Virginia Marathon (Full/Merikos/Half/10k/5k)

The Virginia Marathon, hosted by Old Dominion Racing on March 22, 2026, invites runners to experience the breathtaking beauty of Middleburg, Virginia, nestled in the heart of the state's picturesque horse and wine country. This event offers a range of distances to challenge every athlete, including a Full Marathon (26.2M), the unique Merikos (19.65M), a Half Marathon (13.1M), a 10K (6.2M), and a 5K (3.1M).

The course is renowned for its stunning scenery, featuring rolling countryside, lush horse farms, and shaded roads as it winds through Loudoun and Fauquier counties on a mix of paved and gravel surfaces. Prepare for a challenging yet rewarding run, as many sections are characterized by significant "rolling hills." Full Marathon and Merikos participants will especially test their grit with an exhilarating climb up Bull Run Mountain, encountering an elevation gain of over 2000 feet for the marathon and over 1600 feet for the Merikos. Typical race day conditions in late March offer pleasant temperatures, with highs around 57°F and lows near 35°F, and only a 13% chance of precipitation, providing an ideal climate for tackling this scenic route.

Starting and finishing at The Hill School, just moments from Middleburg's charming downtown, the race boasts excellent organization and enthusiastic volunteers. Aid stations are strategically placed approximately every 2-3 miles, offering bottled water, Gatorade, and individually packaged snacks, though longer-distance runners may wish to bring their own gels. Runners consistently praise the well-marked course and the friendly atmosphere, with many describing it as one of the most beautiful and enjoyable races they've experienced. After crossing the finish line, celebrate your accomplishment with post-race pizza, ice cream, coffee, hot chocolate, a commemorative tech shirt, and a cozy blanket as swag.