Let’s Go Rva!
Sports Backers fosters community through events, advocacy, and fitness, promoting a healthier, active lifestyle for all.
Get Moving With Our
Upcoming Events!
April 18, 2026
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k
The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger is RVA’s favorite spring tradition! Since 2000, people from around the Richmond region and beyond have gathered to share in the journey of crossing the 10k finish line.
March 7, 2026
Virginia Credit Union River City Half & 5k
Richmond is gorgeous and this event shows it off like never before! The half and 5k courses are rich in architecture, lush foliage, river views, and more!
April 18, 2026
Atlantic Union Bank 10K Mini
Race day isn’t just for you…it’s for your kids too! This one-mile run for kids 4-12 is sure to be the best intro to how fun running can be. Add some mascots, a shirt, and finisher medal and you’ve got the perfect Saturday! Make the #ukrops10k a family affair!
June 5, 2025
Markel Corporate Run
The Markel Corporate Run is the perfect opportunity to engage your team members by getting together to run or walk (we have a lot of walkers) a 5k and finish with RVA’s biggest networking event and office party.
Building a Healthier Community
Fitness Warriors
We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live an active lifestyle. Regardless of your neighborhood, income, or cultural background—being active is important to your overall health & well-being.
Bike Walk RVA
Bike Walk RVA, a Sports Backers program, advocates for safe, connected spaces to bike and walk for all ages and abilities. From the transformative Fall Line trail to neighborhood traffic calming and protected bike lanes, we empower advocates to shape a built environment that makes active transportation accessible and desirable for everyone.
Kids on the Move
Fitness should be FUN, and that’s why we’ve created an action-packed program designed specifically for kids. From creative exercises to running across a finish line, Kids On The Move makes staying active an adventure! Through a variety of program initiatives, children across the region make friends, build confidence, and learn healthy habits that will follow them through life.
FALL LIne
The Fall Line will be a transformational 43-mile long, north-south trail spine for our region’s active transportation network. It will connect seven localities in Central Virginia: Ashland, Hanover, Henrico, Richmond, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg.
Active RVA
The Active RVA Certification and Awards program recognizes the Richmond region’s exceptional employers and schools that are implementing innovative programs to promote physical activity. Hundreds of organizations have earned Active RVA Certification for their embrace of active living.
Volunteer
There are 8,000 people annually who volunteer to make Sports Backers and its events and programs the successes they are.
Donate
With your support, we can make this region a more attractive and vibrant place to live where safe opportunities to walk, run, bike, swim, or workout abound and where access to these activities are available to all.
Latest News & Updates
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Episode 72 – Winners Circle with Sophie King
Episode 72 – Winners Circle with Sophie King If you were at the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger you might’ve seen Sophie King whizzing by the competition. The Richmond native completed the 10k in 33:36.34 and was the first female finisher.
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Episode 71 – OTM Short, Jon’s Last 10k
Episode 71 – OTM Short, Jon’s Last 10k This April marked Jon Lugbill’s last Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k at the helm of Sports Backers. To celebrate he got to run the event he created in 2000…so really it was his first 10k as a participant!
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Episode 70 – Talking Team Ram Nation with Robby Robinson
Episode 70 – Talking Team Ram Nation with Robby Robinson VCU Athletics participated in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and the Massey Challenge with Team Ram Nation. Nan & Kam talk with Robby Robinson, the voice of the Rams, about his 10k experience (spoiler – he killed it), and why running has been a constant…
Coming Soon! Sports Backers New Office & Active Living Hub
The future home of Sports Backers office and Active Living Hub on the Fall Line trail offers an exciting opportunity to engage the community.