Each of these races highlights a different part of Virginia. They blend history, scenery, and strong community support, making it a place where runners can find races that feel distinct from one another.
Whether you want a course lined with national landmarks, a fast path along the ocean, or a straightforward point-to-point through an entire city, Virginia has plenty of choices.
Check out my Top 50 Best Marathons in the US, or choose another state:
Richmond Marathon
Richmond | Nov 15, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 490 feet (149m)
Participants: 5,029 Finishers (2024)
Price: $90-$165
The Richmond Marathon opens on Broad Street downtown, where the first miles move through the Fan District’s brick homes and tree-shaded blocks. Music and cheer squads pop up early here, giving the neighborhoods a block-party feel before the course bends past VCU’s campus. By mile 7, things quiet down as runners head onto Riverside Drive, trading city noise for a shaded stretch along the James River that often ends up being a favorite part of the race.
Crossing the Robert E. Lee Bridge around mile 16, the views open wide across the water. This is also where the hills show up – not steep, but just enough to keep you honest. On the other side, the course rolls back into city neighborhoods, each with its own flavor of support, from live bands to junk food tables to those famous pickle juice stops.
The finish is what sets Richmond apart. After winding back downtown, the last half-mile tilts downhill toward Brown’s Island, where the Canal Walk and riverfront create a lively finish zone. That downhill has become part of the race’s reputation, giving tired legs a surprising push to the line. In 2024, the atmosphere was bigger than ever, with a record-setting field of nearly 21,000 across all distances.
Marine Corps Marathon
Arlington | Oct 26, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 699 feet (213m)
Participants: 16,184 Finishers (2024)
Price: From $225
The Marine Corps Marathon starts near the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, moving into an early climb through Rosslyn before dropping onto a flat stretch along the Potomac. By mile four the course reaches Georgetown, with its busy streets and strong crowd support, then heads toward the National Mall.
The middle section covers many of Washington’s most recognized landmarks, including the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial. Around mile 20 runners reach the Blue Mile, lined with photographs of fallen service members and volunteers holding American flags. It is one of the most emotional points of the race.
Immediately after comes the Beat the Bridge cutoff at the 14th Street Bridge. Anyone who does not reach this point in time is diverted from the course, which makes it one of the most talked-about features of the event. The bridge itself can feel quiet, but soon after, Crystal City brings a loud and energetic atmosphere before the race turns back toward Arlington.
The closing miles circle past the Pentagon and finish on an uphill climb to the Marine Corps War Memorial. Marines line the course to hand out water, gels, and encouragement, and they are also the ones to present medals at the end. The finish has a strong ceremonial feel, adding weight to the effort it takes to reach the top.
Often called the People’s Marathon, it combines the challenge of a large city race with a strong sense of tradition.
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
Virginia Beach | Mar 22, 2026
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 270 feet (82m)
Participants: 1,951 Finishers (2025)
Price: $130
The Shamrock Marathon starts near 42nd Street and Atlantic Avenue, just steps from the ocean. The route heads north through lively neighborhoods before following Shore Drive past First Landing State Park. Runners then move through Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story, passing the Cape Henry Lighthouse and the site where Jamestown colonists first landed.
The middle section turns south, winding through resort streets, across Rudee Inlet, and past neighborhoods with strong local support. The course is almost entirely flat, with only a modest bridge crossing twice, which adds a touch of challenge without slowing the rhythm. Wind can sometimes make the oceanfront miles tougher, especially when it picks up along the coast.
The final stretch brings runners back north toward the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Passing the King Neptune statue and finishing beside the Atlantic creates a closing scene that feels both festive and iconic. Costumes, shamrock gear, and cheering crowds turn the last half mile into more of a celebration than a grind.
Support is steady throughout the course. Aid stations are frequent, volunteers keep the mood light, and music and entertainment pop up in different sections to keep the energy going. At the finish, the celebration continues on the sand with live music, beer, and plenty of post-race cheer.
Newport News One City Marathon
Newport News | Mar 1, 2026
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 363 feet (110m)
Participants: 475 Finishers (2025)
Price: From $95
The One City Marathon begins in Newport News Park, with the first miles moving through wooded roads before shifting onto Warwick Boulevard. From there, the course follows a straight north-to-south line through the city, making it a true point-to-point race.
By the halfway mark runners are passing through residential neighborhoods and crossing small waterways. Aid stations appear about every two miles with water, sports drink, and occasional gels, and portable restrooms are available at each stop. The flat profile helps explain why so many runners use this course to qualify for Boston.
Around mile 20 the race reaches more urban sections of the city. Energy gels are handed out here to help with the late miles, and small groups of spectators gather along the route. Cutoff checkpoints are in place through this section, with a seven-hour overall limit to keep the race moving.
The closing miles take runners into downtown Newport News. The finish line sits beside the shipyard where aircraft carriers are built, a landmark unique to this marathon. After crossing the line, runners head into the Yard District for the One City Celebration, with food, music, and a supportive community atmosphere.
Running Virginia’s Seasons
Virginia’s weather keeps runners guessing, and that makes marathon season interesting. Fall brings crisp mornings that are perfect for races like Richmond and Marine Corps. Winter can be unpredictable, with Shamrock often serving up a mix of chilly winds and clear skies along the oceanfront. Early spring, when the One City Marathon takes place, tends to be cool and steady, giving runners a good shot at fast times. The state’s variety means you can race in different conditions without leaving its borders.
Virginia’s Running Legacy
Marathoning in Virginia has always carried a sense of place. Courses run past battlefields, historic neighborhoods, and even lighthouses that mark the coast. The state has produced respected running clubs and long-standing traditions, like Marine Corps being called the People’s Marathon. Each event ties itself back to local identity, whether it’s Richmond’s citywide block party or One City’s downtown shipyard finish. Virginia marathons don’t just cover miles, they tell pieces of the state’s story.
Conclusion
Virginia’s marathons don’t all follow the same formula. Richmond mixes neighborhoods and river views before sending runners flying downhill into the finish. Marine Corps blends challenge with ceremony, bringing together Washington landmarks and a final climb to the War Memorial. Shamrock is flat and festive, with a boardwalk finish that feels more like a celebration than a grind. One City is streamlined and focused, taking runners the full length of Newport News on a course built for speed.
Taken together, these races show off the state’s variety and character. Virginia marathons offer history, scenery, and strong community roots, each in its own way.
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
