When people think about Virginia, the first thing that comes to mind is its beautiful nature and history of home-born American presidents. But Virginia is also a great state for runners of all levels, with many different races to choose from.
Let’s talk about the most interesting events.
Thematic Races
1. Run Richmond 16.19
This run takes place on September 17th in Richmond, VA. Every year, this vibrant sporting event gathers 5,000 – 10,000 participants. There are many reasons for it, but the main one is that the race celebrates the achievements of the African American community over the past 400 years.
The symbolic 16.19M, 16.19K, and 6.19M honor the sacrifices and achievements that African people have made to the American nation. The event also celebrates Unity in Diversity. Here you can touch & feel Black History – up close and personal. The Djimon Hounsou Foundation organizes the race.
The price is $110/$95/$50, depending on the course, plus a registration commission.
2. 9/11 Heroes Run
9/11 Heroes Run/Walk/Ruck is held in Virginia Beach every September. The purpose of the race is to connect and activate communities to honor victims of the events of September 11, 2001, and the wars after them. Including veterans, active military personnel, first responders, and families of the victims.
Here, it’s about more than physical fitness. It’s about connecting and commemorating. Organizers invite runners, walkers, volunteers, friends, and families to run or walk 5k or 1 mile.
This sporting event was founded in 2007 by the family of deceased 1st Lt. Travis Manion as a mass run in his hometown of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with 300 runners. Now, the 9/11 Heroes Run is held all around the USA. Every year lots of people participate in it.
The cost of participation is $36. All the proceeds benefit the Travis Manion Foundation, which supports the nation’s veterans and families of fallen heroes.
3. Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
This is a fantastic event for those who not only like running but appreciate having a good time. If that sounds like you, you will enjoy running at Yuengling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach.
It is a legendary race timed for St. Paddy’s Day. There will be beer, costumes, music, and so much more! The party continues after the race, where you can try Yuengling Beer, eat Murphy’s Irish Stew, and dance to Live Music.
Choose between a marathon, half-marathon, 8 miles, or other challenges. The course is flat, fast, and scenic, and the finish line overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
The price of participation is from $20 to $110, depending on the distance you choose.
Come and participate in a powerful race with a lot of fun!
4. Wicked 10K and Monster Mile
Do you like costume runs? Do you like Halloween? What about running along the ocean?
If yes, we have something exciting for you — one of the coolest races in Virginia Beach.
The name of the race speaks for itself — Wicked 10K and Monster Mile — the perfect way to spend the pre-Halloween weekend. The run is held in Virginia Beach and is one of America’s most thematic Halloween sports events.
Trick or treats? What about running and fun? Here you will not only run (1 mile, 5k, 10k, and challenges) but also celebrate All Saints’ Eve and have a lot of fun.
You pay from $30 to $60, depending on the run.
Come the day before and take part in other challenges – you can find all information here.
5. Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler
This is another themed race in Virginia Beach, VA. It is an evening run on a fast, flat course through the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Run the 5k and enjoy the holiday spirit for $55. Just imagine holiday lights, bright costumes, a great mood, and many runners. And don’t forget about the Rockin’ Post-Race Celebration after the finish!
5K Races in VA
6. Deep Run Parkrun
Another Richmond run takes place every Saturday at Deep Run Park. Participation is free, but you must register and show up with your barcode. Otherwise, you will not be permitted to race.
Such park runs are a great way to spend Saturday morning in the company of like-minded people. And, if you have any questions for the organizers and regular runners, come to Dunkin Donuts, 10390 Ridgefield Parkway, every Saturday after the race.
This is a great opportunity to test your skills if you are a newbie and an excellent way for professional runners to keep in shape.
7. Big Blue 5K
The event takes place in August in Norfolk, VA. You will run from the Old Dominion University campus to the 50-yard line on Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
The runners have a choice of two courses: 1 mile and 5k. The price for participation is $25 and $50.
Of course, there will be a big party after the finish, where runners can communicate, make new friends, and have a great time. Don’t miss one of the best local VA races!
8. Roosevelt Island DC Parkrun
If you are looking for local races in Fairfax, VA, we recommend the Roosevelt Island DC Parkrun in Arlington. This 5k run takes place every Saturday on Roosevelt Island, George Washington Memorial Parkway.
You don’t have to pay for participation but do have to pass registration. Also, as in the previous park run, don’t forget your barcode.
If you have more questions or want to meet the event organizers, enjoy post-park run coffee at the Rosslyn neighborhood near the Rosslyn Metro Station.
10K in Virginia
9. Heart of Ghent 10K
Norfolk is a very run-oriented city. If you live there, pay attention to the Heart of Ghent, where you can run a Virginia 10k.
The Heart of Ghent is a 10k run past monuments and scenic streets held annually in September. This part of the town is perfect for massive events for families, friends, and active people. And after the finish, you can drink a mug of a local beer, try good food, and listen to the Milk Crate Mafia concert.
The price for participation is $45.
It’s a great way to spend a fall Saturday. What do you think about it?
Races for Teams
10. Ragnar Trail Richmond
Time to talk about team races. If you like them, consider Ragnar Trail, held in Richmond on the last weekend of April. Ragnar Trail Richmond is a wild and fun night trail run in Pocahontas State Park near Richmond, VA.
What will you see there? You will have to gather a team of 8 members, which will go through the river and forest to set a camp in a Ragnar village and prepare to tackle a relay-style series of three untouched routes.
The run doesn’t stop at nightfall – runners keep going under the beautiful night sky. We can talk a lot about this event, but it is better to come and see it all with your own eyes.
The price varies from $1360/$840/$520, depending on the type of team: standard, ultra, or a high school.
Ragnar Trail Richmond is like a summer camp for adults – fresh air, sports activities, living in a tent, and a lot of fun.
Sounds good? Then don’t waste time; gather your team and register!
Half Marathons in Virginia
11. Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon and 5K
Runner’s World highly recommends the Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon. Wanna know why? Then it’s time to participate in it. Come to Hampton, VA, on the first weekend of October and enjoy a great sports weekend with good emotions.
Choose between the Half Marathon ($100) and 5k ($45), and run a flat and comfortable course. Dance at the concert of rock stars, drink cold local beer, and eat tasty pizza after the run.
Take your family and friends with you and spend a roof-raising holiday together!
12. Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon
If you are in Norfolk and want to participate in something more serious than a 5k, pay attention to this sports event. The Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon is usually held on a November weekend. Here you can run a half marathon or 10k, and if your physical fitness is not ready for such challenging distances, take part in a 5k run.
You will enjoy the scenic historical region, art community, and the Old Dominion University campus running this fast and flat course. The price for running in the Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend is $45/$55/$100, depending on the run you choose.
Don’t forget about Norfolk’s iconic mermaids – they will be waiting for you along the course!
November is a more exciting month with such interesting events!
13. Fall Classic Half Marathon & 10K
Are you looking for a Virginia half marathon in Autumn? Pay attention to the Fall Classic Half Marathon & 10K held annually in Charlottesville in October.
The course is hilly, with about 5 flat miles along the Rivanna river. While running, you can observe Charlottesville’s historic neighborhoods and the scenic paths along the Rivanna river.
The price for running the 10k is $55, and the half-marathon is $95.
So, if you want a good run through nature in the fall, pass the registration and wait for autumn with high expectations.
Marathons in Virginia
14. Richmond Marathon
This famous Richmond running race takes place annually in November and is one of the most attended half marathons in VA. This event is perfect for first-timers and professional runners because it is USA Track & Field sanctioned and certified and is a top Boston Qualifier.
The course is very scenic as you observe historic architecture and beautiful neighborhoods. You can choose between running a marathon, half-marathon, and 7k run.
The price is $40/$100/$110, depending on the course you set for yourself.
15. One City Marathon
We will finish our list of top races in Virginia with the One City Marathon, held in Newport News on the first weekend of March.
This Boston Qualifier running event attracts many runners from different cities.
Besides the marathon, you can run a half-marathon, 5k, and one mile. The price is from $15 to $90, depending on the type of run.
On Sunday, every runner can participate in the One City Celebration with awards, food, music, and other activities.
Wrap Up
To sum it up, the Virginia running calendar is full of running events. Whether you are just starting your running experience or are a skilled runner, you will find a race that will suit you.
So, check out our rankings, choose your favorite, and pass registration!
