!

Tips for Running Richmond

  • Plan for all weather scenarios. The weather has been different every year that I’ve run Richmond. In 2013, it poured (I mean POURED) at the start despite the forecast saying it would be clear skies. That resulted in me running the race with wet socks (I don’t recommend that). Last year, it was unexpectedly chilly. I haven’t even looked at the weather for this year’s race because I’m just bringing a few different options. It’s November on the East Coast. Be prepared!
  • Plan your fueling based on the stops provided by the course. The Richmond Marathon is great because there is water and Powerade every two miles up until mile 20. At mile 20, you get a water stop every mile. I always carry my own water because that’s how I train, but knowing that in the later miles, there is water every single mile is a great motivation to just “get to the next water stop.” Also, there is junk food at miles 16 and 22 (I have never taken food there but the small sips of coke always are perfectly timed!) and wet washcloths to get the salt off your  face and miles 17 and 23. Definitely things to look forward to! 
  • Remember your relative position to the river. The marathon course crosses the James River twice – first during mile 7 (right after the first party zone with lots of music and TONS of spectators) and then again during mile 15, right before the mile 16 junk food stop. I’ve always looked forward to getting over the river that second time because you are finally back on the “right” side of the river. And it means you’ve crossed the only significant bridge of the race. There is something about bridges that makes them so tough to run in races. Getting over that one is a good thing! 
  • Be on the lookout for running celebrities! Last year I saw Bart Yasso twice during the race – and got to hi five him both times. I’m not sure if he’s planning on coming back this year, but it’s always fun to see running celebs during races!
  • Take in your surroundings. The crowd support during the race is fantastic! The only real “dead” zones are after that first time you cross the river. However, what that section lacks in spectators in makes up for it in natural beauty. You are running with the river to your left and it’s simply gorgeous. Take it all in. I remember very vividly how much I enjoyed all the course support. Maybe consider only using your music during the quiet miles by the water. 
  • Remember to save a bit for the downhill finish. All of the Richmond races (8k, half and full) finish on a steep downhill. I’m looking forward to experiencing this after 13 miles because after 26.1 miles that final .1 downhill hurt. I remember feeling like I was going to just roll down the hill to the finish line. I think it’ll feel way more awesome after just running the half, rather than the full. Regardless of the race you are running, save a bit of energy to really fly down that hill. Just try to protect your quads – if you are anything like me, downhills can shred your quads so be careful! 
  • Enjoy the afterparty. One of my favorite parts of running Richmond is hanging out after the race and enjoying the day. Take your finisher’s blanket (also known as your new favorite race premium), spread it out and chill. Grab a beer and a slice of pizza and you’ll be good to go! 

I am so excited to head back to Richmond! If you’ve raced Richmond before, share your tips in the comments! 

Who will I see in Richmond this weekend? Check back this week for my goals for the half marathon!


Comments

  1. Jess @ Jess Runs ATL says

    November 10, 2015 at 7:38 am

    Great tips! The weather is looking absolutely perfect right now!!!! Ahhhh! See you Saturday!
    Jess @ Jess Runs ATL recently posted…RICHMOND READY!My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 9:53 am

      See you Saturday!!!

      Reply
  2. Melissa says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:14 am

    I ran the marathon in 2012 and it was indeed perfect–everything you said is spot on. I’m doing the half this weekend, too! Have a great race!!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 9:54 am

      Woohoo, have a great time – say hi if ya see me out there!

      Reply
  3. Sarah @ Sarah's on the Run says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:45 am

    LOVE this post! Richmond will be my first marathon and I’m super nervous but these tips definitely have helped! I’m looking forward to it! πŸ™‚
    Sarah @ Sarah’s on the Run recently posted…MARATHON WEEK!My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 9:54 am

      Woohoo – you will love it. Richmond is a great race and a great first marathon!! Enjoy every second!

      Reply
  4. Joy says

    November 10, 2015 at 9:09 am

    Great tips about the weather! This will be my fourth time to run Richmond and every year the weather has been different! Running Richmond is so much fun!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 9:54 am

      Agreed – I love this race so much!

      Reply
  5. Robyn @ Robyn's Livin' life says

    November 10, 2015 at 9:25 am

    I have done the Richmond Half and have watched the marathon numerous times (I live off the course), but this is my first year running it! I am PUMPED about the weather and can’t wait to run Richmond! The course is a good mix of uphills and downhills and my training team has run the whole course through various training runs. I will also be at the expo helping out! I can’t wait!!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 9:55 am

      Oh Robyn that is SO exciting! I’m so happy for you – I hope you have an awesome race. I’ll be cheering between miles 24-25 after the half so look for me!!

      Reply
  6. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    November 10, 2015 at 9:34 am

    Courtney, I promise it’s going to happen, one of these days; I’ve got to get one of those blankets!! πŸ˜‰ This is so great for folks running in the race; so much useful information and I know everyone will enjoy it. Hope you have a great time!!
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…2015 Midsouth Championship Marathon and Half MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 9:57 am

      Thanks Tara – I’m thinking I might want to go back to Richmond for the full again next year. Haha, I just love that race!

      Reply
  7. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    November 10, 2015 at 10:07 am

    ahh I LOVE that premium! I’m traveling this weekend but one of these days I’m gonna run Richmond!
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Milwaukee Half Marathon Race RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 10:58 am

      It’s such a great race – I’m so excited for YET another awesome blanket πŸ™‚

      Reply
  8. Kelly Reeder says

    November 10, 2015 at 10:31 am

    HOORAY!!! See you Saturday πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 10:58 am

      woohoooooooo!! can’t wait to cheer you on!

      Reply
  9. evan says

    November 10, 2015 at 10:36 am

    Thank you for this post! This will be my third full marathon, but first time running Richmond, and really appreciate the tips. I am anxious going in and happy to hear such good reviews!! Can’t wait to see a fellow Oiselle Volee cheering at mile 24-25 when we’ll really need it πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 10:59 am

      Looking forward to meeting you and cheering you on Saturday! It’s gonna be a great day!

      Reply
  10. Anna says

    November 10, 2015 at 10:55 am

    Thank you so much for sharing these tips! I’ve ran the 8k twice and have done halfs in other cities but am running the full here in Richmond this year! It’s my first and I’m definitely nervous so every bit of information I can find is so helpful! Good luck on Saturday!
    Anna recently posted…Marathon Training – It’s Still HappeningMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 10:59 am

      Richmond is a GREAT first marathon – best of luck!

      Reply
  11. Jen says

    November 10, 2015 at 11:22 am

    I love this!!! I loved Richmond last year and am so excited (and terrified) for this year. The nerves are setting in. My 2 favorite things…the finishers blanket and the stops at every mile after 20. I didn’t even use all the stops but it is a total mental thing. Just get to the next stop I kept telling myself :). It really helped me I think!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 11:30 am

      You are gonna be amazing – so excited for you! Look for me between miles 24-25 πŸ™‚

      Reply
  12. Beth Seabreeze says

    November 10, 2015 at 11:31 am

    thanks for sharing these! I look forward to my first Richmond race!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 11:38 am

      Woohoo – have fun this weekend! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  13. Hollie says

    November 10, 2015 at 11:37 am

    I’ve heard such positive things about Richmond. Great post and I’m glad you like the race as well.
    Hollie recently posted…A Bold 5k (19:34)My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 11:37 am

      I think you would LOVE this race! Pencil it in for 2016! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  14. Emily @ Everyonehasablogbutme says

    November 10, 2015 at 11:54 am

    Ahhhh so excited!! Fingers crossed that the forecast holds because the weather looks perfect! Thanks for the reminder about the hill at the end- the first two years I ran it, the finish was different so I’m really looking forward to it. And if worse comes to worse, I’m with you- I’ll just tuck and roll the last bit! πŸ™‚ Have fun and hopefully I’ll see you to say hi!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 3:43 pm

      Hope you have a great day! I’m also crossing my fingers for good weather!

      Reply
  15. Thomas says

    November 10, 2015 at 12:26 pm

    Excited to run my first FULL. I’ve been training hard the last 15.5 weeks with two training days remaining. God has been faithful and will remain doing so because He is God. I know He will carry me through, giving Him the glory along

    “Every Stride for the Glory of God”

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 3:43 pm

      Good luck on Saturday – I hope you have a fantastic race!

      Reply
  16. Jacinta W. says

    November 10, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    I’m really excited for this even though I just ran MCM and the Chicago Marathon 2 weeks prior. Thanks for the tips I will definitely bring different outfit options for race day.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 3:37 pm

      Have a great race – Richmond is awesome – you’ll love it!!

      Reply
  17. Laura says

    November 10, 2015 at 2:00 pm

    Ran the full last year (loved loved loved it) but doing the 1/2 this year to change it up. There was a lady right before you approach the river miles handing out Kleenex…best thing ever those tissues were the best!!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 3:44 pm

      Have a great race! Say hi if ya see me out there!

      Reply
  18. Ryan says

    November 10, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    Hi Courtney-

    So there’s Coke on the course? 16,22?

    That’s my go to late in the race.

    -Ryan

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 10, 2015 at 4:45 pm

      There IS! And it’s glorious πŸ™‚

      Reply
  19. Andrew Dorko says

    November 10, 2015 at 4:52 pm

    I can’t wait. I hope the weather holds out so we can have a nice dry day.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 11, 2015 at 10:30 am

      Supposed to be great!

      Reply
  20. Maddie @ Dixie Runs says

    November 11, 2015 at 9:27 am

    I am running the full this weekend and it will be my first marathon! I’ve heard so many amazing things about this race and your post just made me that much more excited! Best of luck in the half!!!
    Maddie @ Dixie Runs recently posted…Hello there.My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 11, 2015 at 3:51 pm

      Good luck! Richmond is great – you’ll love it!! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  21. LEa says

    November 12, 2015 at 10:19 am

    Ran the full in 2011; looking forward to running the RIchmond half on Saturday!

    Can’t decide whether to wear my Oiselle shorts or Oiselle knickers. Decisions!

    Good luck!

    Reply
  22. Ginny says

    November 12, 2015 at 11:05 pm

    We moved to RVA from Baltimore 5 years ago and I love this race! I’ve run the Half and Full and they’re both great. I hope everyone has an awesome time in our great city. If you get a chance stop by Hardywood Brewing (near the expo) and get some Gingerbread Stout to bring home!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 12, 2015 at 11:27 pm

      Thanks for the tip πŸ™‚ Richmond is a great city!

      Reply
  23. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    November 13, 2015 at 5:53 pm

    Have so much fun!! I need to do this race!! I would love to do the marathon in 2017!! Maybe the half next year!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 15, 2015 at 7:46 am

      I’m signing up for next year for sure. They have a good deferral policy so I may sign up for the full – $70 for the next week πŸ™‚

      Reply
  24. Bico says

    September 4, 2017 at 9:13 am

    Hi everyone, fairly experienced marathoner here trying to analyze the course. Have been looking mostly for a “flat and fast” course trying to BQ. Can anyone speak to how significant the hills are on the Richmond course? Is the uphill from 16-18 a crushed? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2017 at 11:29 am

      Richmond would be great for a BQ. The hill is really around 19 and not that bad at all. I would describe the course as mostly flat with some rolling elevation changes.

      Reply

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