Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon
Norfolk's Harbor Cup offers a flat, scenic tour of the city's waterfront and historic neighborhoods.
Race Date
Nov 21, 2026
Location
Norfolk, VA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Location
- Norfolk, Virginia
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K run | kids run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 19,149
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Chartway Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend has become a beloved fixture, now in its 13th year, drawing participants from around 30 states. This event, produced by JA racing, offers a compelling blend of urban exploration and waterside charm.
Runners can expect a largely flat course that winds through downtown Norfolk, historic districts, and even the campus of Old Dominion University. A brief section on a packed, crushed stone trail adds variety before returning to the harbor area. The course is USATF certified, with a minimal net drop and slight start/finish separation, making it a potential PR course for many.
With a median field size of around 1,585 finishers and a growing trend, the atmosphere is lively, supported by enthusiastic spectators and a festive post-race celebration. The event is noted for its strong production, offering quality swag like long-sleeved tech shirts and finisher medals, alongside post-race refreshments and entertainment, making it a destination-worthy race.
Race-provided description
Join us for the 12th annual Chartway Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend presented by Sentara. Enjoy Norfolk, Virginia's Downtown, thriving art community, historic neighborhoods, and Old Dominion University's campus as you take on the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon.
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban, Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
1.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
VA23037RT
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9113 years running
~1,585 finishers a year
growing or steady
26% returning runners
USATF certified
runners from 30 states
winner 1:13:07
typical high 58°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
44°
Afternoon (High)
58°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 19,149 finishers actually crossed the line across 13 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
19,149
Median time
2:11:44
Latest turnout
1,721
States
47
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon?
The Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon is held on Saturday, November 21, 2026.
Where does the Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Norfolk, Virginia.
What distances does the Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K run | kids run.
Is the Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 19,149 runners who have completed the Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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