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 3, 2027
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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Episode 129 – Meet Madelyn, Our Sports Backers Intern!
Episode 129 – Meet Madelyn, Our sports Backers Intern! For the past few months the Sports Backers marketing pod has had the pleasure of working with Madelyn, our marketing intern! Madelyn has been helping with social, editing the podcast, writing press releases, working events and more. She’s leaving us soon, so we figured now was…
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Episode 128 – Wins with Will
Episode 128 – Wins with Will Kamryn sits down with Will Dixon, on his one year anniversary as Executive Director of Sports Backers. They talk through all the wins of the last year, and everything Will’s excited about for the future. Happy Executive Director-aversary Will!Â
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Relay for a Livable Mayo Bridge: 2026 RVA Bike Month Blog #1
Relay for a Livable Mayo Bridge Written by: Emily Schreer Now in its 13th year, RVA Bike Month is a centerpiece in the Richmond region for community engagement, enthusiasm, and advocacy around high-quality, connected, and inviting biking and walking infrastructure. For returning advocates and new riders alike, there is no shortage of new things to…
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.