Click here to go directly to the SunTrust Richmond Marathon website.

Why run Richmond? It’s the little things that add up. Course amenities, like junk food stops and wet washcloths. Friendly and courteous volunteers who treat you like more than just a bib number. Even an online registration system that doesn’t hit you with extra fees to sign up. It’s what led Runner’s World to confirm what we’ve been saying all along: The SunTrust Richmond Marathon truly is “America’s Friendliest Marathon”!

McDONALD'S HALF MARATHON ADDED FOR 2008!

You asked for it and we’re adding it! The McDonald's Half Marathon will start on Broad Street, just like the marathon and 8k, and finish at 10th & Cary. The event will feature all of the same extra touches and service that you’ve come to expect from a Sports Backers event!

Runner’s World magazine had this to say in touting Richmond as one of the 12 must-do marathons that offer “big fun, big scenery, big rewards”:

This marathon starts and finishes in charming historic downtown Richmond, once the capital of the south. The scenic, fast loop course takes in all of the city’s old neighborhoods, traveling up Monument Avenue, past statues of Confederate soldiers and Richmond native and tennis star Arthur Ashe, through the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, then alongside the James River. Along with the typical water and sports drink stops, this is probably the only race in the country that offers junk food stops, at miles 16 and 22, stocked with Gummy Bears, cookies, and soda. There are also two wet-washcloth stations, at miles 17 and 23, perfect for cleaning up for your finish-line photo. Three party zones set up along the way with free food, prize giveaways, and noisemakers for spectators and family means lots of enthusiastic, cheering support. The last mile features a fast downhill to the finish in the trendy Shockoe Slip area, where there are plenty of postrace goodies, including bagels, fruit, and pizza, and a band to celebrate your finish. (Runner’s World, January 2005)

So come experience "America's Friendliest Marathon".  It's 26.2 miles of smiles!

For more information about the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, McDonald's Half Marathon and NTELOS 8k visit the SunTrust Richmond Marathon website.