NORFOLK, Va. — The Chartway Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend is back for its 10th year in the Mermaid City. This weekend, scores of runners from more than 30 different states hit the streets of Norfolk for the big event.
The 5K and 1-mile kids-run kicked off Saturday morning; and on Sunday, people showed up for a 10k and Half Marathon.
“It’s my first time participating in a run like this," runner Devon Jackson said. "I tried to prepare for it [but] I don’t think there’s a way to. You just have to get out there and do it.”
The route takes runners on a scenic course along the Elizabeth River trail, all the way to Old Dominion University, and ending at Town Point Park.
Runner Astrid Herrera said she enjoyed the views.
“The views were very good, the finish line by the water was very pretty, and running through the city is something you never get to do, so it was fun," Herrera said.
The race brought a lot of returning runners to the mermaid city, as well as some people who decided to compete for the first time, like 13News Now sports reporter Julia Haskins.
“I’m trying to get into long distance, endurance running a little bit," Haskins said. "It’s a tough process but we’re taking baby steps. This was step one, we’re doing pretty well. Next up - maybe the half marathon somewhere and down the road, maybe a full one.”
Event organizers say the two-day marathon weekend draws a lot of visitors to Norfolk who not only run but spend time enjoying restaurants and shopping in the city.
“For the whole weekend, we have about 5,000. Today there’s about 2,500 out on the course," said Amy Frostick of J&A Running. “Runners are a great demographic because they want to go to bed early, they’re out eating, they’re out spending their money shopping, and they’re not causing any ruckus. So it’s good! It’s a good demographic for any city.”
The marathon weekend is also for a good cause. Frostick said the race raised about $7,500 for the Chartway Promise Foundation. They’ve also donated 150 pairs of running shoes to Norfolk Public Schools.