5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathons

  • 5k races
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    About 5k races

    A 5K is the shortest of the common running event distances, consisting of 3.1 miles (5 kilometers).  These events can either be competitive or social, depending on the particular event you are looking into running.  5Ks are the most popular of road running events because of their relatively short distance which allows not only the seasoned runners to run, but novice runners, joggers and newcomers as well.  5Ks are also something fun for families to do together.

    How did we choose the best 5K events in Virginia?

    We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered.  Other factors included how long the course has been around, the race swag and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.  There are currently 900 5K races in the state of Virginia.  Most of these 5K races are held in April, May, October and November with over 100 events in each month.

    How did we choose the best 5K races in Richmond?

    There are many 5K races in this capital city.  In 2016, Richmond was the 4th most populous city in Virginia, which makes it a great location for 5K races.  The Casa Superhero 5K Race, the Checkered Flag 5K and the Virginia War Memorial 5K Run to Remember are popular 5K races in Virginia.  The Casa Superhero 5K is a fun 3.1 mile race that encourages racers to dress up in superhero costumes.  The Checkered Flag 5K gives runners an opportunity to experience the Richmond International Raceway.

    What are the best 5K races in Williamsburg?

    Williamsburg is a small independent city in Virginia.  This independent city is home to Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary.  A few of the best 5K races in Williamsburg include Run the D.O.G. ST., the Sentara Colonial Half Marathon and 5K and the Turkey Trot 5K.  The Sentara Colonial Half Marathon and 5K features the Williamsburg Fife & Drum Company and brings runners onto the campus of the College of William & Mary.  The Turkey Trot 5K takes runners past many of the historic sites that give Colonial Williamsburg its charm.

    What are the best 5K races in Virginia Beach?

    Virginia Beach is a resort city located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.  This city is part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, which also includes the city of Norfolk.  A popular 5K event in Virginia Beach is the Rock N' Roll 5K.  The We Promise Norfolk Harbor 5K is another 5K race, located in Norfolk, that gives runners an opportunity to enjoy a coastal city in Virginia.

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  • 10k races
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    About 10k races

    A 10K is one of the most common running event distances, consisting of 6.2 (10 kilometers).  These events can either be competitive or more for fun, depending on the particular one you are looking into.  They are twice the distance of the 5K and still relatively short in distance.  Less runners tend to participate than the 5K, but these events still get a lot of not only seasoned runners, but novice runners and joggers in attendance.

    How did we choose the best 10K events in Virginia?

    We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered.  Other factors included how long the course has been around, the race swag and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.  According to Running in the USA, there are 165 10K races in Virginia with most of these 6.2-mile races being held in April, May and October.

    What are the best 10K races in Richmond?

    The James River Scramble 10K and the Terrain Richmond Race are popular 10K races in Virginia's capital city.  The James River Scramble 10K is a trail run and the Terrain Richmond Race is an obstacle run.

    What are the best 10K races in Arlington?

    Arlington, Virginia is located directly across from Washington, D.C., along the south bank of the Potomac River.  One of the most popular 10K races in Arlington is the MCM10K, which is part of the historical Marine Corps Marathon Weekend.  Operation Turbo 10K is another popular 10K race in Arlington.

    What are the best 10K races in Virginia Beach?

    This coastal city is home to the Anthem Wicked 10K, Into the Woods Summer Trail Series, and the Terrain Virginia Beach Race.  Each of these races offers runners a different experience.  The Anthem Wicked 10K is a road course while Into the Woods Summer Trail Series is a trail run.  The Terrain Virginia Beach Race features obstacles throughout the 6.2-mile course.

    Also, don't forget to check out Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K which was nominated by Runner’s World and USA Today as one of the best races in the country.

     

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  • Half marathons
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    About Half marathons

    A Half Marathon event consists of running 13 miles (21 kilometers) and as the label suggests, is half of a standard Marathon of 26 miles.  The popularity, participants of the half marathon distance, and its events have significantly grown since the early 2000's and they continue to do so, with massive events popping up all over the states.  The growth rate of participants for the half marathon distance is currently higher than that of the full.  According to Running In the USA, there are 78 half marathons in the state of Virginia.  Most of these half marathons take place in April, September and October.

    What are the best half marathon races in Roanoke?

    Roanoke is the largest city in Southwest Virginia.  The Roanoke River bisects this municipality.  The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon, Race 13.1, and the Star City Half Marathon are a few of the best half marathon races in Roanoke, Virginia.  The Race 13.1 and Star City Half Marathon give runners an opportunity to enjoy the sites of Downtown Roanoke and run along the Roanoke River.

    What are the best half marathon races in Fredericksburg?

    Fredericksburg, Virginia is located between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia and is part of the Northern Virginia region.  The Fredericksburg Half-Marathon, Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon and the VA Runner Blue & Gray Half Marathon are the best half marathon races in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  All three of these 13.1-mile courses give runners an opportunity to run along the Rappahannock River and enjoy the sites of Historic Downtown Fredericksburg.  Runners who complete the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon and the VA Blue & Gray Half Marathon will complete the FXBG 26.2 Challenge, potentially earning additional awards contingent upon race finish times.

    What are the best half marathon races in Virginia Beach?

    The Rock N' Roll Half Marathon and the Shamrock Half Marathon are two very popular half marathon races in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  In fact, both half marathon races are so popular that they are limited to 10,000 runners.  Both races offer opportunities for runners to complete additional races for bonus Finisher's Medals.

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  • Marathons
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    About Marathons

    Marathon events consist of 26 miles (42 kilometers) and the courses are typically laid out through roads. Starting in the Olympics in the early 1900's, marathons have quickly picked up in popularity and in 2017 there are currently more than 800 events being held in North America, and that number is consistently growing.  Over 90% of these marathons are being held in the United States, with 7%  being held in Canada.  About 72% of these marathons are certified, which means they are Boston Marathon Qualifiers.  September and October are the most popular months for marathon events, with over 100 in each month.

    How did we choose the best Marathon events in Virginia?

    We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered.  Other factors include how long the event has been around, the runner perks and Finisher's Medals, what runners thought of the event and how scenic the 26.2-mile course is.  Seven of the 17 marathons are USATF certified.

    What are the best marathons in Roanoke?

    The Foot Levelers Blue Bridge Marathon and the Conquer the Cove Marathon are two of the best marathon races in Roanoke, Virginia.

    What are the best marathons in Arlington?

    Arlington is home to two unique marathon events, the indoor marathon.  These indoor marathons include the Grant-Pierce Indoor Marathon and the Hawk Indoor Marathon.  The Marine Corps Marathon is another popular marathon event in Arlington, Virginia.

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