The popularity of the Monument Avenue 10K was probably all the evidence we needed, but now there’s more to show what a huge — and growing — region of runners Central Virginia is.

Credit: adamotstot.com

The Sports Backers announced yesterday that the Anthem Richmond Marathon and American Family Fitness Half Marathon have both set new entry records, shattering last year’s numbers with more than five weeks to go until race day on November 15th.

As of the end of the day Monday, October 6th, the marathon had 6,179 registered participants, surpassing the 2013 record of 6,103. The half marathon had 9,266 entries, ahead of last year’s final record tally of 9,118.

When you add in the HCA Virginia 8k, more than 17,800 runners and walkers are currently registered to participate on November 15th.

Combined event entries are on track to easily surpass last year’s record of 19,629 by race day. With 9,266 runners and walkers already registered, the American Family Fitness Half Marathon is on pace to reach its 10,000-person limit well before race day. As soon as this happens, registration will close and no additional entries will be accepted.

Year       Marathon     Half Marathon 
2014         6,179*               9,266*
2013         6,103                 9,118
2012         6,003                8,215
2011          4,922                7,493
2010         4,952                6,605
2009         5,188                5,572
2008         4,316                4,619

*as of Monday, October 6th