The VCU Richmond Marathon earns it's title as Bibrave 100's Friendliest Marathon. This race is well management and very well-supported. You will have spectators everywhere cheering you on, most of them even taking the time to read your bib so that they can cheer you on by name. The race has several "Party Zones", where the energy level is through the roof. From the blasting music, to the spectators lined up handing out hi-fives, it really gives a runner an extra boost in the latter miles of the marathon. I won't deceive you, there are some challenging hills and 2 bridges you have to run across that seem never-ending but nothing you can't handle. I ran myself to a 16 minute marathon PR. When you cross the finish, not only do you get a medal but you also get a blanket and a finisher's hat.

Great race experience. My 3rd year running it, and I'll keep coming back. Smaller race but very well managed. Parking was off-site but the shuttles were running about every 10 minutes so you didn't have trouble getting to starting line on time. I got on the bus at 630 and race started at 7. I still had time to make a bathroom stop before lining up. The start of race takes you up and over the bridge that takes you to the beach and gives you an amazing view of the sunrise. Aid stations were set up about every 2-3 miles. Elevation is very manageable, with the exception of the bridge. The bling is amazing every year, huge and 3D. After-party food includes BBQ, pizza, snow balls and beer.

Absolutely great race! I had heard about the Cherry Blossom for years but it always seemed to fall on a day that I already had a race. Very well managed race and the Cherry blossoms were beautiful throughout the course. Definitely a bucket list race that you must do at least once. Minor elevation so you have a great chance of a fast time. Water stations were about every 2.5 miles, with beautiful views of all Washington has to offer. I'd definitely do it again. One thing I learned was besides 3 people, everyone else involved in the race are volunteers

For the 3rd year in a row, I participated in the Double Down Challenge. The challenge is you have to run and complete the 4 mile race before the 10 mile race start line closes, then you run the 10 miler. It rained all morning and then stopped during the 4 miler, which caused the humidity to skyrocket. You can't blame the race for the weather, it's how it manages it. There were plenty of water stops to help keep everyone hydrated. The race takes you through campus of UNC-CH (my Alma mater), and it's beautiful (despite the hills). Beautiful course and plenty of spectators out supporting the runners