November 24, 2015 VIRGINIA BEACH – J&A Racing, a world-class race management company based in Hampton Roads, partnered with the City of Norfolk to host the Blue Moon Harbor Lights Half Marathon, Chartway 5K and Final Mile, presented by Bon Secours In Motion, on November 20-22. The event had 6,000 participants from 32 states and also included the largest timed 5K in all of Virginia.
This race featured flat, fast courses, through historic downtown Norfolk, and into beautiful old neighborhoods. Mile Nine of the Half Marathon course included a Baker’s Crust Pie stop for all runners to enjoy. All participants received free race photos, a unique medal, shirt, access to the post-race party and a finisher’s item. Participants celebrated their finish at a Post-Race Party in Town Point Park immediately after the race. The post party featured Blue Moon Beer, Refuel Stew specially created by the Culinary Institute of Virginia, and live music from Cheap Thrills and Snack Bar Jones. The weekend also included a 2-day Sports & Fitness expo with vendors from the health and fitness industry including running apparel and gear, nutritional products and injury prevention.
This year the Collegiate Running Association selected the City of Norfolk and the Blue Harbor Lights Half Marathon to host the first ever CRA National Half Marathon Championship. As a part of the championship, over 450 college athletes from all over the country came to Norfolk to participate. Over 20 college elites came to race for a $10,000 prize purse. The first-ever Collegiate Half Marathon Champions were crowned on Sunday morning in Norfolk, VA, as Brandon Lord (University of Virginia – 1:06:07) and Julie Patterson (VCU – 1:24:32) took the overall male and female top prize of $2,000.
