Bust the Banks Half Marathon
Prepare to take on Richmond's urban single track system on foot.
The great trails along the banks of the James River will provide a tough test for all in the Bust the Banks Half Marathon at Dominion Energy Riverrock. It’ll be gritty, and it’s gonna be dirty, but it’s not an event you want to miss. Dodge tree limbs, climb banks, coast downhill, and navigate to the finish. Run the banks alongside rapids, rocks, and see some amazing views of the city skyline.
Cost & Registration
Pricing Schedule
Opening Rate: $60
March 15 – April 30: $65
May 1 – May 11: $70
May 12 – May 17: $80
Includes a cool finisher t-shirt, chip timed bib, a branded bottle opener, and drink ticket*.
Drink ticket must be used during normal festival hours
Entries are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-deferrable, even in the case of a race cancellation, postponement, event format changes, and/or if you are unable to participate.
INCOME BASED RATE
The Bust the Banks Half Marathon offers a $25 special rate for those who qualify for an income based rate. Click here for eligibility information.
Packet Pick Up
You must pick you your packet before the start of your event. Bib numbers must be worn in order to access the Start Area of all events. A Photo ID or QR Code is required to pick up your packet. You may pick up a packet for another pre-registered participant, provided you have a copy of their photo ID.
Packet Pick Up Information – Sunday, May 17
- Location: Dominion Energy Flat Lot (on Tredegar Street past Brown’s Island Way)
- Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Take on the Trail Takedown Challenge!
Want to add some extra intensity to your Dominion Energy Riverrock experience? Try out the Trail Takedown!
Course
The Bust the Banks Half Marathon at Dominion Energy Riverrock promises a tour of some of the best trails along the banks of the James River. The 13.1-ish mile course starts at the Dominion Energy Flat Lot before heading out to Belle Isle via the iconic pedestrian suspension bridge. After a lap around the island’s rocky and fast-moving trails, runners will dive into the woods of the Buttermilk Trail.
From there, participants can expect twisting singletrack, steep climbs, rocky footing, and plenty of classic riverfront trail action as they make their way toward Pony Pasture and through the winding trails of Forest Hill Park. The course then crosses the Boulevard Bridge into Byrd Park before picking up the scenic North Bank Trail back toward the finish.
It’s going to get bumpy, it’s going to get rocky, and it’s definitely going to be fun. Where else can you take on a world-class urban trail system with whitewater rapids, suspension bridges, and downtown views all in one race?
Tips & Safety
- All participants must be at least 12 years old to participate. We ask that all children under the age of 14 be accompanied by an adult.
- This event is cup-less. You must bring your own hydration device. Water stops will be at miles 2.2, 3.1, 5.4, 6.9, 9.2, and 10.8.
- There is a 3.5 hour course time limit so you must be finished by 10:30am
- Consumption of alcohol before the event is PROHIBITED
Waves
The Bust the Banks Half utilizes wave starts in order to control volume on the trails. At the start of the race you will line up with the sign that matches your predicted pace per mile.
Awards
Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 overall finishers.