City: Richmond, VA

Category: Spectator Sports

Description: The marathon, held in mid-Nov, attracts enthusiastic crowds along most of the 26.2-mile course that winds its way through several of Richmond’s prettiest neighborhoods. Street closings make it a challenge to rush from start to middle to finish if you are supporting a particular runner, but with a good map and information, it’s possible, and so appreciated. Besides the official NBC-12 Party Zones that feature music, giveaways, and spirited support at River Road just before the Huguenot Bridge, in Westover Hills near the halfway point, and in North Side near mile 20, there are 26.2 opportunities along the route for spectators to get involved. The start and finish areas downtown are where lots of the action happens, because there are three other races—a kids’ run, a half marathon, and an 8K—so somebody is either coming or going nearly all the time. Since there are only so many people crazy enough to run a marathon, the numbers at the finish line aren’t overwhelming, and it’s not hard to reconnect with friends and family.