The Richmond Marathon will be held Nov. 15 along with the 8k and making its return for the first time since 1997 is the Half Marathon. Take video tours of the courses and see why Richmond is ‘America’s Friendliest Marathon’ SLIDESHOW

The SunTrust Richmond Marathon starts at 8 a.m. in downtown Richmond at 7th & Broad streets and ends on a downhill slope at Cary and 9th Street in front of the James Center.

The McDonald’s Half Marathon starts at 7:30 a.m. in downtown Richmond at 7th & Broad streets and ends on a downhill slope at Cary and 9th Street in front of the James Center.

The nTelos 8K race starts at 7 a.m. in downtown Richmond at 7th & Broad streets is expected to draw 6,000 entries. Take a video tour of the course and learn more about the sites you’ll see along the way.

Thanks for taking the challenge.  This tour is not for everyone, but we hope that viewers will enjoy our presentation of what you might see along the way and give you something to think about to help you survive the miles. Richmond is a beautiful city, and the course cuts through some of Richmond’s best highlights.

IN THIS MILE: The mile starts in The Fan District on the VCU Monroe Campus and heads into Monroe Ward, turning left on 3rd Street at the Richmond Times-Dispatch buildings and downhill to the finish at Cary and 9th streets in front of the James Center.

IN THIS MILE: The Carver neighborhood, where you’ll see the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School and cross Broad Street before heading into The Fan District and the northern section of the VCU Monroe campus.

IN THIS MILE: Entering the mile at Hammond Place, you’ll see the grounds of the Children’s Hospital and pass Virginia Union University.

IN THIS MILE: The course crosses Laburum Avenue again from Fauquier Avenue to Brook Road. Traffic will be heavier for most of the rest of the course. Brook Road is mostly flat and straight.

IN THIS MILE: The streets are quiet, beautiful and the homes have large yards and are well-kept. The rolling hills are a bit of a challenge for some runners.

IN THIS MILE: A lovely pass through the North Side of Richmond begins. The tree-lined streets shelter beautiful mansions and large homes on Hermitage Road and the course is relatively flat with minimal curves.

IN THIS MILE: The Boulevard is flat, except for the up hill climb to cross train tracks on an overpass in the middle of the mile. Runners generally note that this area is tough and tend to “hit the wall” around this stage of the marathon.

IN THIS MILE: The Boulevard is scenic but busy. The tree-lined median and the many duplex apartments along the course make this a great place for fans to cheer you on, and this is a point many runners start to get tired.

IN THIS MILE: A slight uphill grade, but straight up the busy Main Street section.  There is a restaurant and/or bar on nearly every corner of this stretch of the marathon, so don’t be tempted to stop and take a break!

IN THIS MILE: The mile is mostly flat, with plenty to see. On a clear day the views to the right of the downtown skyline are interesting and the approach to the VCU Monroe Park campus seems to change constantly as the school continues to grow.

IN THIS MILE: Depending on the weather, this mile can be tough. The Lee Bridge is long, high and runners are exposed to the elements.

IN THIS MILE: The Woodland Heights neighborhood. The course will be on a slight downhill grade with no turns. Traffic can be busy on Semmes Avenue.

IN THIS MILE: This area of the Westover Hills neighborhood includes some up and down rolling hills and the views are open and scenic at Forest Hill Park.

IN THIS MILE: The Westover Hills neighborhood is relatively flat. Don’t be tempted to stop at any of the shops or restaurants. Traffic is still busy on Forest Hill Avenue.

IN THIS MILE: The course crosses the Powhite Parkway and there is a significant uphill climb toward the Westover Hills neighborhood.

IN THIS MILE: Almost straight up hill through the entire mile, with a couple of turns through a quiet neighborhood.

IN THIS MILE: Flat and very scenic along south side of the James River along Riverside Drive as the course passes Williams Island and Pony Pasture Rapids.

IN THIS MILE: Flat and very scenic along south side of the James River along Riverside Drive as the course passes Huguenot Flatwater Park.

IN THIS MILE: The course is mostly flat and crosses the James River to south Richmond at the Huguenot Bridge, which was built in 1949.

IN THIS MILE: The course goes downhill. A quick run up to Cary Street, pass behind St. Catherine’s School, flat until the Country Club of Virginia and then the long descent down the hill to the River Road shopping area.

IN THIS MILE: A slight uphill in the middle of a mostly flat section, running through the very scenic Grove Avenue neighborhoods and Westhampton.

IN THIS MILE: The streets are wide and mostly flat. The neighborhoods are well-kept and the numerous tree-lined streets are worth a glance.

IN THIS MILE: The course is straight north west on Monument Avenue. You’ll pass the Arthur Ashe statue and cross Interstate 195.

IN THIS MILE: The course remains flat and takes a quick two-block turn on the Boulevard before turning to beautiful and tree-lined Monument Avenue.

IN THIS MILE: The slightest uphill, northwest on Broad Street.