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!
Sports Backers Marathon Training Team
Let Richmond’s running community carry you to 26.2.
June 13, 2026-September 12, 2026
Great American 5000
Run or walk 5,000 kilometers from San Francisco to New York with a team of up to 12 or 24 people! Log your miles, track your progress, and compete in this fun, friendly, team-based challenge that keeps the active community connected. Ready to race? Gather your crew and start your journey!
June 4, 2026
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.
August 29, 2026
Ashland Half Marathon & 5k
Escape to small-town Virginia at the Ashland Half & 5k!
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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Sports Backers and Richmond Times-Dispatch Celebrate ALL Stars Graduation and Welcome Next Class of Leaders
Sports Backers and Richmond Times-Dispatch Celebrate ALL Stars Graduation and Welcome Next Class of Leaders Written by: Nan Callahan, PR & Communications Manager Celebration at the Hippodrome recognizes impact, growth, and future changemakers RICHMOND, VA – Leadership, service, and community took center stage at the historic Hippodrome Theater as Sports Backers and the Richmond Times-Dispatch…
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RVA Bike Month 2026 Launches with ‘Happy Little Bikes’ Theme, Pedaling into a Record-Breaking Year of Art, Advocacy, and Community Momentum
RVA Bike Month 2026 Launches with ‘Happy Little Bikes’ Theme, Pedaling into a Record-Breaking Year of Art, Advocacy, and Community Momentum Written by: Madelyn Venable, Marketing Intern RICHMOND, Va. – RVA Bike Month 2026 is officially underway, and this year’s celebration is already generating unprecedented momentum across the region. With over 80 events from rides, activations, art installations, parties, advocacy events and community…
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Episode 124 – Are You Ready for Dominion Energy Riverrock?
Episode 124 – Are You Ready for Dominion Energy Riverrock? Nan & Kam catch you up to speed on all the new things happening at Dominion Energy Riverrock this year. From new events, to a new layout, new sports to try in our Adventure Zones, and more — there’s something for everyone!
It’s Here! Sports Backers New Office & Active Living Hub
Located on the Fall Line trail, Sports Backers’ new headquarters and Active Living Hub is a vibrant center for community engagement and active living.