Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 11, 2026, when the Charlottesville Marathon & Half Marathon returns to downtown Charlottesville for another unforgettable race day.
This scenic, boutique-style event has earned national recognition, being voted “One of the Top Ten Best New Marathons in the U.S.” by Runner’s World and named “One of the Country’s Top Five Destination Marathons” by The New York Times. Designed for runners who appreciate beautiful courses, carefully selected destinations, and smaller crowds, this race highlights the very best of Charlottesville.
Events: Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8K
Start Time: All races begin at 7:00 a.m.
Location: Market Street Park, Downtown Charlottesville, Virginia
The course starts and finishes in downtown Charlottesville, surrounded by history, culture, restaurants, shops, breweries, and local flavor. Runners will travel from downtown toward the Rivanna River and through historic, scenic neighborhoods. The terrain is rolling with several hills — but that’s just part of Charlottesville’s charm.
⏱ Timing
All runners will be chip timed using the MyLaps Timing System and will receive both a gun time and a chip time.
📦 Packet Pickup
Friday, April 10: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 11: 6:00 a.m. – 6:45 a.m.
Location: Market Street Park
🏆 Awards
8K: 8:30 a.m.
Half Marathon: 10:00 a.m.
Marathon: 11:00 a.m.
Awards will be presented to the Top 3 overall finishers in each race, as well as Top 3 finishers in each age group (10-year brackets). All Marathon and Half Marathon finishers will receive a “uniquely Charlottesville” themed race medal. Please note: awards will not be mailed.
🚗 Parking & Amenities
Downtown Charlottesville offers multiple parking garages and limited on-street parking. Please read posted signs, as race management is not responsible for towed vehicles. Restrooms will be available at the start, finish, and at multiple locations along the course.
