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The long downhill finish has been a highlight of the Richmond Marathon for years. Well, that finish is now changing, but the experience isn’t likely to.
At a press conference earlier today, the Sports Backers announced changes to the 34-year-old event, including a re-route of the finishing stretch: “The 26.2-mile course…has a new riverfront finish line at the intersection of 5th Street and Tredegar Street. The course now turns right onto 5thStreet from Cary Street, still culminating with a participant-pleasing downhill finish. Brown’s Island will be the new site of the Post-Race Festival, which was previously located at the James Center.”
“By moving the finish line to the Brown’s Island, we’re able to draw more attention to one of Richmond’s most beautiful and unique features, the James River,” said Jon Lugbill, executive director of the Sports Backers. “Brown’s Island also allows us to expand the size and scope of our Post Race Festival as we continue to enhance the features that help make us ‘America’s Friendliest Marathon.’”
In addition to the new finish line, the race will also have a new title sponsor. The former SunTrust Richmond Marathon will become the Anthem Richmond Marathon. The Sports Backers also announced a new charity partner for the race: Kids Run RVA. All funds donated to Kids Run RVA will help the organization’s efforts to expand youth running in Richmond. Many of these efforts will be collaborative programs and events in schools encouraging children to be physically active.
Registration for the Anthem Richmond Marathon, half marathon, and 8k are currently open. The Sports Backers are offering a special $75 marathon entry fee and a $65 half marathon entry fee through March 31. Prices for both races will increase April 1. More information and online registration can be found at www.richmondmarathon.org.
