Frequently Asked Questions

Charity Entries

Run, don’t walk! Sports Backers Youth Programs—the official charity of the Allianz Richmond Marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, and Richmond 8k—is offering a limited number of full marathon and half marathon charity entries. Fundraisers commit to raising $750 in support of Kids On The Move and Active Living Leadership ALL Stars and, in return, receive a complimentary entry into either the Allianz Richmond Marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, or Richmond 8k on November 14, 2026. Hurry, because this is first-come, first-serve! Learn more about becoming a fundraiser >

 

What are the age requirements for each race distance?

Participants must be at least 16 years old for the Full Marathon, 12 years old for the Half Marathon and 8 years old for the 8k.

 

Are there income-based rates?

Yes! At Sports Backers, our mission is to inspire people to live actively. Engaging underserved populations is one of our core values and one way we act on this value is by offering Income Based Rates for our events. These special rates are offered to those who qualify and would otherwise not be able to participate.

Those who qualify are eligible for a special registration rate for all Sports Backers events and training teams. The rate is event/training team specific. To learn more and apply please visit the Income Based Rate page.

Questions? Need more information, please email [email protected].

 

Can I get a refund if I can’t participate?

Entry fees are non-refundable, even in the case of a race postponement, format changes, cancellation and/or if you are unable to participate; race numbers and entries cannot be transferred to person. No exceptions. This means once we have received your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, and you may not give or sell your number or timing chip to anyone else. Anyone found participating with another person’s number will be disqualified and both people will be barred from future Sports Backers events, including the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and Allianz Richmond Marathon.

 

Can I defer my entry to next year?

You may defer your registration from the 2025 Allianz Richmond Marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon or Richmond 8k to the 2027 event. You may only defer to and from the same event: 2026 8k to 2027 8k, 2026 Half to 2027 Half or 2026 Full to 2027 Full. Deferred registrations may not be transferred to another person. Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances. The fee to defer a registration is $10 for the 8k and $25 for the half or full marathons through September 15 and then $20 for the 8k and $35 for the half or full marathons from Sept 1 – October 31. All deferrals must be done by October 31 and may be used only for the 2026 event. You may only defer an entry once (i.e., if you defer your 2026 entry to 2027, you will not be able to defer it again to 2028).

Please note: Training team registrations have different deferral rules and deadlines. Check each Training Team page for details.

TO BEGIN THE DEFERRAL PROCESS, CLICK HERE AND FOLLOW THE PROMPTS.

Still have questions? Please e-mail [email protected].

 

Can I switch race distances?

Yes, you may switch distances if the race distance you are switching to is not already sold old.

There will be no refunds and no transfer of entries from person-to-person. You may switch between the three events (8k, half, and full) for a $10 distance switch fee if going down in distance. If going up in distance, it’s $10 plus the difference in entry fee at the time of the switch. If you are already signed up for one race and want to switch to the other, you may do so online through November 11 or in person at the Race Expo, provided the race you are switching to has not reached its capacity. You will not receive a refund of any entry fees.

To transfer to a training team you will only pay the difference in entry fee at the time of the switch. Each training team has different transfer deadline, make sure to visit the specific training team page for more details.

PLEASE NOTE: If you deferred your race entry from 2025 to 2026 and would now like switch distances or to a training team, you must email [email protected] in order to process the switch.

1. SWITCHING TO A LOWER DISTANCE EVENT:
   • EXAMPLE: If you registered for the half marathon and now want to do the 8k, you would pay the $10 distance switch fee.
   • TO BEGIN THE SWITCHING PROCESS, CLICK HERE AND FOLLOW THE PROMPTS. Make sure to select “TRANSFER EVENT” to complete your distance switch.

2. SWITCHING TO A HIGHER DISTANCE EVENT:
   • EXAMPLE:  If you registered for the half marathon for $90 and would like to switch to the marathon in July when the marathon’s entry fee is $125, you will owe $45 ($35 difference in entry fee + $10 distance switch fee).
   • PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] FOR MORE DETAILS TO SWITCH TO A HIGHER DISTANCE EVENT.

3. SWITCHING TO A TRAINING TEAM:
   • EXAMPLE:  You are already registered for the half marathon for $90 and would like to switch to Half Marathon Training Team in June when the entry fee is $155, you will owe $65 (only the difference).
   • TO BEGIN THE SWITCHING PROCESS, CLICK HERE AND FOLLOW THE PROMPTS.

Still have questions? Please e-mail [email protected].

 

Can I switch from in-person to virtual?

Yes, you may switch between the in-person to the Virtual event of the same distance (ie. in-person marathon for virtual marathon) for no fee. To begin the switch process, click here and follow the prompts. If you have any issues transfer please email [email protected] with your shipping address (packet mailing is included with your virtual registration).

 

Can I switch from virtual to in-person?

Yes, you may switch between the virtual to the in-person event of the same distance (ie. virtual 8k for in-person 8k) by paying the difference in entry fee at the time of the switch. If you wish to transfer to the in-person event, please email [email protected], for more details.

 

Can I transfer my entry to another runner?

No. Bib transfers are not allowed. Anyone found participating with another person’s number will be disqualified and both people will be barred from future Sports Backers events, including the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and Allianz Richmond Marathon.

 

Can I register on race day?

Race Day Registration will be available only if the event is not sold out, from 6:00 to 7:20 a.m. on November 14 at the Hilton Richmond Downtown (enter on Broad Street near 5th Street). This option is exclusively for participants who have not yet registered for any of the races.

 

How do I check if I’m registered?

You can click HERE to see if you are registered.

 

What do I do if I never received a confirmation email?

Check your spam/junk folder first. If you still don’t see it, email us at [email protected].

When and where is packet pickup?

Packet pickup takes place at the Health & Fitness Expo on Thursday, November 12 from 3 – 7pm and Friday, November 13 from 11am – 8pm.

 

Can someone else pick up my packet?

Yes, you may pick up a race packet for another pre-registered runner, provided you have a copy of their registration QR code and/or photo ID.

 

What do I need to bring to the Health and Fitness Expo to pick up my packet?

Bring a copy of your registration QR code and/or photo ID. You can find your QR code in your confirmation email or in the email sent out during race week.

 

Is there a fee for parking at the Health & Fitness Expo?

No, parking is free.

 

Is there a shuttle service to the Health & Fitness Expo?

Yes, we offer a complimentary roundtrip bus service from the Omni Richmond Hotel to the Richmond Raceway for the Health & Fitness Expo. Shuttles will depart from the Omni roughly every 30 minutes during expo hours and the ride to the Richmond Raceway will take approximately 20 minutes. Shuttles will pick up and drop off from the Omni Richmond Hotel on Cary St outside of the atrium entrance to the hotel.

Shuttle Schedule
Thursday, November 12
Omni Richmond Hotel: 3-6pm; last shuttle will depart hotel at 6pm
Health & Fitness Expo: 3-7pm; last shuttle will depart expo at 7pm

Friday, November 13
Omni Richmond Hotel: 11am-7pm; last shuttle will depart hotel at 7pm
Health & Fitness Expo: 11am-8pm; last shuttle will depart expo at 8pm

Please Note: Three shuttles will run on a loop. One of the shuttles will be handicapped accessible. 

 

Are there vendors / merchandise at the Expo?

Yes! The Expo features official event merchandise plus local and national sponsors and vendors.

 

What if I cannot make the Health & Fitness Expo to pick-up my packet?

1. Pre-Purchased Packet Mailing before October 28
   We offer the option of paying to have your bib number and shirt mailed to you! The cost is $35 per person through September 15 and from September 16 – October 28, the fee is $45. If you are already registered and need to add packet mail please follow these steps.  No packet mailing will be offered after October 28.
2. Pre-Purchased Race Morning Packet Pick-up
   We offer the option to pay for a limited Race Day packet-pick-up for $45, which will include receiving your bib on race morning and your shirt once you have finished. You MUST purchase this in advance during registration. If you have already registered and want to add race day packet pick-up to your registration, please follow these steps. This option will close Friday, November 13^that 9pm. If you purchase this option, you will receive an email closer to race day with location and time details.

Where is the start line located for each race distance and what time does each race start?

1. Allianz Richmond Marathon – 7 am

• • Start located at Broad & 1^st Streets
  • Dropped Pin

2. CarMax Richmond Half Marathon – 7:15am

• • Start located at Broad & 7^th Streets
  • Dropped Pin

3. Richmond 8k – 7:30am

• • Start located at Broad & 8^th Streets
  • Dropped Pin

 

Are the start and finish lines in the same location?

No, the start area and finish line are approximately 7 blocks (.75 mile) from each other.

 

Is there shuttle service from hotels or parking areas to the start?

No, shuttles are not provided before the race. Most downtown hotels are within walking distance of the start and finish lines. However, a post-race shuttle runs from Brown’s Island (site of the CoStar Group Post Race Party) back to the start area for those who parked near the start.

 

What time should I arrive at the start line?

We recommend arriving at least 45–60 minutes before your race. If you are checking bag, you may want to allow closer to an hour prior to the start of your race.

 

Are there assigned start corrals or waves?

Yes. For both the Full Marathon and the 8k, we utilize start corrals, which are designated areas that group participants by predicted finish time so runners with similar paces begin together in a single mass start. Your corral assignment will be listed on your bib.

For the Half Marathon, we use wave starts, which release groups of runners every two minutes beginning at 7:15 a.m., with the final wave starting at 7:43 a.m. Like corrals, wave assignments are based on predicted finish times and will be noted on your bib.

 

Can I start with a friend who’s in a different corral or wave?

Yes, you may move back to a slower corral, but not forward to a faster one.

 

Where are restrooms located at the start?

Portable restrooms are available near each start line. For the Full Marathon, they are located along Broad Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets. For the Half Marathon and 8k, portable restrooms are located on 8th and 9th Streets just off Broad Street.

 

Is there bag check available?

Yes, bag check will be available near each start line beginning at 6:00 a.m. Be sure to use the bag check area associated with your race distance, which will be designated with Estes Freight Trucks and signage.

Full Marathon – 3^rd and Broad Street
Half Marathon & 8k – 9^th and Broad Street

You must use a clear bag, which will be provided at packet pick-up. You will utilize the “Bag Check” tear tag on your bib to attach it to your clear bag. Bags will be transported to the finish area so once you finish, you can pick up your bag in the parking lot of the American Civil War Museum, adjacent to Brown’s Island.

 

What is the course time limit?

The Full Marathon has a 7-hour course time limit, with the course closing at 2:00pm. the course closes at 2pm. Runners must maintain a pace of per mile and reach the following course cut-off locations on time:

Mile 7 – 9:05 a.m.
Mile 11 – 10:10 a.m.
Mile 16 – 11:30 p.m.
Mile 20 – 12:30 p.m.
Mile 23 – 1:20 p.m.

Because the Half Marathon and 8k use portions of the same course, both also close at 2:00 p.m. Half Marathon participants must Pope Avenue (approx. mile 7) by 10:15 a.m.

 

Where is the finish line located for each distance?

The finish line for each distance is located on 5^th Street north of Tredegar Street. The CoStar Group Post Race Party is located on Brown’s Island right along the James River.

 

How many hydration stations are on course, what is included and where are they located?

All of our Pinnacle Water Stops include both water and Nuun Endurance electrolyte drink, in addition to portable restrooms. The Full Marathon includes 16 hydration stations, which are located ever 2 miles until mile 20, then every mile thereafter. The Half Marathon includes 8 hydration stations, which are located at Miles 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9-12. The 8k includes 2 hydration stations, which are located Miles 2 and 4.

 

What other support is on the course?

In addition to hydrations stations the Full Marathon includes:

• GU energy gel stops (Vanilla Bean & Strawberry Banana flavors) located at Miles 14 and 21
• Noogs energy chews (Lemon Zinger and Wicked Apple flavors) located at Miles 14 and 21
• Junk Food stops (pretzels, gummy bears, Oreos and Coke) located at Miles 16 and 22
• Pickle Juice stop located at Mile 23

In addition to hydrations stations the Half Marathon includes:

• GU energy gel stops (Vanilla Bean & Strawberry Banana flavors) located at Mile 7
• Noogs energy chews (Lemon Zinger and Wicked Apple flavors) located at Mile 7
• Junk Food stops (pretzels, gummy bears, Oreos and Coke) located at Mile 9
• Pickle Juice stop located at Mile 10

 

Where is medical care located?

Medical care is available at multiple points on race day. First aid stations are located at the start area at Broad & 2nd Street and along Broad between 8th & 9th Streets. Medical support is also provided throughout the course. And finally there are two medical tents post-race, including one just beyond the finish line and one on Brown’s Island at the CoStar Group Post Race Party.

 

How will weather conditions be communicated during the race?

The Event Alert System (EAS) uses a color-coded flag system to quickly communicate weather conditions that may affect the race. The current EAS level will be displayed at the Health & Fitness Expo to indicate forecasted race conditions. On race day, the flag color will be visible in the start area and at each hydration station along the course to keep participants informed of any changes.

 

Richmond-Area Marathon Championship

The Allianz Richmond Marathon is awarding the top local finishers with cash prizes! Any current resident of the Richmond-Petersburg MSA is eligible to win prize money for being the first Richmond resident to cross the finish line at the Allianz Richmond Marathon. Prize money will be awarded to the top three males and females as follows:

Place Amount
1…………………………..$500
2…………………………..$300
3…………………………..$100

Please note: Plaques will be awarded to the top three local male and female finishers in the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon and Richmond 8k. Richmond-Area Marathon Championship prize money and plaques will be mailed after the event.

Requirements to be considered for free entry*

If you have run under the following times, you may be considered for a free entry. Complete the Elite Athlete Entry Request form to receive more information. Email [email protected] with any questions. There is a limited capacity of complimentary entries and applications will close at the end of the day, Sunday, October 4 or whenever we reach capacity; whichever comes first.

 

Event	Male	Female
Richmond 8k	< 0:24:30	< 0:27:30
CarMax Richmond Half Marathon	< 1:10:00	< 1:22:00
Allianz Richmond Marathon	< 2:25:00	< 2:50:00

*All times must have been run in the last 18 months
*Comparable times from other distances are considered