How do I enter the Richmond Marathon?

Registration is open to all runners on a first-come, first-served basis starting April 15, up to the field capacity. If you miss the open window, charity entries are available through the Kids On The Move and Active Living Leadership ALL Stars fundraising program, which requires a $750 commitment.

Is the Richmond Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the Richmond Marathon is a USATF-certified Boston qualifier. About 8 to 9 percent of finishers typically run a qualifying time, which is in line with most competitive regional marathons.

What is the time limit?

The Richmond Marathon has a 7-hour time limit.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course is a loop with roughly 490 feet of gain and 578 feet of loss, for a net drop of about 88 feet. Most of the climbing is concentrated in the middle miles, with the second half trending more downhill overall.

What weather should I expect on race day?

November race-day temperatures in Richmond typically range from the upper 30s in the morning to the upper 50s by midday. Precipitation is unlikely but possible, so a light layer at the start is worth considering.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, the Richmond Marathon course is USATF certified, meaning your finishing time is eligible for use as a qualifying standard for other races, including Boston.

How large is the field?

The marathon has a capped field of around 6,200 participants. That's large enough for a real race atmosphere but small enough that logistics like aid stations and timing run smoothly.

Sat, Nov 14 · 2026Richmond, VASince 1978

Richmond Marathon

Richmond runs a mostly flat loop through the city with a slight net drop, cool November temperatures, and open registration. It rewards smart pacing and delivers a legitimate shot at a PR.

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RICHMOND · US

Richmond

SAT, NOV 14

2026

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Race Overview

EST. 1978

Richmond is one of those fall marathons that quietly delivers. The loop starts downtown, crosses the James River a couple of times, and moves through the Fan District, which is about as good as urban marathon running gets in Virginia. The crowds in the Fan are genuine and the neighborhood is flat enough that you can actually run your race instead of just surviving. The middle miles through Oregon Hill have some real climbing, so don't let the first half lull you into banking time you'll need later. Be patient there.

The course nets slightly downhill, and in good years the weather cooperates with temperatures in the 50s by the time you're in your stride. That combination makes Richmond a legitimate PR course if you race it honestly. Entry is open registration with a capacity cap, so if you're targeting it you want to get in when registration opens in April rather than hoping for a spot late in the year. Charity bibs are also available if you miss the open window. It's a well-run race with a manageable field size, which means you get timing mat reliability and water stops that don't run dry. Good choice if you want a fall qualifier without the lottery grind.

Field size

~6.2k

6,200 finishers

BQ rate

8%

Near national average

Time limit

7:00

Generous cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:13:45

Kennedy Kemei

2011

Women

2:31:25

Irina Suvorova

2000

The Course

490 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑490 ft

Total descent

↓578 ft

Net elevation

↓88 ft

Highest point

274 ft

Lowest point

48 ft

Course shape

Loop

Start and finish in one place

The Richmond Marathon is a loop with 490 feet of gain and 578 feet of loss, netting about 88 feet downhill overall. That slight descent favors faster times but doesn't make pacing automatic. The course moves through downtown, crosses the James River, and rolls through the Fan District and Oregon Hill, where most of the climbing is concentrated in the middle miles. The back half trends more downhill, so patience early pays off. Don't chase the flat opening miles. Let the net descent work for you in miles 18 through 26 rather than burning it in the first 10. Surface is largely road with no significant turns issues.

DIFFICULTYROLLINGPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

38°F

High

59°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Mid-November in Richmond means a cold start and a cool finish. You're looking at low-to-mid 40s at the gun, so dress for the corral and plan to shed a layer early. Temperatures climb through the morning but stay comfortable for racing, which is good news if you're chasing a time. It's not a weather-gamble kind of race. Most years the conditions cooperate, and the cool air holds through the back half when you need it most.

Entry

OPEN

Registration is open with limited capacity of 6,200 marathon participants. Charity entries available through fundraising program requiring $750 commitment to Kids On The Move and Active Living Leadership ALL Stars.

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Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

DCA

93 mi

from the start

≈ 147 min transferLonger haul

What to expect

Most travelling runners fly into DCA, about 93 miles from the start, a longer haul by rideshare or transit, roughly a 147-minute trip. Stay close to the start in Richmond, VA so you're not fighting race-morning closures and transit on tired legs. Arrive a day early to clear the expo and bib pickup, and build in buffer for gear-check and corral entry.

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7 questions

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