2026 Colonial Half Marathon and 5K
The 2026 Colonial Half Marathon and 5K will take place on February 14, 2026, in Williamsburg, Virginia, offering runners a scenic and historically rich route through the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. The event is scheduled for a day expected to have partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 55°F, creating ideal conditions for road running. Participants will experience a course that traverses flat, paved city streets, with brief sections on historic brick paths and a short gravel path near the Capitol Building. The half marathon and 5K courses wind through the historic district, featuring iconic landmarks and concluding with a challenging climb known as "Fortitude Hill." The event also includes a mini half for families and children, providing a fun and accessible option for all ages.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- →5K (3.1 miles)
- →Mini Half (approximately 1 mile)
What is the course like?
- →The course primarily consists of flat, paved city streets through Colonial Williamsburg.
- →There are brief sections on historic brick paths and a short gravel path near the Capitol Building.
- →The half marathon includes an out-and-back segment on Carters Grove Country Road.
- →Both the half marathon and 5K feature a challenging climb up "Fortitude Hill" on Nassau Street near the finish line.
What are the start and finish locations?
- →The half marathon and 5K start at the intersection of Nassau and Francis Streets, adjacent to the Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.
- →The mini half starts after the half marathon wave, running an out-and-back on Duke of Gloucester Street within the historic area.
What are the event highlights?
- →The race is deeply connected to Williamsburg's colonial heritage, with period-costumed Fife and Drum Corps providing musical escort at the start.
- →All finishers receive a long-sleeve performance shirt (guaranteed size for early registrants), a custom medal, and access to a post-race celebration with complimentary beer and pizza.
What charitable causes does the event support?
- →The event benefits the Daniel G. and Rosemary B. Stimson Track Endowment at William & Mary.
- →It also supports Heroes on the Water Tidewater chapter.
What is the time limit for the half marathon?
- →The half marathon has a 3.5-hour time limit.
What is included in registration?
- →Participants receive a long-sleeve performance shirt (guaranteed size for early registrants).
- →All finishers receive a custom medal.
- →Access to a post-race celebration with complimentary beer and pizza is provided.
What is the schedule for the event?
- →The half marathon and 5K start at the same location, with the half marathon beginning first.
- →The mini half is an untimed fun run for all ages, starting after the half marathon wave.
Are there any special features or traditions associated with the event?
- →The race begins with a musical escort by period-costumed Fife and Drum Corps.
- →The course passes through key historic sites in Colonial Williamsburg, such as the Governor's Palace, Capitol Building, and Duke of Gloucester Street.