Allianz Richmond Marathon Weekend Welcomes New Announcer India Calloway, Course Changes, and More Ahead of Race Weekend

What to expect, and how to still be part of race weekend at a sold-out “America’s Friendliest Marathon”

RICHMOND, VA – The 49th annual Allianz Richmond Marathon, known as “America’s Friendliest Marathon,” will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, bringing together 21,000 runners and thousands of volunteers and spectators for one of Richmond’s most anticipated fall traditions.

The Allianz Richmond Marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, and Capital One Richmond 8k have all sold out ahead of race day; the marathon sold out in June, marking its fastest sellout ever with 7,200 runners, 1,000 more than last year. The CarMax Richmond Half Marathon followed a few short weeks later, with all 9,000 entries claimed in early July. The Capital One Richmond 8k filled its 5,000 entries in early October.

Key Announcements as Race Weekend Approaches

India Calloway Named 2026 On-Course Announcer. India is a runner, RRCA-certified coach, and an extremely sought-after voice in road racing. She’s completed four marathons, 15 half marathons, and has announced at major races nationwide, bringing energy to finish lines across the country. She also hosts a podcast, The Run Duo, centered on making the running community welcoming for every pace and runner. Race weekend, she will be at the expo and stationed on course hyping runners up at the 12 On Your Side Party Zone at mile 19. 

Lindsey Hein Returns Announcing at the Start and Finish Lines. Lindsey Hein is an endurance athlete having completed 17 marathons and one half Ironman. She is a popular podcaster hosting I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein and founder of the SandyBoy Productions podcast network. Lindsey’s emceeing has become a beloved part of “America’s Friendliest Marathon,” connecting with athletes and fans at the start and finish lines year after year.  

wear blue: run to remember Returns for a Third Consecutive Year. wear blue: run to remember, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of American military members through active remembrance. Since its founding in 2010, the organization has honored thousands of fallen service members, and thousands of athletes around the world take part in weekly wear blue tributes. All participants are invited to join a Circle of Remembrance on race morning, November 14, at 6:30 a.m. on Broad Street, between the full and half marathon start lines. During this moment of reflection, participants will honor fallen service members by speaking their names, carrying their memory with every step of the marathon, half marathon, or 8k.

CarMax Halfway Hype Zone Returns to Bryan Park. The hype zone returns to the midpoint of the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon course in Bryan Park, energizing runners as they reach the halfway mark. The zone will feature live music, including School of Rock, The Parrot Head Group, Hermitage High School Marching Band, and DJ Bob. Cheer squads and encouraging signs will line nearly a mile and a half of the route through the park, and the 12 On Your Side Party Zone and a water stop near mile 6 will help keep the momentum going. Spectators looking for a lively place to watch can head to the park’s Bellevue Avenue entrance, where they can catch runners coming and going as they celebrate the race’s midpoint. 

Tailwind Nutrition Named Official Electrolyte Sponsor. Participants in all three distances will stay hydrated with Tailwind Nutrition. The partnership also extends beyond race day: Tailwind has been fueling the Marathon Training Team and Half Marathon Training Team, so participants can train with the same product they’ll find on course in November. Tailwind will also be at the Health & Fitness Expo and the CoStar Group Post Race Party, where runners can sample flavors and talk fueling strategy.

Course Updates

The Finish Line Has A New Home. Runners in the Allianz Richmond Marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, and Capital One Richmond 8k will cross a new finish line at Byrd and 5th Streets. The new location eases congestion and gives runners a smoother path through the finish chute to the CoStar Group Post Race Party on Brown’s Island, Historic Tredegar, and the Richmond Riverfront. 

New Start Lines and Course Updates. To make room for the new finish, all three races will start from new spots on Broad Street: the Allianz Richmond Marathon between Third and Fourth Streets, the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon at Eighth Street, and the Capital One Richmond 8k between Sixth and Seventh Streets. After leaving Bryan Park, half marathoners will take a new route along Hermitage Road and Princeton Road before rejoining the marathoners. The 8k course is now more direct, running straight down Broad Street to Arthur Ashe Boulevard. The signature downhill finish on 5th Street is staying, just slightly shorter.

New Family and Friends Meet-Up Zone. The new finish chute leads to a designated meet-up zone where runners can reunite with family and friends after the race. Signs arranged alphabetically by last name will make it easier for everyone to find each other in the crowd. 

Run Richmond Premium Package: New Post-Race Location. Daisy’s at Tredegar is the new home for the Run Richmond Premium Package’s private post-race party, located close to the CoStar Group Post Race Party. Package holders can enjoy a breakfast buffet, made-to-order omelets, complimentary drinks from Hardywood and Tito’s, massages, a gift, and more, plus morning access to an exclusive hospitality area near the start line with private restrooms. The Premium Package is still available for purchase.  

New Official Race Timer: Go Race Productions. Sports Backers has partnered with Go Race Productions, an East Coast-based timing company known for delivering both precision and innovation, as the new official timer for race weekend.  

RaceRecord: New Official Race Day App. RaceRecord is available on iOS and Android, allowing users to access race weekend details easily. The app covers everything from runner tracking, live announcements, expo schedules, parking maps, a map of the CoStar Group Post Race Party on Brown’s Island, and more. RaceRecord’s custom app for the Allianz Richmond Marathon will be live closer to the event.  

Registration At A Glance

Record Number of Run Clubs and Groups Registered. Running together continues to trend upward; this year, over 600 teams are registered to run, 200 of these are designated run clubs from Richmond and beyond. This growth tracks with Richmond’s reputation as a hub for active living and one of the fittest cities in America.  

Charity Entries Are Available. While all distances are sold out, there is still time to register for the Capital One Richmond 8k as a charity entry. Charity entries benefit active living in the region through the Kids On the Move and Active Living Leadership ALL Stars programs. The waitlist is still open to registrants for all distances.  

With the new timing, record-breaking numbers, and energetic announcers, this event continues to grow and strengthen the race’s reputation as we set the stage for next year’s 50th running of the Richmond Marathon. 

For complete details about the Allianz Richmond Marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, Capital One Richmond 8k, and the Health & Fitness Expo, visit www.richmondmarathon.org.