You don't have to run to be part of the fun this Labor Day weekend in Virginia Beach! There's plenty for residents and visitors to see and enjoy along the action-packed course that winds through beautiful Virginia Beach neighborhoods and the hopping resort area. Be sure to pick up an Official Spectator & Entertainment Guide at the Health & Fitness Expo for a detailed map and further spectator information.
The first spectator opportunity is at the Start Line on 19th Street adjacent to the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This area will be packed with 20,000 eager runners ready to begin their 13.1-mile party. Because street parking is limited and the race course will be closed to traffic starting at 6:00 a.m., it is best to walk or ride a bicycle to 19th Street and view the runners as they head east towards Pacific Avenue.
Along the course, you'll find plenty of opportunities to move and groove to the tunes and cheer the runners on. But first, a few words of advice about getting around:
Make A Plan
Review the course map and plan your rockin' route. With 20,000 runners packing the streets, it will be difficult, and at some times impossible, to cross the course during the race, even on foot. The course will be closed to vehicular traffic, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. during the race.
Don't Get Trapped
Don't get caught on the side of a street that may limit your mobility. For instance, if you want to see the participants on Atlantic Avenue and watch them as they run down the Boardwalk to the finish, stay on the east side of Atlantic Avenue.
Beachside Viewing
If you want to watch the festivities from the beach, plan to be on the beach before 7:50 a.m. to avoid the sea of runners racing toward the Finish Line on the Boardwalk from 37th Street to 6th Street. In addition to the beach and hotel balconies, another great oceanfront view of the race is the area adjacent to the Boardwalk in the resort's many hotels and restaurants. Many of the establishments will be open for business.
Pack Essentials
Make sure to bring a beach chair or towel, sunscreen, and a supply of water so you can be comfortable while you cheer on your runner.
Sample Race Viewing Plan
Watch the Start on 19th Street near Pacific, then cross over to the east side of Atlantic Avenue to catch the runners again in about an hour. Then walk one block east to the Boardwalk to watch the runners' final sprint to the Finish.
Finding Loved Ones At the Finish
The best plan is to estimate your runner's finishing time, then add about 15 minutes as he or she moves through the Runner's Secure Zone and finish area gathering refreshments and a finisher's medal. Plan to meet your runner in the Family Reunion Area (pre-select a letter, then meet under the large letters signs (A-Z) on the beach). Have a contingency plan and cell phones just in case you cannot find one another.
***Note: the Finish Area will be very congested.
Plan to stay and enjoy the Finish Line Beach Party, which will run from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The popular bands Butter and Another Life will perform at the Finish Line Stage on the beach.
