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Marathon Details - Runners Marathon of Reston

North America Marathons > USA > VA > Reston > Runners Marathon of Reston

Runners Marathon of Reston

Runners Marathon of Reston & Half Marathon, Marathon Relay

Reston, VA USA

~~April 10, 2022~~ - CANCELLED

http://www.runnersmarathon.com

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Two gently rolling loops around Reston's roads and paved path system

Contact Information

Name:	Reston Runners
Address:	PO BOX 2924 Reston VA 20195
Phone Number:	703-626-1368
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

Race Summary (12/16/12)

Ellen Mannion

We are just 20 miles outside of the Washington DC area. The Marathon Course follows 2 gently rolling and scenic half marathon loops around Reston utilizing the roads and Reston's extensive paved path system. Both events will finish on the High School Track. There will be water stops approximately every 2 miles. We will capture your splits at points along the course.

Runner Reviews (26)

Course 4.6

Organization 5.0

Spectators 4.0

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Number of comments: 26 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

K. C. from Rockville, MD (4/14/2016) "An extremely enjoyable race." (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the marathon this past weekend and figured I'd share my experience. Pre-race: Race day packet pickup was super quick and easy, although there's a pre-race pasta dinner if you are in town and able to pick things up the night before. I had my bib within minutes of arriving on race morning. You can hang out inside the school until a few minutes before the race start, so you can stay warm until you need to head over to the start. Bonus points for indoor bathrooms with minimal wait times. Course: The course itself is a lot of fun with a good balance between roads and bike paths. It's obviously not flat, but you can definitely run a decent time if that's what you're looking to accomplish. Miles were marked visibly and the course markings were easy to follow, too. I had never run a two-loop marathon course before, but actually found it to be quite helpful. The familiarity I gained on the first loop made the second loop go by more quickly. Organization: This is an expertly managed race with helpful and enthusiastic volunteers. Seriously, it might just be the nicest bunch of folks you'll ever find at a race. Water stops were plentiful and well organized, and I was amazed at the number of spectators and volunteers out on the course. It's a small race but you will never feel like you're alone! The on-course and finish line photos were hit or miss (in that they seem to have missed me entirely), but since I'm not particularly photogenic it's not a huge loss. Post-race: After the race, you can go back up to the school cafeteria and grab some food and a table. They had some amazing baked goods, and plenty of food was left for marathon finishers. It's a warm, spacious setup that gives you an opportunity to relax and stay warm while catching up with friends or meeting other runners. If you're looking for a small but well-managed race on a fun course, this could easily be one of your new favorite races. If you live within a short drive or you're looking for an excuse to visit the area, go ahead and give it a shot!
s. a. from California (4/12/2016) "Great little race for runners!" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 We loved this race! Super nice people that know how to put on a marathon. Great pasta dinner at packet pickup and lots of food post race...pizza, Subway sandwiches cookies and lots more to enjoy inside the heated high school after the race. The course is a double loop of rolling hills on paved pathway with some road running. Good aid stations with water and Gatorade and lots of bananas, Gu and snacks (Fig Newtons) Great volunteers and traffic control! Very peaceful run among the trees. The finish is on the high school track where Alan Webb earned the high school mile record. Great atmosphere great marathon experience.
R. Nixon from VA (4/11/2016) "A Great Half Marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Runners Marathon of Restons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a great race. Beautiful course on some roads but mostly paved trails through the woods. Great organization. Great spectators. 1st rate job by county and local PD. Great volunteers. Thank You all. YES - There are hills, and lots of turns on the trails. It won't be your fastest 1/2 or full marathon, but maybe your best.
C. C. from NY (12/3/2015) "Aptly Named" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Runners Marathon of Reston is just that, a marathon for runners. If you are looking for a grand expo to do some shopping, bands lining the course for dancing, or anything else besides a fantastically well-organized race with only the runners' needs in mind, look someplace else. Every detail of this marathon is geared towards the runners. The pre-race packet pickup is simple and convenient (located at Alan Webb's high school...more on that later) and the course has more aid stations than Boston. There are volunteers at every turn and scattered throughout, so while the crowds may not be huge, you rarely run for extended periods without someone encouraging you. Even the police officers get in the spirit and cheer and clap...Friendliest marathon I've ever seen. Yes, the course is two loops. Yes, there are some 'hills'. But, the course shifts back and fourth from road to paved trail to road and back to paved trail, so it is easy to segment the race and motivate yourself to the next change of scenery. You finish on Alan Webb's high school track, so the final 300 meters allows you to relive some glory days of the past and soak up a bit of the magic while the crowds cheer you in. The small-town feel in no ways detracts from a highly-professional event. It is the best of both worlds and a hidden gem in the sea of marathons.
D. L. from Bristow, VA (11/19/2015) "Fun, friendly marathon" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was such a charming little marathon. I've done 35+ marathons and I've come to really appreciate the well organized smaller races. This one is a great example of why they are so nice to run. They offer a tasty pasta dinner the night before at no extra charge. The logistics are easy for the packet pick up, dinner and race morning. The organizers have all the kinks worked out. While you don't have spectators liking the course like you do for the big races, the fans that do come out are terrific. I dropped one of my gloves while fumbling with a gel packet around mile 20. I didn't realize it right away and when I did I wasn't going back. It was a chilly morning and a volunteer gave me the glove right off his own hand. That was a first for me! This one ranks up there as one of the friendliest races around.
H. L. from New Jersey (3/31/2015) "Very happy with my choice to run RMR!" (about: 2015) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This small race was well-organized with everything a runner could want before, during, and after the race. The two loop course is not completely 'gently' rolling terrain by NJ standards, but I enjoyed the pretty, woody paths and roads. The volunteers directing us at the many turns in the course and the water/gel stops were awesome. For the second loop, I dropped my supply belt and just used the well-stocked stations. I was surprised at how many spectators lined the course on the wood paths and along the roads. The swag and bling before and after were high quality and useful: short-sleeve tech shirt that looks and feels great, cotton gloves, and versatile head/neck wrap. The free pasta dinner and post-race spread were tasty and plentiful. I didn't meet my pace goal for the day, but it wasn't for lack of the organizers' efforts to help me get there with as little stress before and during as possible. Many thanks, Reston Runners!
R. B. from Pittsburgh, PA (3/30/2015) "Race Organization at Its Best" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was obvious this race was put on by runners. The organization was second to none. If I could give a 6 out of 5 rating in this area, I would. Packet pickup was a breeze. It was small so we had a chance to speak with members of the running club while picking up our packets and you could tell they were proud of this race. Gave out a very nice red race shirt (blue for the half), running gloves, a running buff and other little goodies. Was hosted at the local high school and we were able to get in and out quickly. Also, went back for the complimentary pasta dinner later that night (I suggest participating). The race entry fee is a little steep when you consider how small a race this was, but after participating I think it was worth the price of admission. Race morning was a cool 25 degrees, but we were able to wait inside the high school until about 10 minutes before the gun went off. Not a cloud in the sky and the temps became very comfortable around the half-way point. The course was CHALLENGING! It was a double-loop on roads and on asphalt trails in the woods. I looked and could not find one point in the race that was on flat surface. I will say that none of the hills were bad if by themselves, but add them all together (twice) and you are in for a challenge. One hill that really got me was from 10-11 and then again at 23-24. That late in the race, it was tough. Im not opposed to the hills or the challenge they brought, but Id have to say I wasnt a huge fan of the course. Was never able to get a consistent pace going in the wooded area which was more than half of the course. Water stations were consistent. Well stocked with water, Gatorade, food and cheering volunteers. The volunteers are pretty much the only fans on the course, but because they were so wonderful and encouraging the fan rating is high. With all of the turns throughout the course, volunteers were needed every half mile or less, so you saw them often. Finisher's medal was just OK. Post-race was great. Race ended on the high school track and the school was open for food and an after race party. They even made showers available in the schools locker rooms. Food was chili, pizza, wings, bagels, potato chips, soda pop and other items. Enjoyed myself at the RMR and really enjoyed the organization of this race.
M. S. from Reston, VA (4/27/2014) "Excellent, well organized, small town race" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 2014 race was run in challenging conditions (36 degrees, rain, and high winds). Despite these challenges the experience was great. To start, the local high school serves as the base of operations. Warm, indoor bathrooms and post race showers as well as pre-race and post-race staging area makes it an enjoyable experience. It's always a bonus to finish on a track! Once you are done, there is nothing better then heading into the high school for warm food in in a warm, dry environment. The volunteers were excellent despite the challenging conditions, everyone was upbeat and encouraging. I wish I could personally buy each one a beer and express my heartfelt thanks for their support. I plan to make this an annual event. RMR rocks! I ran the half-marathon but plan to run the full next year.
S. D. from Midwest (4/3/2014) "RMR delivers on every important detail" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 [I ran the half marathon and my stats are for half marathons, not full.] I stumbled upon this race last year when I was looking for a half in Virginia to run for my 50 states. Of the 42 half marathons (and 1 full) that I've done, RMR is among the best. I rarely repeat states but I'll put this one on my list. Pros: -Extremely well-organized, race committee is responsive to inquiries, and eager to help -Outstanding and plentiful volunteers. Course requires a lot of volunteers because there are many turns, including turns on different sections of bike paths through an urban park. All locations were staffed with friendly, cheerful, and helpful volunteers in spite of the very unpleasant conditions (wet, cold, windy) -Water stops every 2 miles (roughly) are organized, well-supplied and well-staffed. All stations had water and Gatorade and were consistently organized. Plus occasional Hammer Gel and fruit (I've forgotten which ones, but the mile posts were specified in the packets) -Packet pick-up in a high school was convenient and hassle-free. Free parking. -Logistics on race day were a piece of cake. Free parking at the high school. (I arrived 1 hour before the marathon start and parked a mere 20 yards from the entrance to the school.) Wait inside before the race start (warm, dry, bathrooms). Everyone walks out to the start line shortly before the gun, ushered by a race official -Good pre-race communication, including info on many and varied dining options -Interesting, varied, and scenic course was a mix of suburban streets and bike paths through an attractive, wooded urban park. (Full marathon is two loops) -A few hills but nothing terrible. The little ups & downs on the bike path took more out of me than the larger hills on the streets -Good signage. Accurate. Visible. One of the few races I've done that had a sign alerting you to the upcoming water stop (i.e,'Water stop ahead'), which was very helpful. The bike path sections were marked with a heavy white chalk line. Very visible and easy to follow (not that they were needed with so many volunteers in place, but just shows the race committee thought of everything) -Great post-race food and plenty of it - coffee, veggie and meat chili, pizza, bagels, cookies, fruit, etc. And, post-race is in the high school cafeteria (warm, dry, access to bathrooms) -A great option for 50-staters. Very accessible from Dulles Airport. You do need to rent a car but Reston is less than 30 min from the airport. The Sheraton was the host hotel which is probably 5 min from the race start. I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Herndon (next town) and it was about 10 min from the race start -27-page information and spectator guide available on the event website and in print at the packet pick-up. The guide included detailed information on at least three spectator locations with the times that most runners would pass organized by approximate finish times and pace per mile. -High quality course maps in the spectator guide and on the event website -Race day brought miserable conditions - cold, raining, and very windy. Volunteers were handing out garbage bags to anyone who wanted them as we were preparing to leave the school cafeteria and head outside. -Pre-race pasta dinner - included with entry fee. I did not attend so I cannot comment. -Showers - Race arranged access to showers at nearby YMCA and possibly (?) at the school. I went back to my hotel so cannot comment. -Half and full starts are separated by 30 minutes. It's not large race so there shouldn't be much congestion but the bike paths are narrow. -Good medal with a colorful and attractive ribbon, nice short-sleeve tech shirt with accurate sizing. - Fun finish with a loop around the track Cons: -The entry fee is a bit steep for a half marathon, but the experience and level of organization more than made up for that. Other I like small to mid-size races so I don't see these as cons, but folks should be aware of them. This is a small, no frills/low frills race. For your entry fee, you will get great organization, an interesting, well-supported course that supports the runners and keeps them safe, good post-race food, easy logistics on race day, and a race committee that clearly cares about providing a top-notch event. You will not get - big crowds, an expo with lots of vendors, band every 2 miles. And I'm perfectly fine with that!
T. S. from State College, PA (4/2/2014) "Great food, great swag, great race" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Despite the crazy weather, I had a great experience running the Runners Marathon of Reston. I'll definitely do it again. Pros: (1) Supreme organization. (2) Prior to the race, the directors sent out an information packet with every detail you could possibly need or want. (3) Free pre-race dinner to all registered runners. The food (e.g., penne pasta, salad, bread, cookies) was plentiful and delicious and the atmosphere was very festive. (4) We were able to stay warm in the high school prior to the start of the race. (5) The course was a nice mix of roads and paths. Also the course finishes with two-miles of roads, so you can finish strong. (6) The course was up-and-down and side-to-side, but there wasn't a single hill that would kill you. I was able to PR by almost 10 minutes. (7) The post-race food (e.g., pizza, chilli, sandwiches, cookies, etc.) was, again, plentiful and delicious. (8) The swag was great, with an RMR tech t-shirt, gloves, and a buff. Cons: (1) The path system is complex and some of the turns/non-turns could have been marked more clearly. There were also a few instances when race volunteers weren't really signaling which direction to turn. (2) There were one or two isolated spots when you had to run through very soggy, very muddy grass. I almost slipped at one point. That said, each of these problems were likely due to the windy and rainy weather.

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K. C. from Rockville, MD (4/14/2016) "An extremely enjoyable race." (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the marathon this past weekend and figured I'd share my experience. Pre-race: Race day packet pickup was super quick and easy, although there's a pre-race pasta dinner if you are in town and able to pick things up the night before. I had my bib within minutes of arriving on race morning. You can hang out inside the school until a few minutes before the race start, so you can stay warm until you need to head over to the start. Bonus points for indoor bathrooms with minimal wait times. Course: The course itself is a lot of fun with a good balance between roads and bike paths. It's obviously not flat, but you can definitely run a decent time if that's what you're looking to accomplish. Miles were marked visibly and the course markings were easy to follow, too. I had never run a two-loop marathon course before, but actually found it to be quite helpful. The familiarity I gained on the first loop made the second loop go by more quickly. Organization: This is an expertly managed race with helpful and enthusiastic volunteers. Seriously, it might just be the nicest bunch of folks you'll ever find at a race. Water stops were plentiful and well organized, and I was amazed at the number of spectators and volunteers out on the course. It's a small race but you will never feel like you're alone! The on-course and finish line photos were hit or miss (in that they seem to have missed me entirely), but since I'm not particularly photogenic it's not a huge loss. Post-race: After the race, you can go back up to the school cafeteria and grab some food and a table. They had some amazing baked goods, and plenty of food was left for marathon finishers. It's a warm, spacious setup that gives you an opportunity to relax and stay warm while catching up with friends or meeting other runners. If you're looking for a small but well-managed race on a fun course, this could easily be one of your new favorite races. If you live within a short drive or you're looking for an excuse to visit the area, go ahead and give it a shot!
s. a. from California (4/12/2016) "Great little race for runners!" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 We loved this race! Super nice people that know how to put on a marathon. Great pasta dinner at packet pickup and lots of food post race...pizza, Subway sandwiches cookies and lots more to enjoy inside the heated high school after the race. The course is a double loop of rolling hills on paved pathway with some road running. Good aid stations with water and Gatorade and lots of bananas, Gu and snacks (Fig Newtons) Great volunteers and traffic control! Very peaceful run among the trees. The finish is on the high school track where Alan Webb earned the high school mile record. Great atmosphere great marathon experience.
R. Nixon from VA (4/11/2016) "A Great Half Marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Runners Marathon of Restons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a great race. Beautiful course on some roads but mostly paved trails through the woods. Great organization. Great spectators. 1st rate job by county and local PD. Great volunteers. Thank You all. YES - There are hills, and lots of turns on the trails. It won't be your fastest 1/2 or full marathon, but maybe your best.
C. C. from NY (12/3/2015) "Aptly Named" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Runners Marathon of Reston is just that, a marathon for runners. If you are looking for a grand expo to do some shopping, bands lining the course for dancing, or anything else besides a fantastically well-organized race with only the runners' needs in mind, look someplace else. Every detail of this marathon is geared towards the runners. The pre-race packet pickup is simple and convenient (located at Alan Webb's high school...more on that later) and the course has more aid stations than Boston. There are volunteers at every turn and scattered throughout, so while the crowds may not be huge, you rarely run for extended periods without someone encouraging you. Even the police officers get in the spirit and cheer and clap...Friendliest marathon I've ever seen. Yes, the course is two loops. Yes, there are some 'hills'. But, the course shifts back and fourth from road to paved trail to road and back to paved trail, so it is easy to segment the race and motivate yourself to the next change of scenery. You finish on Alan Webb's high school track, so the final 300 meters allows you to relive some glory days of the past and soak up a bit of the magic while the crowds cheer you in. The small-town feel in no ways detracts from a highly-professional event. It is the best of both worlds and a hidden gem in the sea of marathons.
D. L. from Bristow, VA (11/19/2015) "Fun, friendly marathon" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was such a charming little marathon. I've done 35+ marathons and I've come to really appreciate the well organized smaller races. This one is a great example of why they are so nice to run. They offer a tasty pasta dinner the night before at no extra charge. The logistics are easy for the packet pick up, dinner and race morning. The organizers have all the kinks worked out. While you don't have spectators liking the course like you do for the big races, the fans that do come out are terrific. I dropped one of my gloves while fumbling with a gel packet around mile 20. I didn't realize it right away and when I did I wasn't going back. It was a chilly morning and a volunteer gave me the glove right off his own hand. That was a first for me! This one ranks up there as one of the friendliest races around.
H. L. from New Jersey (3/31/2015) "Very happy with my choice to run RMR!" (about: 2015) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This small race was well-organized with everything a runner could want before, during, and after the race. The two loop course is not completely 'gently' rolling terrain by NJ standards, but I enjoyed the pretty, woody paths and roads. The volunteers directing us at the many turns in the course and the water/gel stops were awesome. For the second loop, I dropped my supply belt and just used the well-stocked stations. I was surprised at how many spectators lined the course on the wood paths and along the roads. The swag and bling before and after were high quality and useful: short-sleeve tech shirt that looks and feels great, cotton gloves, and versatile head/neck wrap. The free pasta dinner and post-race spread were tasty and plentiful. I didn't meet my pace goal for the day, but it wasn't for lack of the organizers' efforts to help me get there with as little stress before and during as possible. Many thanks, Reston Runners!
R. B. from Pittsburgh, PA (3/30/2015) "Race Organization at Its Best" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was obvious this race was put on by runners. The organization was second to none. If I could give a 6 out of 5 rating in this area, I would. Packet pickup was a breeze. It was small so we had a chance to speak with members of the running club while picking up our packets and you could tell they were proud of this race. Gave out a very nice red race shirt (blue for the half), running gloves, a running buff and other little goodies. Was hosted at the local high school and we were able to get in and out quickly. Also, went back for the complimentary pasta dinner later that night (I suggest participating). The race entry fee is a little steep when you consider how small a race this was, but after participating I think it was worth the price of admission. Race morning was a cool 25 degrees, but we were able to wait inside the high school until about 10 minutes before the gun went off. Not a cloud in the sky and the temps became very comfortable around the half-way point. The course was CHALLENGING! It was a double-loop on roads and on asphalt trails in the woods. I looked and could not find one point in the race that was on flat surface. I will say that none of the hills were bad if by themselves, but add them all together (twice) and you are in for a challenge. One hill that really got me was from 10-11 and then again at 23-24. That late in the race, it was tough. Im not opposed to the hills or the challenge they brought, but Id have to say I wasnt a huge fan of the course. Was never able to get a consistent pace going in the wooded area which was more than half of the course. Water stations were consistent. Well stocked with water, Gatorade, food and cheering volunteers. The volunteers are pretty much the only fans on the course, but because they were so wonderful and encouraging the fan rating is high. With all of the turns throughout the course, volunteers were needed every half mile or less, so you saw them often. Finisher's medal was just OK. Post-race was great. Race ended on the high school track and the school was open for food and an after race party. They even made showers available in the schools locker rooms. Food was chili, pizza, wings, bagels, potato chips, soda pop and other items. Enjoyed myself at the RMR and really enjoyed the organization of this race.
M. S. from Reston, VA (4/27/2014) "Excellent, well organized, small town race" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 2014 race was run in challenging conditions (36 degrees, rain, and high winds). Despite these challenges the experience was great. To start, the local high school serves as the base of operations. Warm, indoor bathrooms and post race showers as well as pre-race and post-race staging area makes it an enjoyable experience. It's always a bonus to finish on a track! Once you are done, there is nothing better then heading into the high school for warm food in in a warm, dry environment. The volunteers were excellent despite the challenging conditions, everyone was upbeat and encouraging. I wish I could personally buy each one a beer and express my heartfelt thanks for their support. I plan to make this an annual event. RMR rocks! I ran the half-marathon but plan to run the full next year.
S. D. from Midwest (4/3/2014) "RMR delivers on every important detail" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 [I ran the half marathon and my stats are for half marathons, not full.] I stumbled upon this race last year when I was looking for a half in Virginia to run for my 50 states. Of the 42 half marathons (and 1 full) that I've done, RMR is among the best. I rarely repeat states but I'll put this one on my list. Pros: -Extremely well-organized, race committee is responsive to inquiries, and eager to help -Outstanding and plentiful volunteers. Course requires a lot of volunteers because there are many turns, including turns on different sections of bike paths through an urban park. All locations were staffed with friendly, cheerful, and helpful volunteers in spite of the very unpleasant conditions (wet, cold, windy) -Water stops every 2 miles (roughly) are organized, well-supplied and well-staffed. All stations had water and Gatorade and were consistently organized. Plus occasional Hammer Gel and fruit (I've forgotten which ones, but the mile posts were specified in the packets) -Packet pick-up in a high school was convenient and hassle-free. Free parking. -Logistics on race day were a piece of cake. Free parking at the high school. (I arrived 1 hour before the marathon start and parked a mere 20 yards from the entrance to the school.) Wait inside before the race start (warm, dry, bathrooms). Everyone walks out to the start line shortly before the gun, ushered by a race official -Good pre-race communication, including info on many and varied dining options -Interesting, varied, and scenic course was a mix of suburban streets and bike paths through an attractive, wooded urban park. (Full marathon is two loops) -A few hills but nothing terrible. The little ups & downs on the bike path took more out of me than the larger hills on the streets -Good signage. Accurate. Visible. One of the few races I've done that had a sign alerting you to the upcoming water stop (i.e,'Water stop ahead'), which was very helpful. The bike path sections were marked with a heavy white chalk line. Very visible and easy to follow (not that they were needed with so many volunteers in place, but just shows the race committee thought of everything) -Great post-race food and plenty of it - coffee, veggie and meat chili, pizza, bagels, cookies, fruit, etc. And, post-race is in the high school cafeteria (warm, dry, access to bathrooms) -A great option for 50-staters. Very accessible from Dulles Airport. You do need to rent a car but Reston is less than 30 min from the airport. The Sheraton was the host hotel which is probably 5 min from the race start. I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Herndon (next town) and it was about 10 min from the race start -27-page information and spectator guide available on the event website and in print at the packet pick-up. The guide included detailed information on at least three spectator locations with the times that most runners would pass organized by approximate finish times and pace per mile. -High quality course maps in the spectator guide and on the event website -Race day brought miserable conditions - cold, raining, and very windy. Volunteers were handing out garbage bags to anyone who wanted them as we were preparing to leave the school cafeteria and head outside. -Pre-race pasta dinner - included with entry fee. I did not attend so I cannot comment. -Showers - Race arranged access to showers at nearby YMCA and possibly (?) at the school. I went back to my hotel so cannot comment. -Half and full starts are separated by 30 minutes. It's not large race so there shouldn't be much congestion but the bike paths are narrow. -Good medal with a colorful and attractive ribbon, nice short-sleeve tech shirt with accurate sizing. - Fun finish with a loop around the track Cons: -The entry fee is a bit steep for a half marathon, but the experience and level of organization more than made up for that. Other I like small to mid-size races so I don't see these as cons, but folks should be aware of them. This is a small, no frills/low frills race. For your entry fee, you will get great organization, an interesting, well-supported course that supports the runners and keeps them safe, good post-race food, easy logistics on race day, and a race committee that clearly cares about providing a top-notch event. You will not get - big crowds, an expo with lots of vendors, band every 2 miles. And I'm perfectly fine with that!
T. S. from State College, PA (4/2/2014) "Great food, great swag, great race" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Runners Marathon of Reston COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Despite the crazy weather, I had a great experience running the Runners Marathon of Reston. I'll definitely do it again. Pros: (1) Supreme organization. (2) Prior to the race, the directors sent out an information packet with every detail you could possibly need or want. (3) Free pre-race dinner to all registered runners. The food (e.g., penne pasta, salad, bread, cookies) was plentiful and delicious and the atmosphere was very festive. (4) We were able to stay warm in the high school prior to the start of the race. (5) The course was a nice mix of roads and paths. Also the course finishes with two-miles of roads, so you can finish strong. (6) The course was up-and-down and side-to-side, but there wasn't a single hill that would kill you. I was able to PR by almost 10 minutes. (7) The post-race food (e.g., pizza, chilli, sandwiches, cookies, etc.) was, again, plentiful and delicious. (8) The swag was great, with an RMR tech t-shirt, gloves, and a buff. Cons: (1) The path system is complex and some of the turns/non-turns could have been marked more clearly. There were also a few instances when race volunteers weren't really signaling which direction to turn. (2) There were one or two isolated spots when you had to run through very soggy, very muddy grass. I almost slipped at one point. That said, each of these problems were likely due to the windy and rainy weather.

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Marathon Details - Runners Marathon of Reston