Virginia is home to eight U.S. presidents and has been nick-named “Mother of Presidents.” In 2007, Virginia marked its 400th anniversary of the establishment of the Jamestown Colony. Come enjoy the colonial history and sites of Virginia while running in one of its top half marathons.
Shamrock Half Marathon – Virginia Beach
This is a huge event that turns out over 30,000 runners every year around Saint Patrick’s Day. The half marathon portion of the event limits its participants to 10,000. Race organizers have teamed up with LIVESTRONG and have managed to raise over $400,000 for cancer research over the last four years. Learn more about how you can participate here.
The Course
According to the course website, “The Anthem Shamrock Half Marathon is a fast, flat loop course starting at the Cavalier on 42nd street and ending on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at 31st Street.” With only 51 feet of elevation gain, you’ll have a great opportunity to set a PR. There are seven water stops stocked with Gatorade and water throughout the course. A Gu stop is also placed at mile 5.5 if you need a little extra energy.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“A lot of fun and the way the course was laid out was excellent. The weather didn’t want to cooperate too much but we don’t have control over that. Highly suggest anyone just starting the 13.1 bracket run this one. A generally flat course with a great view and great community and crowd support, the whole way. Will be making this an annual thing.” – Michael L., Yelp.com
“If I could give this race more than an A++, I would. Flat course, really loud and awesome spectators, amazing race swag, and phenomenal after-party. J & A races will absolutely be part of our future racing schedule. This race was organized from the minute we registered- we had no major issues like we usually do with races of this size. Overall, great race- can’t wait for next year!” – Sarah, sparklyrunner.com
Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon – Fredericksburg
According to the race website, “The MCM is one of the largest marathons in the US and the world and stands as the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, earning its nickname, ‘The People’s Marathon.'” On this course, you’ll have the opportunity to pass multiple significant landmarks and survey several colonial sites. It is one of the United States’ most popular races and has been run by Vice Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, and even Oprah. Learn more about their cause and get registered here.
The Course
This race takes place on paved surfaces and is primarily a loop with a short out and back stint. For the most part, this course is pretty tame, seeing a moderate elevation gain of 433 feet. However, the over half of that gain happens on Hospital Hill between miles 10 and 12. Water stations stocked with Gatorade are somewhat sparse with only 6 spaced throughout the 13.1 miles.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“The Marine Corps Historic Half is one of the best organized and moving races I’ve run. From packet pickup to the start line to volunteers on the route, everything went off without a hitch and was super well thought out. The pickup was lightning fast even the day before at the expo. The corrals at the start weren’t super well organized or assigned based on time, but you were directed to positions based on estimates of pace. This meant some, but not a tremendous amount of runners in the wrong pace area causing congestion. The support along the entire route was tremendous, closer to the huge crowds at the NYC marathon than other smaller town halfs I’ve run. The support from the Marines is also amazing, and the pictures of fallen soldiers about halfway through and tons of volunteers with flags was very moving. Hospital hill at mile 10 is a killer, but the support around it is so good you can find a way to push through it. The route is nice and scenic through the historic downtown of Fredericksburg, residential areas, and along the scenic river for a bit. Starting and ending in a strip mall parking lot may sound bad, but it actually made arrival and departure very easy. Fredericksburg is also great for finding good food and drink around before and after the race.” -Tyler L., Yelp.com
“Great race for a first timer – I was out here after three years off of my knee this past May. Good points are that there are plenty of Marines to give you motivation, water points every 2.1 miles, and generally a smooth easy course.The only bad point? Hospital hill is a b****. But once you get past it, you’re golden…”– Jake K. – Yelp.com
Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon – Virginia Beach
The Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon is one of Virginia’s most popular races. Not only will you catch some awesome beach spectacles as you run, but you’ll also pass local bands playing along the way. As a participant, you’ll be awarded one of the races “beachin’ medals” along with a swag bag. Get registered here.
The Course
This is a point to point race that takes place on paved surfaces. Although this race has relatively little elevation gain, there are a lot of rolling hills throughout the course. Water stations are placed about every 1.5 miles which will be necessary since the weather can get pretty hot.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“Overall, Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach was a very positive race experience. Some of the positives of the race included there were plenty of water stations (about every 1-1.5 miles). Although I was wearing my hydration belt I didn’t finish all of the water in those bottles. Volunteers were holding hoses at water stations to help cool us off which helped in combating the heat and humidity. There were wet sponges on the course, and wet (and very cold) towels at the finish. I heard earlier corrals also got orange slices early on in the race, which I never saw, but would have passed on them anyway since I’m not a fan of oranges. There were more than enough volunteers at the start, finish, and along the course. The crowd support was incredible, especially during the last couple of miles of the race. People were holding their own hoses to help cool runners down, as well as handing out food, beer, and leis”– Dancingtorunning.com
“Whis is a fun race and weekend! They have concerts all weekend…the year I ran it I got to see INXS (with the newer lead singer from their reality TV show) perform on the beach. There were other bands as well I can’t recall who they all were. But it makes for a fun weekend for both participants and anyone who travels with you. The course is nice and flat and bands play along it while you run as well.” – Camilla W., Yelp.com
Petersburg Half Marathon
The Petersburg Half Marathon is a pretty new event. After only 2 years, it has become a very popular half marathon. Petersburg is rife with Civil War history. You even run past battle reenactments as you work your way through the course. Race organizers partner with the Massey Cancer Center to help raise money to further cancer research. Get registered for the race here.
The Course
This is a great course that has a moderate elevation gain of 389 feet. The most significant hill is found at mile 2.5 and climbs about 115 feet in about a mile. Water stops are plentiful and some food stations are available as well. Some racers complained that booths ran out of energy gels pretty early on, so bring your own if you plan on needing any. The finish line includes some post race food such as pizza, donuts, and bananas. This is a great race for both the first time racer and the experienced veteran.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“I thought the race was very well done for being only year 2. Course was nice and support from Fort Lee and local PD were excellent, especially given the number of intersections and road closures needed. Several reenactments throughout the course (I counted at least 3). Plenty of water and gatorade on course, and free food and beer afterwards. My only suggestion would be better signage at the start/finish for bathrooms, food, etc. (Maybe I missed signs. Big, obvious ones are good for us dazed runners!) Also, it would be helpful to include road closures on the map of parking. Finally, I was a bit confused by the course – it looks like there were some last minute changes made, and perhaps the mileage signs weren’t adjusted? The changes were for the better, definitely, but I wish we’d gotten to run at Battersea. I was looking forward to that. Overall, very well done. Thanks for a great race!” – Allison, Facebook.com
“This was my third half marathon. My overall experience from registration to finish has been positive. Early packet pick up at Lucky Foot was quick and efficient. I had a few issues finding parking race day however made it to the start in plenty of time. The course and experience was unique with the reenactments. The battlefield section was really beautiful and challenging. My main reason for a four star rating is water stops 6-10 were out of water by the time I came through. I packed my own energy gels but never saw any provided at any of the stops. The police did a great job keeping the course clear. The finisher medal is impressive to say the least. Minor tweaks for a 5 star rating. Would certainly run this one again next year.”- Sarah, Facebook.com