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!
August 29, 2026
Ashland Half Marathon & 5k
Escape to small-town Virginia at the Ashland Half & 5k!
Sports Backers 8k Training Team
Spend 8 weeks in a program catered to runners and walkers of all abilities—you’ll quickly realize how fun (yes, FUN!) training can be!
December 12, 2026
CarMax Tacky Light Run
Discover millions of holiday lights on foot and soak in the very best of RVA’s tacky light scene!
March 7, 2027
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!
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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Virginia Credit Union River City Half and 5k Moves to Sunday
Virginia Credit Union River City Half and 5k Moves to Sunday Written by: Michelle Snow, PR and Communications Intern A new finish line inside the University of Richmond’s Robins Stadium, more room to grow, and a Sunday date built for what comes next RICHMOND, VA – Sports Backers announced today that the Virginia Credit Union…
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Sports Backers 2026 Run Club Grant Applications Are Now Open
Sports Backers 2026 Run Club Grant Application Now Open Written by: Michelle Snow, PR and Communications Intern Supporting local clubs to inspire active lifestyles and strengthen their communities RICHMOND, VA – Applications are open through September 15 for the second year of Sports Backers’ Run Club Grant Program, designed to fuel the growth and impact…
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More Than Miles: The Mile Makers Continues
The Mile Makers Are Gearing Up For The Fall Season! Written by: Jacki Quinlan, Director of Youth Programs Run clubs are popping up all over town, and we are here for it! Each club has its own unique flair, but what they all have in common is people coming together to be part of a…
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.