Record-breaking day at the 2012 Richmond Marathon

Amid the melee of parking and congested traffic, the Richmond Marathon broke attendance records, with runners also setting record times during the Saturday event.

November 12, 2012; 10:44 AM • by Nathan Cushing

A record 18,702 runners dashed through Richmond in last Saturday’s 2012 Anthem Richmond Marathon. Just over 6,000 participated in the 26.2-mile marathon, a registration record, boosted in part by over 800 entrants as a result of the New York City Marathon cancellation.

“It was awesome,” said Shannon Miller, a 34-year-old from Washington, D.C. who was the fifth female to cross the finish line in the HCA Virginia 8k, one of three races held. “I give it two thumbs up!” Miller was scheduled to run the ING New York City Marathon, and decided to travel to Richmond when the event in New York was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. Ryan Hill of Raleigh, NC won the 8k with a time of 0:22:37, beating out 4,484 runners.

Kipkoech Ruto, a 23 year-old Kenyan, won the full marathon with a time of 2:15:14, winning $3,000 in prize money as a result. The first female to finish the marathon was 27 year-old Ethiopian Aziza Aliyu, who clocked a 2:40:21.

Mengstu Nebsi of Ethiopia, 35, finished the American Family Fitness Half Marathon with a time of 1:03:21, a course record, competing against 8,215 runners.

The first male from Richmond to complete the marathon was Jon Molze (2:24:43). The first local female was Meredith Axisa (2:57:38). Full race results are here.

In addition to runners, 28 musical performers lined the course along with nine cheering stations and four Party Zones.

Early registrants for the 2013 Anthem Richmond Marathon can pay a discounted $65 entry fee ($55 for half-marathon) through 11:59 PM on Thursday, November 15th.