Organizers anticipate a repeat sell-out
RICHMOND, VA – Last year, the Allianz Richmond Marathon had a record-breaking year, with 21,309 runners participating across all three race distances. The full marathon reached its 6,200-participant capacity, while the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon sold out with 10,000 registrants. This year, registration numbers are already outpacing 2024, and with an important price increase set for July 1, organizers are anticipating a second consecutive sell-out.
“We’re incredibly excited about these early registration numbers,” said Meghan Keogh, Race Director for the Allianz Richmond Marathon. “We knew coming off such a strong year in 2024 that momentum would carry over, but the continued enthusiasm throughout Richmond and beyond has been amazing. We’re looking forward to welcoming another sell-out crowd and showing why we’re known as ‘America’s Friendliest Marathon.’”
Another reason for the anticipated continued growth of this year’s Allianz Richmond Marathon is the recent support from the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Through its Marketing Leverage Program, Destination Marketing Organization initiative, and VA250 Tourism Marketing Grant, Sports Backers secured funding to significantly expand the event’s promotional efforts. This strategic investment is designed to elevate the marathon’s visibility across new markets, attract out-of-state participants, and showcase Richmond as a premier running destination. By aligning with statewide tourism initiatives and a commitment to match the grant funding, the Richmond Marathon is positioned not only to sell out once again but to contribute meaningfully to the region’s economy and reputation as a hub for major sporting events.
These grant programs are designed to pair state funds with local tourism marketing campaigns to increase visitation and traveler spending through 2026. Local partners will commit more than $2.74 million to match the grant funding, generating more than $4.76 million in new marketing and event production focused on increasing overnight visitation across all nine GO Virginia regions. The tourism marketing will ultimately benefit 1,130 small businesses and nonprofits statewide.
“Tourism is a unifying force that strengthens communities, fuels small businesses, and supports jobs across the Commonwealth,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “These grant programs empower our local partners to share the stories, experiences, and destinations that make Virginia such a special place to visit. We are proud to support this important work and to extend the impact of the Virginia is for Lovers brand through these collaborative efforts.”
The Allianz Richmond Marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, and VCU Health Richmond 8k have a price hike on July 1. For more information and to register visit www.richmondmarathon.com.
About Sports Backers
With a key message of Let’s Go, RVA, the mission of Sports Backers is to inspire people to live actively. A nonprofit organization, Sports Backers is dedicated to producing nationally recognized quality sporting events and programs that motivate residents and visitors alike to be more active, supporting youth running and fitness programs, and advocating for safe and connected networks of bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Learn more at sportsbackers.org