Excited for Norfolk Harbor Weekend!

Celebrating community, connection, and the local spirit that makes every race unforgettable—wherever you are.

The Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon Weekend is finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited! If you’ve been around for a while, you know how much I love running, racing, and—above all—community. As an ambassador for J&A Racing, one of Hampton Roads’ primary running event organizers, I often get asked:

“What’s your favorite J&A Race?”

With nine incredible events to choose from, it’s a tough decision. Do I choose the classic Shamrock Weekend for it’s amazing party, awesome atmosphere, and nostalgia-reasons (it being my one and only marathon and home of my half marathon PR)? Do I choose Surf n Santa, because I love Christmas lights and you get to run down the boardwalk lights in Virginia Beach?

These are both great races, but for me, Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon Weekend takes the crown for me. Not only because the premier race is a Half Marathon (they also have a 10k and 5k that weekend as well), but also because of one word, “COMMUNITY.”

It’s not the biggest race (that’s Shamrock). It doesn’t have the costumes of the Wicked 10K or the magical lights of Surf-n-Santa. What makes Norfolk Harbor stand out is its heart. This race is more than just another race on the calendar—it’s a celebration of the Hampton Roads running community and the spirit that binds us together.

Why Norfolk Harbor is special

Over the past few years, I’ve watched the Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend evolve into something truly unique. J&A Racing has built an event that welcomes runners from across the country while staying rooted in the local running culture that makes Hampton Roads shine.

From the Run Club Leader Social to the lively post-race atmosphere, Norfolk Harbor is all about connection. It’s a weekend where run clubs are invited to have a tent set up for them in the finisher’s party area along the finishing straight, cheer each other on, and turn the finish line into a festival of camaraderie. It’s playful competition between clubs, heartfelt encouragement on the course, and a shared love for this amazing sport.

This intentional focus on community is why I keep coming back to this race. Norfolk Harbor reminds me (and should remind all of us) that running isn’t just about chasing PRs—it’s about celebrating every runner, every cheer, and every step of the journey. Even if you are not running yourself on a certain day, it’s a reminder that there are awesome folks out there doing awesome things.

The magic doesn’t stop in Hampton Roads

Because of that, we can see the spirit that I see making Norfolk Harbor so special isn’t limited to this weekend or eventhis area. In fact that is very clear, as I spent most of my day Saturday following on Instagram the amazing cheer zones that were a part of the Ruchmond Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8k. This highlights that every race, no matter where it’s held, has the potential to bring people together like this. From big city marathons to local 5Ks, the running community thrives on connection.

Harbor Weekend highlights for me the continued need for the running community to get out there and be supportive. It’s not just about showing up at the races you are running, but when you are really able to, show up at the races you aren’t and celebrate and cheer on others who are doing awesome things.

So, wherever you are, I challenge you to carry this energy to your local races and especially in your local run club/group meetups. Volunteer to hand out water. Line the streets with signs and cheers. Get your running club together to show up for your neighbors. The same community spirit we’ll celebrate this weekend in Norfolk can—and should—be alive in every race across the country.

This Weekend, let’s make it count!

For those of you joining us at Norfolk Harbor, let’s bring the energy!

Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, your presence is what makes this race so incredible. I’ll be sidelined this year due to an injury, but you’d better believe I’ll be out there clapping, shouting, and celebrating with the best of them.

And for those tuning in from afar, I hope this inspires you to embrace the magic of your own running community. Show up for your local races. Celebrate the runners. Be the cheer squad. Together, we can make every race feel like Norfolk Harbor—full of heart, connection, and celebration.

Running is more than a sport; it’s a way to build something bigger than ourselves. Let’s take that spirit and keep it going—starting this weekend at Norfolk Harbor and continuing wherever the next starting line finds you.

See you at the finish line, Hampton Roads—and in spirit, wherever you’re cheering on your runners.