RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - America’s Friendliest Marathon is returning to the River City this weekend—bringing thousands of runners to Richmond for the 48th annual Allianz Richmond Marathon.

But before the big day, many of those athletes are taking part in a beloved (and delicious) pre-race ritual: carb-loading at Joe’s Inn in the Fan.

For more than two decades, runners from all over have flocked to the iconic Italian restaurant on Shields Avenue to dig into a giant plate of classic spaghetti.

While the sauce is a crowd-pleaser, for most runners, it’s all about the source of energy those carbs provide.

Joe’s Inn General Manager Lars Reisinger says the marathon tradition not only builds community, but has boosted business year after year.

“The night before the marathon is Joe’s Inn’s bus

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