Miles + Mermaids = Sell Out Weekend In Norfolk!

The Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon race weekend presented by Bon Secours was once again a highlight of the Fall racing season in Coastal Virginia.  With a sold out crowd of over 5000 participants (representing 35 states), there was no shortage of miles and smiles amongst the crowd.

To kickoff the event, participants and their supporters were invited to Waterside District for a festive and fun Packet Pick Up.  Once packets were secured, patrons were encouraged to visit one of the numerous bars and restaurants onsite to raise a toast to an exciting weekend ahead.  In fact, Waterside District was the Official Entertainment Partner of the race weekend, so they brought the FUN all weekend long!

Saturday kicked off with the 5K, which toured participants through downtown Norfolk, with an exciting water side finish along the Elizabeth River Trail.  Once the high fives were given and medals were collected, participants, along with friends and family, were encouraged to enjoy the morning at the post-race party in Town Point Park.  Fresh bagels from Panera Bread and libations from Devil’s Backbone, Bold Rock and New Belgium were also available to all registrants.  Next up was the thrilling Kids Mile, which had the largest participation so far, with over 300 children, racing a quick mile, sharing the same finish line with the 5K.  

Sunday was a perfect day for the Half Marathon and 10K.  Starting at 7:30am, participants were treated to a course leading them through downtown Norfolk, historic Ghent neighborhoods, the NEON District, the Elizabeth River Trail and the Old Dominion University campus, before finishing on the water at Town Point Park.  Similar to Saturday, a huge celebration was waiting for everyone once they crossed the finish line with tons of toasts and cheer!  Sunday registrants were treated to sandwiches from Gourmet Gang and bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes, along with cold brews from Devil’s Backbone, Bold Rock and New Belgium.  

Norfolk Harbor is also a time to celebrate running with the entire running community.  Introducing the Run Club Regatta a few years ago, it has now become a strong highlight of race weekend, with 29 Run Clubs and over 800 participants identifying as a member of a Run Club.  2 awards are given out each year to recognize run clubs- one for community involvement and the other for fastest team.  This year, the Run Club Regatta Community Service Award was given to the Norfolk Run Club for the amazing work they do for the Hampton Roads Community.  The Tidewater Striders repeated their victory as the fastest team, securing the Run Club Regatta Cup for 2024.  

It was a mer-mazing weekend!

Winners:

First Place Half Marathon Male: Daniel Rowe, 1:10:10

First Place Half Marathon Female: Ann Mazur, 1:22:16

First Place 10K Male: Jacob Geiselhofer, 36:33

First Place 10K Female: Starlynn Costa, 37:47

First Place 5K Male: Henry Sol, 16:48

First Place 5K Female: Libby Miller, 20:36