Marathon #34: Richmond, Virginia

I just completed my 34th marathon, the 2024 Allianz Richmond Marathon, self-described as The World's Friendliest Marathon, and I can't say I saw any evidence on the contrary!

This race was a smaller marathon I wanted to run just so I could see the city, and cross off another state on my journey to running in all 50. I had originally planned for it to be my main Fall race, but I got into the 2024 NYC Marathon after thinking I wouldn't, only 13 days prior to this race, so I was not able to push myself for a stellar finish time. As a result, I finished with an official 3:15:33 overall time, which is still in the top 10% of marathoners, but slower than normal for me.

This race was really flat, with only about 600 feet of elevation gain over the entire course. The weather was really nice at about 47℉, but the humidity was a pretty high 86%.

For the third time this year, I started off strong for the first half, but then had a hard time keeping pace in the second half. I was seeing dreaded positive splits, but I was able to keep my average at 7:17/mi in total.

• C Goal: Finish
• B Goal: sub 3:15:00
• A Goal: sub 3:10:00
• Stretch Goal: sub 3:05:00

The claims of being the friendliest marathon were not unfounded. The volunteers were amazing, the course was well marked, and the spectators were great. I was able to get a lot of high-fives from kids along the course, and the cheering sections, though sparse, were loud and supportive. The course was really pretty, with a lot of tree-lined streets, and a few crosses over the James River.

After the race, I met up with my friend Chine to eat a celebratory lunch at a nearby Korean restaurant, get a tattoo, and hang out for a bit playing chess at a local board game cafe. A perfect way to wrap up a race day, and it was great to catch up with her.

Next up is marathon number #35 in January, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana!