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 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!
November 14, 2026
Richmond Marathon, Half & 8k
Come run in the capital of Virginia and see for yourself why Richmond is the official home of America’s Friendliest Marathon!
December 13, 2025
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, 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!
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 102- Ned’s Workshop
Episode 102 – Ned’s Workshop ‘Tis the season to get tacky! Nan & Kam ventured to the Walton Park neighborhood, home of the CarMax Tacky Light Run! See what one resident, Ned Dunford, is working on for his yard!
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Allianz Richmond Marathon Celebrates Historic Sellout and Largest Field in Event’s 48-Year History
allianz richmond marathon celebrates historic sellout and largest field in event’s 48-year history Written by: Nan Callahan, PR & Communications Manager montclair and mulroy fly to the finish to win “america’s friendliest marathon” RICHMOND, VA – The 48th running of the Allianz Richmond Marathon marked a highlight year, welcoming the largest participant field in the…
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allianz richmond marathon kicks off historic marathon week
allianz richmond marathon kicks off historic marathon week Written by: Nan Callahan, PR & Communications Manager RICHMOND, VA – The 2025 Allianz Richmond Marathon is set to make history, with all three distances—the full marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, and VCU Health Richmond 8k completely sold out. More than 21,000 runners from all 50 states…
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.