Richmond Marathon course appears safe from flooding

The head of the group that runs the SunTrust Richmond Marathon says it appears that the course for Saturday's race will not have to be altered because of rain-induced flooding.

Starting just past the 8-mile mark, nearly 2 miles of the course go on Riverside Drive in South Richmond, immediately alongside the James River.

The National Weather Service this morning projected that the James River will crest at nearby Westham Gauge at 13.9 feet at 1 a.m. Saturday, seven hours before the start of the marathon.

Flood stage at Westham Gauge is 12 feet, but Jon Lugbill, executive director of the Richmond Sports Backers, said indications are that the stretch of Riverside that is being used for the marathon does not go under water until the river level reaches 15.5 feet. According to weather service projections, the river level should be down to about 13 feet by the time the first runners begin arriving on Riverside shortly before 9 a.m.

Lugbill said the Sports Backers have developed an alternative course route for the 26.2-mile race in the event the flood-stage projection is not accurate.

More than 5,150 runners have signed up for the marathon, a record for the 32-year-old event.

-- Joe Macenka