35 running, walking, cycling, and other events in Richmond, Virginia

This year, we’re challenging every Kougar to step up, get active, and celebrate

Next year we will be 30 years strong — one stride at a time!

In honor of our graduation year, the “Step Up for ’96” Challenge invites all classmates to walk or run toward a 6K — and for those who want a bigger goal, stretch up to 9K!

Whether you start with short walks or are ready to sprint, this is a chance to get moving, stay healthy, and help raise funds for our unforgettable 30th reunion.

What’s the 6K/9K Run-Walk All About?

This isn’t a race — it’s a celebration! The goal is to enjoy the journey with classmates, friends, and family. Over the next year, we’re encouraging everyone to walk, jog, or run at their own pace — building up to a 6K or 9K by Reunion Day on June 6, 2026.

To make it even more fun, we’re exploring the idea of hosting a few group 6K meetups at different locations throughout the year — so classmates, friends, and family can join together, stay motivated, and cheer each other on!

It’s all about getting active, reconnecting, and promoting a healthier lifestyle as we prepare to celebrate 30 years of Kougar pride.

2 Challenge Levels:

Level 1: Build up to a 6K (3.7 miles)

Level 2: Push to a 9K (5.6 miles) — because we didn’t just graduate in ’96, we owned it.

It’s been 30 years since we walked across that stage…

Now it’s time to walk around the block — so we can still be around in another 30

We celebrated 30 years since graduation — let’s walk into the next 30 with fewer pills and more steps!

Meet Up #1 will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 9am at Vita Park located in Byrd Park 2701 Police Memorial Way Richmond, VA 23220

The Grand Prix is Richmond Road Runners Club's free-running competition for RRRC members that encourages and rewards speed, participation, and volunteerism. The Grand Prix is a great way to keep your motivation up throughout the year and rewards you at the end for completing the challenge.

This program rewards you for activities you are already doing -- running and volunteering. Generally, to become a Grand Prix Finalist, you must run in 5 club races, volunteer at one club race, and one contract race. The number of races required varies for our Grand Master runners.

Updated rules for 2026 rules are here.

You must be an RRRC member to compete in the Grand Prix.

The 2026 Grand Prix year is January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, but you must Sign Up to be a Grand Prix competitor by February 16, 2026, to earn points to become a 2026 Grand Prix Finalist.

Join the Richmond Road Runners Club's Winter Marathon and Half Marathon Training Teams! We look forward to having you train with Richmond's favorite winter training program.

Registration for the 2025-2026 Winter Marathon Training Teams closes Saturday, January 3, 2026.

We offer training for:

• Virginia Credit Union River City Half Marathon on March 7, 2026

• Any marathon, half marathon, or other race you're running in spring 2026

• Runners who want to get in their weekly long run with a group that will be out there Saturday mornings!

Winter Training Team begins on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The Marathon Team starts at 7:05 AM and the Half Team starts at 7:35 AM.

Runners must be 16 years of age or older to sign up for Winter Training Team.

Interested in being part of RRRC's Winter Training Team coaching team? Email Head Coaches Jon Pigg, Emily Dietrich, Kelly Davis, and Michele Plouffe at [email protected]

Virginia Capital Fitness, LLC., 2026 Winter Marathon Training Teams begin on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, using Willow Lawn's 38 acres for parking and team gatherings. As RVA's premier Winter Marathon Training Team, VCF has the best resources to make your winter training experience awesome.

VCF offers training covering all the 2026 10k. 13.1 and 26.2 spring races. Comprehensive training plans are provided for Shamrock, One City, Sports Backers' Virginia Credit Union River City Half, and the Boston Marathon, and will be available for all paid participants:

Incredible and safe running routes.

Free excellent new short-sleeved technical team shirt.

25 VCF Coaches with many Nationally Certified in Long-Distance running.

Two VCF coaches (Katherine Zampolin & Gray Gurkin) have run 26.2s in all 50 states.

Lucky Road opens at 6:30 for warmth on cold Winter Saturdays.

Lucky Road is staffed for all your running needs.

Pre-run team active and dynamic stretching offered.

VCF selected post-run PT assistance and free massages.

Excellent nutritional advice.

Comprehensive strength improvements provided by FitPhil.

Incredible photography of your run on a designated Saturday.

Free seminars on Nutrition and the Runner's Cardiovascular System.

Staffed water stops every 4 miles for all teams.

Great post-run food amenities all around Willow Lawn.

Hot coffee, cocoa, and bagels are always available post-run.

Feel free to call/email Frankie Gerloff should you have any questions- 804-307-6405 [email protected]

Plan to join the Richmond Road Runners Club's Advanced 10K Training (A10K) to achieve that sub-60 minutes personal record in a 10K race during Spring 2026.

This 12 week program is designed for intermediate to advanced runners with a goal of completing a 10K race in less than one hour. First session is Saturday, January 24 @ 8:00 AM.

In support of our runners' ambitions, A10K Training provides a defined range of weekly volume for both the intermediate or advanced runner supplemented with detailed pacing guidance for tempo and track workouts. A10K group training includes Saturday morning tempo runs and at-home track workouts.

A10K participants should plan to show ups for the first scheduled run with a respectable mileage base - at least 15-20 miles per week for 1-2 months before the program starts. The first week of the plan calls for 20-25 miles or running. Going from 0 miles to 25 miles in the first week of training is strongly discouraged.

2026 Head Coaches: Jamie Ledwith & Cameron Hopper

Run with purpose! The LSA Charity Run (5K/10K) helps provide school supplies, food, and fun for children in Latine countries.

Last year, we raised $1,800 and hosted a field day for kids in El Salvador.

This year, our goal is $10,000 to fund field day events for children in orphanages in Bolivia!

Every single dollar goes directly to the children. Join us for a race that’s more than miles, it’s movement with meaning!

Sign up before November 30th to save, prices will increase afterward. We are limited at 300 runners! Please register ASAP.

Bib pickup will be the week of the race, at the Commons at VCU Underground.

Join thousands of animal lovers for the 24th Annual Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party, presented by Holiday Barn Pet Resorts and benefiting the Richmond SPCA! Participate in person or select the "run anywhere" option.

On Saturday, March 21, expect a day packed with fun activities for the whole family. The day begins with a chip-timed 5K (3.1 mile) for people only, our free half-mile Kids Fun Run, then a leisurely 1-mile Dog Jog. The event is rain or shine, however our Block Party will have a rain date of Sunday, March 22. All net proceeds aid in our efforts to rescue and rehabilitate homeless animals and to deliver crucial programs to pets and the people who love them.

Your Dog Jog, 5K or Run Anywhere registration includes:

• An event T-shirt (for the first 1,000 registrants)

• A bag full of exciting giveaways from our generous sponsors (for the first 1,000 registrants)

• A numbered race bib (for the 5K)

• GPS tracking, progress alerts and official race timing through the RaceJoy app as you hit milestones along your route (if you choose our Run Anywhere option)

The Hill Topper 5k takes runners through the beautiful neighborhood and parks of Church Hill and ends right in the middle of the Church Hill Irish Festival. Proceeds benefit local community organizations and projects supported by The Rotary Club of Church Hill.

💥💥💥 T-Shirt (and/or preferred size) not guaranteed for registrations after 2/23. While supplies last! 💥💥💥

💚 Packet Pick-up Dates/Times:

Thursday, March 19th: 3:30pm - 6:00pm

Location: Lucky Road Run Shop - 1601 Willow Lawn Drive, Richmond VA 23230

Friday, March 20th: 5:00pm -7:00pm

Location: Rotary Club of Church Hill tent - In the east corner of the Patrick Henry Park - 308 N 24th St., Richmond VA, 23223

Saturday, March 21th: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Location: Church Hill Irish Festival - Rotary Club of Church Hill tent - in the east corner of the Patrick Henry Park

WE ARE ALSO IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS! (click here)

We like to go The Extra Mile? Do you? Now is your chance!

We are back for year three! At Extra Mile Pediatrics we like to do things a little differently because, well, we are a little EXTRA! Join us for a 5k PLUS The Extra Mile! See you all at Forest Hill Park on April 11, 2026 as you show your support for Extra Mile Pediatrics!

If you register for the 5k + The Extra Mile that includes The Extra Mile at the end totaling your race distance to 4.1 miles! The 5k + The Extra Mile registration includes a t-shirt if you are registered by March 22, 2026!

If you register for the Virtual 5k + The Extra Mile your race distance totals 4.1 miles! As a virtual participant you will receive a race medal and have the option of purchasing a race shirt, if registered by March 22, 2026, that will be mailed along with your medal! Enter your race results anytime between April 4, 2026 - April 17, 2026! Feel free to post about your experience on social media and tag us so that your support and energy can be shared virtually! @extramilerva @extramilepediatrics

Be a part of the Forest Hill Spring Classic, a series of bike races and activities for ages 2-12:

• 4 and under Push/Balance bikes: 150 yards course with turns

• 7 and under Pedal bikes: 450 yards course with turns

• 12 and under Pedal bikes: Approx. 3 miles trail course

We will not host practice sessions this year. We encourage you to practice on your own time!

SPONSORED BY THE FRIENDS OF FOREST HILL PARK AND VIRGINIA OUTSIDE

On April 24th and 25th, two brave teams of 8 people will take on Ragnar Trail Richmond at Pocahontas State Park. The teams will complete 122.4 miles in a relay-style race. These 16 individuals will push themselves physically and mentally to complete this challenge. These awesome runners are also raising money for a worthy cause - Kids On The Move, a program of Sports Backers. Kids On The Move supports youth running and fitness clubs in the Richmond, Virginia region, giving school aged kids an opportunity to train for and participate in a local race over the course of a fall and spring season. Kids On The Move provides resources for their coaches to foster a safe and fun environment to build up their young runners' physical endurance in order to be ready for race day. This program also helps youth overcome barriers to participation by offering complimentary race entries, covering the cost of transportation to and from the events, providing team t-shirts free of cost, and even outfitting

youth in need with new running shoes.

Please consider making a donation to Kids On The Move.

The Cause - This 5k('ish) fun run is held to honor the memory of Christian Wood, a talented young kayaker who lost his life while paddling on the James River in 2018. The proceeds from this race will be used to fund the work of Friends of the James River Park System (jamesriverpark.org), the Christian Wood Scholarship Fund to send underprivileged kids to Passages Adventure Camp, and the programming of the James River Park System's Education Department. Friends of the James River Park is the largest nonprofit support group for the area's beloved James River Park System. Our mission is to protect, expand, and enhance the James River Park.

This is the sixth year of this event in memory of Christian Wood. Christian was a senior at Trinity Episcopal School, an elite kayaker, and a regular counselor and instructor at Passages Adventure Camp. A talented student and amateur filmmaker, he found his joy in the rapids and whitewater of the James River. In 2018, despite his kayaking skills and protective gear, he lost his life in a tragic accident in a hydraulic on the James River. Christian enjoyed being a staff member of Passages Adventure camp and introducing campers to our amazing James River. That is why the proceeds from this event are dedicated to getting more kids into the park, to discover the joy to be had in and around natural environs.

We hope you will join us for this fun family event, and help us honor Christian's memory by expanding educational opportunities for children in the park and helping improve our James River Park System. Please sign up to run/walk or make a donation today!

The top two racers in each age group will receive a prize.

The Course- This family-friendly 5k run/walk will take participants along the banks of the James river on Riverside Drive and through some of the James River Park System's most scenic and accessible views. One of the most popular swimming and sunbathing spots in the JRPS, Pony Pasture Rapids receives almost a quarter of a million visitors annually. The main entrance to Pony Pasture is located off Riverside Drive, two miles east of the Huguenot Bridge. Participants should expect to be on some road, trail, and gravel path elements.

Well-behaved leashed dogs and off-road capable strollers are welcome, particularly if you are walking! Dogs must be leashed, with no exceptions, and we ask that extra care be taken to ensure that leashes do not present a tripping hazard to other participants. We want you to be able to include your furry friends, and it has to be done in a way that does not impact other race attendees. Part of the course will be along an active roadway, which is something you might need to be aware of when planning whether or not you are comfortable bringing your dog.

Genworth | CareScout Cap2Cap presented by Dominion Energy is back for its 21st year on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th, 2026!

Genworth | CareScout Cap2Cap presented by Dominion Energy is the annual bike ride and fundraiser event for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. It's a celebration of cycling and community on the Virginia Capital Trail (VCT)! The ride features four distance options: Century (100 miles), Half Century (50 miles), Quarter Century (25 miles), and 7-mile Family Fun Ride. Riders can also opt in for a 2-Day Challenge and spend the whole weekend with us out on the Trail. Can't make the ride in person? We've got a Virtual option that allows you to ride any day during the entire month of May!

The 2026 Genworth | CareScout Cap2Cap presented by Dominion Energy has an Open-Start format, meaning you can start and finish whenever and wherever you like to ride along the Virginia Capital Trail. Not sure where to start? Check out these suggested routes!

Enjoy the Party Zones at Chickahominy Riverfront Park on Friday, May 8th and at Dorey Park on Saturday, May 9th. Riders will be supported by five Rest Stops over the 51.7-mile Trail and will receive a Cap2Cap t-shirt and SWAG, lunch, a beverage ticket, and more!

Register to support the Trail you love and enjoy a day (or two!) celebrating by cycling such an incredible resource! Walk-up registration is available at all Packet Pickup locations during the specified hours. T-shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed after March 10th and sizes may be limited.

Please see the Event Info & FAQ Pages for further event details.

We’re excited to be heading into our third year! After an amazing start, come join us in making a positive difference in supporting our service men and women during Military Appreciation Month. With a prime downtown location, river views, and the unique experience of traversing Belle Isle, this 5K Run and Ruck is one for the books.

The Escape Belle Isle 5K Run and Ruck welcomes all participants—from casual runners to competitive athletes to those looking for a meaningful rucking challenge in honor of our military. Race day is Saturday, May 2, 2026, with check‑in from 8:00–9:00 a.m., an opening ceremony at 9:15 a.m., the 5K run starting at 9:30 a.m., and the 5K ruck beginning at 9:35 a.m. The award ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Virginia War Memorial, recognizing the top three male and female finishers in both the run and ruck categories.

This event proudly benefits Semper Fi & America’s Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance and lifelong support to our nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families. Their needs‑based approach ensures personalized, ongoing support for as long as it is required.

All participants will receive finisher items—a challenge coin and patch—and top finishers will be honored with a special prize goodie bag featuring items from our vendors and sponsors.

Join Girls on the Run Greater Richmond as we close out our Spring 2026 program! The 5K is a key part of the GOTR experience - crossing that finish line gives girls a tangible sense of accomplishment and the confidence to achieve their dreams. Whether you walk, jog, roll, or cheer from the sidelines, 5K day is all about coming together and embracing the milestones that make life magical. All ages and paces are welcome!

Event Details:

Sunday, May 3

Bryan Park

Doors open at 8:00am, 5K begins at 9:00am

Registration is $30. Sign up at https://www.gotrrichmond.org/5k.

About us: Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a non-profit that inspires 3rd-8th grade girls to live joyful, healthy, and confident lives. Through their research-backed after-school curriculum combining physical activity, dynamic discussions, and fun games, GOTR provides young girls with the skills they need to unleash their confidence and boldly pursue their dreams.

Kayak Boatercross: First time trials and then a single elimination, head to head kayak race down the James, heats of 4-5 competitors will battle it out through the rapids and around the buoys to advance to the next round. Top two survivors move on until only four are left to compete in the championship heat.

SUP Cross: New day! In this single elimination, head to head Stand Up Paddle Board race down the James, heats of 4-5 competitors will battle it out to advance to the next round. Top two survivors move on until only four are left to compete in the championship heat.

Downriver Paddle: Participants will start at Reedy Creek and race downriver through First Break, Hollywood, Fish Ladder (VEPCO Levy), Pipeline, and on to the finish at the 14th Street takeout. And be prepared to test your skills and showoff to the crowds as you will have to complete a mandatory ferry and if you are in a kayak, a mandatory roll. Racers will be sent off in a mass start based on division and boat type and the fastest time will win! Pick your boat, kayak, canoe, or SUP.

The Big Run 5k - Presented by Brooks and Fleet Feet Richmond

Get Ready to Party with Fleet Feet on Global Running Day! Mark your calendar for The Big Run 5k on June 3rd, 2026

Global Running Day is our holiday; a celebration of the activity we love and the sport that brings our community together. We’re inviting all runners and walkers to join us on June 3rd to mark the occasion, set a goal and cross the finish line of The Big Run 5K presented by Brooks and Fleet Feet Richmond.

The race will be held at Stone Brewing Company and the course will be along the Capital Trail.

The first 100 Registered runners/walkers will get a medal, t-shirt, and some giveaways from our sponsors. We're excited to work with our local and national sponsors for this event! All runners above the age of 21 will receive 1 free beer ticket to be used at Stone Brewing after the event (ID's are required).

Event Timeline

1. 4:30pm - 5:45pm - race day packet pick up

2. 6pm - race start! Remember, the start of the race will be across the street located on the Capital Trail.

3. 6:30 - 8:30pm - After party. Hang out at the brewery for beer, prizes and food from their food truck! Please remember to bring your ID!

Packet Pick Up

Packet pick up will be held on Tuesday, June 2nd from 2pm to 7pm at our Westhampton store - located at 5600 Patterson Avenue, Richmond VA 23226.

If you cannot make it to pick up your packet on June 2nd, you will be able to pick up your packet on race day between 5pm - 5:45pm at a tent located at the entrance of Stone Brewing Company.

Parking

Ample parking is located at Stone Brewing Company, 4300 Williamsburg Ave, Richmond, VA 23231.

The 3rd annual Legacy Ruck and Roll event will be hosted by the Drew Ross Memorial Foundation.

This heartfelt initiative is aimed at raising awareness and funds for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF) and the Drew Ross Memorial Foundation (DRMF).

Legacy Ruck and Roll brings together the community to honor the legacy of Post 9/11 servicemembers and support the families of fallen heroes. Participants engage in a ruck march, symbolizing the perseverance and dedication of military personnel. The event not only fosters a sense of community but also inspires patriotism and selfless service.

Participants can walk, ruck, or roll based upon desires and abilities at this fully accessible event. There are two routes: a gentle 2-mile course or a slightly rugged 3.5 miles. Pausing at stations along the route allows guest speakers to share brief yet powerful messages to encourage personal reflection centered around the GWOTMF Mission: Honor, Heal, Empower, Unite. The courses are joined from the start and break off in the middle to join again for the conclusion of the ruck

Participants are welcome to bring a ruck if they choose, but it is not required to take part in the event. There are no weight specifications for those who opt to carry a ruck—this is a personal choice.

The purpose of this event is not to test physical endurance but to experience the guided stations as we move through the timeline of the Global War on Terror. Each station provides an opportunity to reflect on the service, sacrifice, and legacyof those who served during these pivotal moments in history. Whether you choose to ruck or walk, we encourage you to move with purpose and honor those who gave so much.

Each registered participant will receive a Legacy Ruck and Roll tshirt. Adult and youth sizes are available. Shirt availability can only be guaranteed if participant is registered by May 25.