FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
UPCOMING DATES
Will you have additional events?
We are currently reviewing our plans for the future. We’d love to host multiple events. If you are interested in a spring, fall, and/or winter event, please let us know and sign up for our email list.
Do you offer a half marathon?
YES. We added a half marathon in 2021.
Do you offer a training plan?
YES.
Is it a closed course?
No, this is not a closed course. This Rivanna Greenbelt Trail is a public trail that can be accessed by others during the race.
How can I support the runners?
Volunteers are needed to support the runners.
Share a positive message and TWINS RUN will “Chalk The Walk”!
Can I buy a medal?
When a previous winner requested a custom medal, we figured out an option on Shutterfly. Now you can order your own “medal” ornament.
Can I get a refund If I can't run or the race is canceled?
Entry fees are non-refundable.
Registration may be be deferred for a fee.
What is your USATF certification number?
The Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon's USATF certification number is VA14004TR.
The half marathon is NOT officially certified.
Where is the race? Is there parking nearby?
The race begins and ends at Riverview Park at 298 Riverside Ave, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902. It is at the end of Chesapeake St. and Riverside Ave. There is a parking lot available at Riverview Park and street parking nearby.
Google Map Directions to Riverview Park
FROM I-64: Take Route 20 North to Monticello Avenue to right on Avon Street to right on Market Street to left on Riverside Avenue to Riverview Park.
FROM 250 BYPASS: Take East High Street to left on Meade Avenue to left on East Market Street to left on Riverside Avenue to Riverview Park
What is the course like?
This race is on a mostly flat paved trail with three unique turn-arounds that will be navigated multiple times. There is just 8 ft of elevation gain and 22 feet of elevation loss per "loop". Minimum elevation is 307 feet; maximum elevation is 327 feet. The race follows the Rivanna Greenbelt Trail along the Rivanna River for two miles. Runners will turn around (T.A. #1) and follow the trail back to the start (T.A. #2) for a total of 4 miles per "loop". It's 6 full out-and-back "loops" with the 7th final "loop" going out 1.1 miles and turning around at 25.1 miles (T.A. #3). Map of Certified Course.
T.A. #1 = 6 times (miles 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22) - WATER STOP
T.A. #2 = 6 times (miles 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24) - WATER STOP
T.A. #3 = 1 time (mile 25.1)
(The half course final turnaround is at mile marker .55 from start/finish.)
Are there any special requirements for running the course?
This is NOT a closed course. It is a public trail that is accessible to others during the race. We require that all runners run on the right side of the trail at all times unless they are passing another runner on the left. Because the trail is narrow, we ask that you limit side-by-side running to two people. As a common courtesy, when passing another runner, we ask that you please yell "TRACK" or "On Your Left" to alert them. The three turns on the course are clearly marked and volunteers will be on hand to document your laps. A volunteer at the 25.1 mile mark for marathoners and 12.55 mile mark for half marathoners will instruct you when it's time to make the final turn back to the finish line.
Are there restrooms?
There are two port-a-potties available in the parking lot near the start/finish line.
There are no port-a-potties at the 2-mile turnaround or anywhere else along the course.
Where are the water tables and what is included?
There are two water tables. One is near the start/finish area and the second is at the turn-around at mile 2. They will be stocked with water and Gatorade. Please bring your own gels or food as we will not be providing those items.
Can I bring my own bottles and food?
YES! You are encouraged to bring your our own food for pre-race, during the race, and post-race. You may also bring your own special water bottles and/or gels, etc. Leave your labeled items at the table near the start/finish and if you want additional items at the mile 2 stop, please let us know in advance and arrive early so we can try to transport them to the other end of the trail (transportation of items to the 2-mile mark is NOT guaranteed).
Is this a chip-timed race?
YES! Official splits are recorded every two miles by Blue Ridge Timing.
How are laps monitored?
We have volunteers assigned to track each runner's laps and monitor turns at both ends of the course. There is also a video camera set up at the start/finish to record the turns and finishes. Each runner will be reminded when they are about to make the final "loop" and will also be instructed by volunteers at the 25.1 mile point for marathoners and 12.55 mile mark for half marathoners to make the final turnaround back to the finish line.
What happens if I do not complete the course as marked?
We have a video camera at the finish line and volunteers at the turn arounds and along the course. If we have video evidence or eye-witness accounts that indicate you do not complete all 13 marked turns as instructed or if at any point you try to cut the course, i.e., you turn around before the clearly marked turnarounds, or if you turn right instead of left at the fork in the road when running back towards the start/finish (the wrong way is clearly marked "X NO X"), you will be disqualified and your results will NOT be submitted to the B.A.A. Disqualified runners may be banned from participating in any future Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon.
Can I buy a shirt?
YES. You may purchase your own shirt or other merchandise with the race logo on spreadshirt.com.
#1 - COLOR, BLACK, WHITE.
#2 - COLOR, BLACK, WHITE (rounder trees)
#3 - COLOR, BLACK, WHITE (trees cut off)
#4 on LIGHT items or DARK items
#5 on LIGHT items or DARK items (doesn't include Cville)
Are there any refunds or deferrals allowed?
There are NO REFUNDS. Deferrals may be allow for a fee.
Is there a maximum number of participants?
YES. In 2022 we had a maximum of 50 participants.
Is there a time limit?
YES. In the past we have had a time limit of 4 hours, 5 hours, and 5.5 hours. In 2023, participants must finish in 5 hours for an official time.
How long does it take to post results?
Preliminary finish times will be posted online in real-time.
Official results will be submitted to the Boston Athletic Association within 36 hours.
Are the official race photos available?
Volunteers and friends are encouraged to take photos, but we can't guarantee "official" race photos. We normally have 1-3 volunteer photographers taking pictures. You can also take screenshots of the finish line video when it's posted on YouTube. :-)
What are the course records?
MARATHON
Male = 2:30:13, Wesley Turner (October 4, 2014)
Female = 3:11:36, Aubrey Wingeart: (December 4, 2022)
HALF MARATHON
Male = 1:28:45, James Compton (March 2021)
Female = 1:24:24, Ann Mazur (March 2021)
Complete list of all finish times.
What does the course look like?
Photos of the course are on our Facebook page.
What's the feedback from previous participants and volunteers?
Feedback from Participants
Feedback from Volunteers
How can I learn more about Charlottesville?
Visit Charlottesville
What about hotels and places to eat?
Here's a list of local hotels and restaurants.
Do you have beneficiaries?
2023 beneficiaries are Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer and Rivanna Trails Foundation.
2022 beneficiaries were Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer and Rivanna Trails Foundation.
2021 beneficiaries were Rivanna Trails Foundation and Rivanna Conservation Alliance.
Where can I run in Charlottesville?
Local Training Locations
Long Run options in Google Maps
What would cause the race to be cancelled?
Lightning* – In the event of lightning, the race will be postponed by 30 minutes every time lightning is spotted and thunder is heard within 6 miles of the event. Please note that every time lightning strikes and thunder is heard within 6 miles of any part of the race course, we must restart the timing of 30 minutes increments. We will be working closely with a local meteorologist to make these determinations. If we are able to begin the race by 8:00 (1 hour delay), we will have the race. If the race must be delayed over 1 hour, the race will be cancelled.
Course obstruction – If a fallen tree or trees makes the course impassable the race will be cancelled. Please note that heavy rain may cause flooding and large puddles along the course, but this will not cause cancellation of the race unless it's unsafe to run through the water.
For up-to-date weather and storm information download one or all of these weather apps. CBS19 Weather, BlitzortungLive, WeatherBug, DarkSky
Miscellaneous Resources
Lightning Safety and Injuries
RRCA Guidelines for Safe Events*
RRCA Event Alert System
Debunked: 5 Lightning Myths That Could Kill You
*Lightning - An electrical storm within the race course area within 1 hour of the start time should be considered potentially life threatening to runners. A determination should be made at the time as to whether the race should be continued as scheduled, delayed until the storm has passed or cancelled altogether.
Do you have any additional questions?
Please email us!
SWAG SHOP
Will you have additional events?
We are currently reviewing our plans for the future. We’d love to host multiple events. If you are interested in a spring, fall, and/or winter event, please let us know and sign up for our email list.
Do you offer a half marathon?
YES. We added a half marathon in 2021.
Do you offer a training plan?
YES.
Is it a closed course?
No, this is not a closed course. This Rivanna Greenbelt Trail is a public trail that can be accessed by others during the race.
How can I support the runners?
Volunteers are needed to support the runners.
Share a positive message and TWINS RUN will “Chalk The Walk”!
Can I buy a medal?
When a previous winner requested a custom medal, we figured out an option on Shutterfly. Now you can order your own “medal” ornament.
Can I get a refund If I can't run or the race is canceled?
Entry fees are non-refundable.
Registration may be be deferred for a fee.
What is your USATF certification number?
The Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon's USATF certification number is VA14004TR.
The half marathon is NOT officially certified.
Where is the race? Is there parking nearby?
The race begins and ends at Riverview Park at 298 Riverside Ave, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902. It is at the end of Chesapeake St. and Riverside Ave. There is a parking lot available at Riverview Park and street parking nearby.
Google Map Directions to Riverview Park
FROM I-64: Take Route 20 North to Monticello Avenue to right on Avon Street to right on Market Street to left on Riverside Avenue to Riverview Park.
FROM 250 BYPASS: Take East High Street to left on Meade Avenue to left on East Market Street to left on Riverside Avenue to Riverview Park
What is the course like?
This race is on a mostly flat paved trail with three unique turn-arounds that will be navigated multiple times. There is just 8 ft of elevation gain and 22 feet of elevation loss per "loop". Minimum elevation is 307 feet; maximum elevation is 327 feet. The race follows the Rivanna Greenbelt Trail along the Rivanna River for two miles. Runners will turn around (T.A. #1) and follow the trail back to the start (T.A. #2) for a total of 4 miles per "loop". It's 6 full out-and-back "loops" with the 7th final "loop" going out 1.1 miles and turning around at 25.1 miles (T.A. #3). Map of Certified Course.
T.A. #1 = 6 times (miles 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22) - WATER STOP
T.A. #2 = 6 times (miles 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24) - WATER STOP
T.A. #3 = 1 time (mile 25.1)
(The half course final turnaround is at mile marker .55 from start/finish.)
Are there any special requirements for running the course?
This is NOT a closed course. It is a public trail that is accessible to others during the race. We require that all runners run on the right side of the trail at all times unless they are passing another runner on the left. Because the trail is narrow, we ask that you limit side-by-side running to two people. As a common courtesy, when passing another runner, we ask that you please yell "TRACK" or "On Your Left" to alert them. The three turns on the course are clearly marked and volunteers will be on hand to document your laps. A volunteer at the 25.1 mile mark for marathoners and 12.55 mile mark for half marathoners will instruct you when it's time to make the final turn back to the finish line.
Are there restrooms?
There are two port-a-potties available in the parking lot near the start/finish line.
There are no port-a-potties at the 2-mile turnaround or anywhere else along the course.
Where are the water tables and what is included?
There are two water tables. One is near the start/finish area and the second is at the turn-around at mile 2. They will be stocked with water and Gatorade. Please bring your own gels or food as we will not be providing those items.
Can I bring my own bottles and food?
YES! You are encouraged to bring your our own food for pre-race, during the race, and post-race. You may also bring your own special water bottles and/or gels, etc. Leave your labeled items at the table near the start/finish and if you want additional items at the mile 2 stop, please let us know in advance and arrive early so we can try to transport them to the other end of the trail (transportation of items to the 2-mile mark is NOT guaranteed).
Is this a chip-timed race?
YES! Official splits are recorded every two miles by Blue Ridge Timing.
How are laps monitored?
We have volunteers assigned to track each runner's laps and monitor turns at both ends of the course. There is also a video camera set up at the start/finish to record the turns and finishes. Each runner will be reminded when they are about to make the final "loop" and will also be instructed by volunteers at the 25.1 mile point for marathoners and 12.55 mile mark for half marathoners to make the final turnaround back to the finish line.
What happens if I do not complete the course as marked?
We have a video camera at the finish line and volunteers at the turn arounds and along the course. If we have video evidence or eye-witness accounts that indicate you do not complete all 13 marked turns as instructed or if at any point you try to cut the course, i.e., you turn around before the clearly marked turnarounds, or if you turn right instead of left at the fork in the road when running back towards the start/finish (the wrong way is clearly marked "X NO X"), you will be disqualified and your results will NOT be submitted to the B.A.A. Disqualified runners may be banned from participating in any future Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon.
Can I buy a shirt?
YES. You may purchase your own shirt or other merchandise with the race logo on spreadshirt.com.
#1 - COLOR, BLACK, WHITE.
#2 - COLOR, BLACK, WHITE (rounder trees)
#3 - COLOR, BLACK, WHITE (trees cut off)
#4 on LIGHT items or DARK items
#5 on LIGHT items or DARK items (doesn't include Cville)
Are there any refunds or deferrals allowed?
There are NO REFUNDS. Deferrals may be allow for a fee.
Is there a maximum number of participants?
YES. In 2022 we had a maximum of 50 participants.
Is there a time limit?
YES. In the past we have had a time limit of 4 hours, 5 hours, and 5.5 hours. In 2023, participants must finish in 5 hours for an official time.
How long does it take to post results?
Preliminary finish times will be posted online in real-time.
Official results will be submitted to the Boston Athletic Association within 36 hours.
Are the official race photos available?
Volunteers and friends are encouraged to take photos, but we can't guarantee "official" race photos. We normally have 1-3 volunteer photographers taking pictures. You can also take screenshots of the finish line video when it's posted on YouTube. :-)
What are the course records?
MARATHON
Male = 2:30:13, Wesley Turner (October 4, 2014)
Female = 3:11:36, Aubrey Wingeart: (December 4, 2022)
HALF MARATHON
Male = 1:28:45, James Compton (March 2021)
Female = 1:24:24, Ann Mazur (March 2021)
Complete list of all finish times.
What does the course look like?
Photos of the course are on our Facebook page.
What's the feedback from previous participants and volunteers?
Feedback from Participants
Feedback from Volunteers
How can I learn more about Charlottesville?
Visit Charlottesville
What about hotels and places to eat?
Here's a list of local hotels and restaurants.
Do you have beneficiaries?
2023 beneficiaries are Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer and Rivanna Trails Foundation.
2022 beneficiaries were Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer and Rivanna Trails Foundation.
2021 beneficiaries were Rivanna Trails Foundation and Rivanna Conservation Alliance.
Where can I run in Charlottesville?
Local Training Locations
Long Run options in Google Maps
What would cause the race to be cancelled?
Lightning* – In the event of lightning, the race will be postponed by 30 minutes every time lightning is spotted and thunder is heard within 6 miles of the event. Please note that every time lightning strikes and thunder is heard within 6 miles of any part of the race course, we must restart the timing of 30 minutes increments. We will be working closely with a local meteorologist to make these determinations. If we are able to begin the race by 8:00 (1 hour delay), we will have the race. If the race must be delayed over 1 hour, the race will be cancelled.
Course obstruction – If a fallen tree or trees makes the course impassable the race will be cancelled. Please note that heavy rain may cause flooding and large puddles along the course, but this will not cause cancellation of the race unless it's unsafe to run through the water.
For up-to-date weather and storm information download one or all of these weather apps. CBS19 Weather, BlitzortungLive, WeatherBug, DarkSky
Miscellaneous Resources
Lightning Safety and Injuries
RRCA Guidelines for Safe Events*
RRCA Event Alert System
Debunked: 5 Lightning Myths That Could Kill You
*Lightning - An electrical storm within the race course area within 1 hour of the start time should be considered potentially life threatening to runners. A determination should be made at the time as to whether the race should be continued as scheduled, delayed until the storm has passed or cancelled altogether.
Do you have any additional questions?
Please email us!
SWAG SHOP
