Charlottesville Marathon Reviews

  Poorly organized

By NG about 2024

Review

I have the same opinion with others, but this is poorly organized. The distance is not correctly measured, and the route is complex but pooly signed. The half marathon distance in this race in 2022 was nearly 13.5 miles. It is unclear if we run on the right or left on a narrow trail, so we will need to find a path to avoid runners running in the opposite direction! Route signes are on the road only, so we could also take a wrong route.

Race Tips

Competitive runners should not run in the race. In addition to the chance of taking a wrong route, there are lots of hills and steep turns.

  Not my favorite

By JB about 2018

Review

I was looking for a smaller race. Although this race was small, it was poorly organized and executed. The expo was outside in the rain and wind. The course marshals were not alert ( sleeping, kissing, etc.) The course was crazy- very hilly and then a hill at the end (after mile 25.) I heard from another runner it was measured wrong ( 26.6 miles)!

Race Tips

Do tons of hill training. Don't expect to use a porta-potty. There were not enough, and spectators were in line in front of marathoners. Bring warm clothes and your own food.

or just do Philadelphia instead

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Charlottesville is a beautiful city with lots of running stores, paths, etc. Charlottesville 10 miler is an awesome race which is why I thought this would be better. Easy to get a hotel and get to start. Start and finish at same location with available parking. Some of the course includes trail running.

  All Time least favorite

By RB about 2017

Review

I am usually slow to criticize but...Pre race packet pick up was just pathetic. Parking was nearly impossible just to get there, general atmosphere of people was "what are you even doing here". Beautiful start, beautiful rolling course.

Race Tips

Bring your own TP if you are not staying at a hotel w/in walking distance of start.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Lots of places to stay, closer to start would be best. Good luck on parking.

  

By Adam Devine about 2017

Review

I ran this race on a whim, signing up the day before with my wife while on the train down to Charlottesville for a wedding. She signed up for the half marathon. I was in the middle of training for an ultra, and I was planning on doing a 22 mile tun that day anyway, so I decided to give it a go.

Pros: The course is beautiful! I used to live in Cville and the course winds through some of the prettier parts. There was plenty of water, gatordade, and gels on the course. As someone who is used to New York Road Runners events the pre and post-race festivals were small, but relatively well run affairs with very friendly staff. The course was well marked, and the portable toilets were clean.

Cons: Not enough Port-A-Potties! At the start there was a HUGE line for the one set of bathrooms. The course is wicked hilly, and seems to be a little sadistic in the fact that they put a huge incline right at the end. There were a couple of points on the course where drivers annoyingly honked at runners because roads were not fully shut down.

Overall: A great small town marathon. The only major hiccup was the line to poop pre-race. I missed the start by 4 minutes because I was waiting to use the loo.

Race Tips

Pace yourself extra conservatively. The really hilly bits are near the end, and toward the warmer part of the day, so it is tough.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Arrive to the festival early, drop your bag early, and poop early. Just stay at the OMNI downtown if you can get a room. It's a nice hotel and super close to the race start. Grab some bagels at Bodos while you're in town.

  

By Nate about 2013

Review

The course is very scenic and the town has a great atmosphere. The race, unfortunately, is very poorly organized -- in 2013 the mile markers did not seem to be accurate (some with GPS watches indicated that mile marker 2 was actually closer to 2.5, for example), and the course lacked clocks reflecting time elapsed since the start. I've tried this race twice but won't be back, since it seems its organization hasn't improved.