Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon welcomes wear blue: run to remember, Lindsey Hein, Another Mother, and more!

October 8, 2024

Live podcasts, shakeout runs, and more proceed the race on Nov. 16 and on course activation offers new experiences

RICHMOND, VA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon is set to celebrate its 47th year on November 16, 2024. Known as “America’s Friendliest Marathon,” this event has become a beloved tradition not only for the thousands of runners who have spent months preparing, but also for the entire Richmond community. To build on the excitement of race weekend, race organizers have planned a series of special activities and programming designed to elevate the race weekend experience.

In addition to the classic marathon distance, the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon race weekend offers the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon and VCU Health Richmond 8k, catering to runners of all levels and abilities. With over 20,000 participants expected to take part across the three races, the event promises an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

“As Richmond continues to grow as a premier running destination, we’re excited to showcase the vibrant running culture of our city,” said Megan Schultz, Event Director for the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon. “This year, we’re highlighting both local running groups and inspiring athletes from around the country who are traveling to the River City to chase their personal goals. These events will ensure participants and spectators alike enjoy an unforgettable marathon weekend.”

Here are the exciting panels and activities scheduled for the days leading up to the big race:

Lindsey Hein of I’ll Have Another hosting live podcast, serving as start and finish line announcer
Lindsey Hein is a well-known podcaster, running coach, and speaker, who has been featured in Women’s Running and Runner’s World. Having completed 17 marathons and a half Ironman, Lindsey brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the running community. Her podcast, I’ll Have Another, features laid-back conversations with everyone from Olympians to everyday runners. Lindsey will be leading an inspiring panel at the Health & Fitness Expo called What Running Did For Me, featuring notable Richmond runners Kleigh Koupal (Effect Run Club), Josh Leidy (804 Run Club), Anthony Clary (We Off The Couch), and Sue Henneberry (Sportable athlete). Nearly 15% of our participants are listed as being on a team/club for the event, which not only lines up with the national surge of running clubs but also makes the podcast especially timely. Last year, Lindsey made history as the first female announcer for the Richmond Marathon, and we are thrilled to welcome her back to our start and finish line hype team!

CarMax Halfway Hype Zone will debut on the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon Course
CarMax is stepping up in a big way to support our runners with the introduction of the CarMax Halfway Hype Zone at Bryan Park! This high-energy activation is designed to amp up the half marathoners as they reach the halfway point of their race. The zone will feature not one, but three live musical acts, along with several cheer squads to keep the energy high and the runners motivated. Plus, there will be an amenity stop where runners can recharge with refreshments and keep pushing toward the finish line.

And because it’s CarMax, you know they’re going all out! Expect bold, fun signage cheering the runners through the park, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. CarMax Associates are encouraged to join the excitement and show their support for the participants. Spectators are also encouraged to join the fun in Bryan Park—it’s a great spot to watch the race and cheer on the runners!

wear blue: run to remember to host first-ever Circle of Remembrance at the Richmond Marathon

We are honored to partner with wear blue: run to remember for the first time ever. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of American military members through active remembrance. Since they were founded in 2010, they have honored thousands of our nation’s fallen military service members and thousands of athletes around the world take part in weekly wear blue tributes. All participants are invited to join them on race morning, November 16, at 6:30 a.m. for a Circle of Remembrance on Broad Street, between the full and half start line locations. During this moment of reflection, participants will honor fallen service members by speaking their names, carrying their memory with every step taken during the marathon, half marathon, or 8k. To learn more, visit www.wearblueruntoremember.org

Another Mother Runner Podcast will host a shakeout run and live podcast!
Another Mother Runner is a dynamic and inclusive community of female runners from across the globe. From in-person retreats to online discussions, and everything in between, this group connects women at all stages of their running journeys. Their popular social media platforms foster a supportive environment where women runners of all paces can come together, while their podcasts and newsletters deliver fresh, engaging content on all things running. Founding AMR leaders Dimity McDowell and Sarah Wassner Flynn will record an episode of their podcast, Many Happy Miles, which airs on Tuesdays, on Friday, November 15 at 2:30pm at the Health & Fitness Expo. Their guests will be two coaches of the Better Together Program traveling to Richmond for race weekend. Attendees can meet the brand’s ambassadors at the Health & Fitness Expo to gear up with race-day inspiration and shop their exclusive line of fun, spirited merchandise, including limited-edition Richmond gear!

In addition to the podcast the Better Together program will host a shakeout run in Downtown Richmond on the morning of Friday, November 15.

Marathon Training Academy (MTA) will host a Shakeout Run and Meet Up
Founded by Trevor and Angie Spencer in 2010, Marathon Training Academy aims to empower everyday people to run marathons and transform their lives. Through their online community and successful coaching programs, MTA has become a trusted source of motivation for runners everywhere. This will be Trevor’s fourth time running in Richmond, and he’s hosting a 3-mile shakeout run highlighting the finish area for the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon and the T Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge on Friday, November 15, at 11 a.m. MTA will also host a post-race meet-up, offering a chance for runners to connect and celebrate their accomplishments together.

For complete details about the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, VCU Health Richmond 8k, and the Health & Fitness Expo, visit www.richmondmarathon.com.

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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.

Contact:  Nan Callahan

(804) 539-7769