Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon
The Lowdown
The Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon presented by Sentara is the flagship event of the Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend, organized by J&A Racing in Norfolk, Virginia. Now in its 13th year, the race has been title-sponsored by Chartway since 2014. The half marathon starts and finishes on Waterside Drive in downtown Norfolk, sending runners past more than 20 mermaid statues -- Norfolk's civic art landmarks -- while the flat, fast course winds through the NEON Arts District, historic neighborhoods, and the Old Dominion University campus before finishing along the Elizabeth River at Town Point Park. The race weekend also includes a 10K held alongside the half marathon on Sunday, plus a Saturday 5K and Kids Mile. The course carries a 4-hour time limit (an 18:19 per-mile pace) and is not a Boston Marathon qualifier. Runners can combine distances through the Get Nauti and Nauti Lite challenge packages, and the weekend closes with a post-race celebration featuring live music at Town Point Park. Proceeds support the Chartway Promise Foundation, which has raised more than $10.5 million for children facing medical challenges.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Over 20 mermaid statues along the course
NEON Arts District
Old Dominion University campus
Elizabeth River waterfront
Town Point Park finish
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Norfolk, Virginia, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 12 for the half marathon
Required Documents
- Photo ID for packet pickup
Entry Methods
- Online registration via letsdothis.com
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Deferrals and transfers handled via the official Edit Your Registration page; no refunds
13th annual running in 2026
Chartway has been title sponsor since 2014; Sentara is the presenting co-sponsor
Finisher medal is a coastal mermaid-themed bottle opener
Water stops approximately every 2 miles
Race proceeds benefit the Chartway Promise Foundation
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.

