Read a Sportsbackers press release with photos on the SunTrust Richmond Marathon

"I want to see Richmond," President Lincoln famously said after the long-anticipated fall of the gutted Confederate capital. Nearly 150 years later, the historic River City as a destination is much more desirable, especially if participation in the SunTrust Richmond Marathon is part of the package.

"America's Friendliest Marathon" celebrated its 31st running on November 15 with a record 14,601 entries divided evenly among the marathon, 8K, and the half marathon, which was reestablished after a 10-year hiatus. On an uncharacteristically warm and windy morning, Jynocel Basweti, from Kenya, won the marathon in 2 hours 22 minutes 22 seconds. Former Washington-area runner Kyle Smits (29), now living in Baltimore, ran 2:34:37 to finish sixth. Olympic trials marathon qualifier Kristin Price, an all-American at N.C. State and now living in Raleigh, was the first woman in 2:45:02.

Ethiopian Derese Deniboba ran 1:06:50 to edge Kenyan Elijah Kitur by one second in the half marathon, and Ethiopian Alemtsehay Misganaw won the women's half in 1:18:34. Kenyan Robert Letting, based in Albuquerque, NM, won the 8K in a quick 22:42; countrywoman Jane Murage took the women's race in 25:48, with Washington's Veterans Day 10K winner, Salome Koskei, second in 26:04.

The marathon starts downtown within a few blocks of the recently renovated state capitol originally designed by Thomas Jefferson. The city tour begins with a run through Virginia Commonwealth University on Broad Street, takes in some of the world's most famous equestrian statues to Civil War heroes and native son, tennis star Arthur Ashe, in the Fan District on Monument Avenue, crosses the James River and traces an arc on the city's south side before crossing again at the Robert E. Lee Bridge for the final eight miles in the north side, with the finish just a few blocks from the start.

The half marathon hits the downtown and Monument Avenue highlights all on the north side, while the 8K is a flat and fast, a nearly out-and-back downtown course; the races begin at staggered times but all share the same finish line, which makes for great crowd support on the downhill finish. Families are more than welcome - a one-mile kids' run takes place the night before the race at 7:00 a.m.

Washingtonians other than Lincoln have felt the president's yearning to see Richmond and have supported the race in droves over the past three decades. And no wonder--it is an easy drive to a charming and still genteel city that thrives on history and tourism. Downtown hotels are reasonably priced and plentiful and the Saturday start allows for an extra day of visiting Richmond's historic sites and touring up-close the city's architecturally notable neighborhoods.

Matt Barresi (25), from Arlington's Pacers-Brooks team, made the trip and finished fifth in the half marathon, running 1:10:11 to be the first American. "The crowd support was great," Barresi said. "The course was tough and with the weather, I'm pleased. Next year I'm coming back for the 8K, which I've heard is a PR course."

As should any runner with a desire to run in a historic, competitive and attractive venue. Did we mention it is America's friendliest marathon as well?

For more information go to www.richmondmarathon.com

Full Race Day Results