Best For: Purpose-driven runners looking for a low-key, community-focused road race with a meaningful cause.
Course Character: Flat and repetitive (Out-and-back on the Capital Trail).
Logistics Score: ⭐⭐⭐ (Easy access via Richmond, but Charles City is a quiet, rural area—don't expect a massive race expo).
Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (At $35 for a Half or Quarter, this is an absolute steal).
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This isn't your typical high-production, neon-vested urban marathon. It’s a grassroots, heartfelt event centered around honoring Connor James Smith. If you want a massive crowd and a festival atmosphere, look elsewhere; if you want a cheap, honest race that supports families in need, this is a winner.
#Honorconnor 2026 takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Charles City, Virginia, USA. The event offers a Half Marathon, a 3/4 Marathon, a Quarter Marathon, and a 5k, with a virtual option available for those watching from afar. It is a community-centric event where all proceeds support the Connor James Smith grant for SCN8A families.
What are my distance options?
You have a strange but interesting variety here. The Half Marathon (26 miles—note: check registration for exact mileage as 26 is technically a full marathon, but the data specifies 2 loops of 3.25 miles) and the 3/4 Marathon (19.5 miles) are for the grinders. The Quarter Marathon (3.25 miles) and 5k (1.55 miles) are much shorter, out-and-back sprints. If you want the full experience, the Half is the flagship, but the 5k is a great way to support the cause without the heavy mileage.
What is the course like?
Expect repetition. Everything runs as an "out and back" on the Capital Trail starting from Indian Fields Tavern. It is a road/paved path event, meaning you won't be dodging technical roots or rocks, but you will be seeing the same scenery multiple times. This makes it excellent for pacing—you'll know exactly what the terrain feels like halfway through—but it won't be a "scenic variety" run.
Is it going to be hot on race morning?
June in Virginia is no joke. While the gun goes off at 7:30 AM EDT to beat the worst of it, the humidity in Charles City can climb rapidly. Plan for warm, sticky conditions. Bring moisture-wicking gear and don't skip the hydration. If you are doing the longer distances, you'll be out there as the sun starts to bake the trail.
What do I get for my registration fee?
For $30–$40, the value is unbeatable. You get an official race time and a finisher's medal. If you are running in person, there is also finish-line beer waiting for you—which, frankly, is the best way to celebrate a mid-June finish in the American South.
How much does it cost to enter?
The pricing is very accessible:
→3/4 Marathon: $40
→Half Marathon & Quarter Marathon: $35
→5k: $30
→Virtual options: $30
Registration deadlines are set for June 12, 2026, at 2:59 PM EDT. Check Runsignup ↗ for the most current availability.
