Sports Backers’ newest event, the Virginia Credit Union River City Half & 5K, is a chance to celebrate Richmond beyond the downtown city streets. Watch nature wake from its winter slumber and take in the early signs of spring in Virginia as you run over and along the James River, …
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Sports Backers’ newest event, the Virginia Credit Union River City Half & 5K, is a chance to celebrate Richmond beyond the downtown city streets. Watch nature wake from its winter slumber and take in the early signs of spring in Virginia as you run over and along the James River, through well-established neighborhoods and outdoor gems like Pony Pasture, and start and finish on the gorgeous campus of the University of Richmond. You’ll not only accomplish a personal goal but will also support Sports Backers nonprofit goal of building a vibrant community!
Participants in the Virginia Credit Union River City Half will set out on course on the Westhampton Green along Keller Rd on the University of Richmond. Participants will pass through the beautiful campus, run over the Huguenot Bridge and alongside the James River, passing through outdoor gems like Riverside Meadows and Pony Pasture before making their way to Forest Hill Avenue. From there, runners will be challenged to make a steep climb in the Westover Hills neighborhood, but the views of the iconic “Million Dollar View” bridge promise to be worth the effort! Participants will then head left on the Nickel bridge to cross the James River once more before running past the historic Carillon, through the well-established neighborhoods of Windsor Farms and along River Road, before finishing back on the Top Ranked “Most Beautiful Campus” of the University of Richmond.
Richmond is gorgeous and we can’t wait to show it off like never before! Both the half and 5k course are rich in architecture, lush foliage, river views, and more! If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Bald Eagle nesting along the river! Plus, in true Sports Backers fashion, we promise amazing swag and a finish line celebration for the books!
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Great course scenery
Challenging course with several hills, however, it is a nice way to get around Richmond City and it is a mostly beautiful area of town to run. MORE
Challenging course with several hills, however, it is a nice way to get around Richmond City and it is a mostly beautiful area of town to run.
BEAUTIFUL half marathon with great views
What a gorgeous race. I had participated in a half marathon where I achieved a PR the week prior, so I wasn’t racing this for speed, I was racing this … MORE
What a gorgeous race. I had participated in a half marathon where I achieved a PR the week prior, so I wasn’t racing this for speed, I was racing this for the enjoyment. Ran with my dad and some friends, and couldn’t get over the great views of the river and the beautiful houses. Course was a bit hilly, but nothing too dramatic. Packet pickup was easy on race day, swag was nice, and food was good. I had a great time and will participate again next year.
Rainy Rampage
Honored to run the inaugural event as both a passionate long distance runner as well as a UofR alum - so naturally running a race that started and finished at … MORE
Honored to run the inaugural event as both a passionate long distance runner as well as a UofR alum – so naturally running a race that started and finished at my alma mater was a no brainer for me.
Between the biting wind chill and unrelenting torrential downpour, race day was brutal, unforgiving, and mean – pair that with a course that runs through the insane hills of RVA’s Westover Hills riverside neighborhood and you have a half marathon that was not for the faint of heart. A daunting challenge, and one that I am very proud of have finished for its inaugural year. Sports Backers never disappoints with its race production, and their hard work truly lends to RVA’s many racing events to be stand out in the country and be so popular.
Overall an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to come back next year for round 2!
Beautiful course and friendly racers!
I really enjoyed running this race. It was definitely worth traveling from out of state to run. I did not use the aid stations as I ran with a handheld … MORE
I really enjoyed running this race. It was definitely worth traveling from out of state to run. I did not use the aid stations as I ran with a handheld bottle, but they appeared fully stocked and at manageable distances from each other. Running over the bridges was fun and the neighborhoods were beautiful. My only recommendation would be to push it back a couple weeks so Spring can be in full swing. I have a feeling the course would have breathless beauty with trees and flowers in bloom!
This was a great race!
I love that this race is in my hometown and so close to home. Parking and getting to the start was easy to navigate. The weather wasn't great but we … MORE
I love that this race is in my hometown and so close to home. Parking and getting to the start was easy to navigate. The weather wasn’t great but we can’t control that. The course is tough – hilly for sure but a great challenge. The scenery along the river is beautiful and I look forward to running the race on a sunny day! Very well-organized. Thank you for making it happen!
Hills
Lots of hard hills. I walked a bit of this race. Scenery was amazing though. I wish I could have enjoyed it more with the rain and my knee acting … MORE
Lots of hard hills. I walked a bit of this race. Scenery was amazing though. I wish I could have enjoyed it more with the rain and my knee acting up.
Hilly, very scenic, Very Richmond like
The race starts at University Of Richmond, a very pretty campus, and then runs On Riverside Drive along the James River, one of the most scenic and prettiest streets in … MORE
The race starts at University Of Richmond, a very pretty campus, and then runs On Riverside Drive along the James River, one of the most scenic and prettiest streets in town, if not eh prettiest. The remainder of the race has a number of hills which will test the calfs, but there is course support and cheering that will get through the tougher parts. The course ends back at UR w/ pizza, a beer truck, and other vendors. A very well run and Fun edition to Sports Backers list of awesome events in RVA!
Great Course and overall experience
This is a great course with great support throughout. The scenery was fantastic. As a slower runner I love when there’s a diverse group of paces. I never felt like … MORE
This is a great course with great support throughout. The scenery was fantastic. As a slower runner I love when there’s a diverse group of paces. I never felt like I was left back which I have in some other races.
Great course even in the rain. Plenty of water stations. Plenty of parking near start and finish.
Great Race if you love hills!
I loved this race! Great Scenery, challenging course but lots of fun! I will definitely run this race next year! I had a lot of fun cheering on the other … MORE
I loved this race! Great Scenery, challenging course but lots of fun! I will definitely run this race next year! I had a lot of fun cheering on the other runners as we ran up the hills. The water support stations were perfect. The only thing tricky is remembering where you parked since a lot of the college campus looks the same, so take a photo of what lot you parked in.
Springtime in Virginia
This was the inaugural running of the River City Half but produced by the same company that does the fall Richmond Marathon weekend. The course shared some of the same … MORE
This was the inaugural running of the River City Half but produced by the same company that does the fall Richmond Marathon weekend. The course shared some of the same route as the fall race and that would be my only slight complaint living in VA and having done a number of Richmond races. But this was a great race – very well-run especially for the first time. I can only imagine it will get better.
It is hillier and more challenging than Richmond but goes through a number of nice neighborhoods and along the river. The start/finish in the University of Richmond campus was pretty. The finish line festival was one of the best I’ve seen. Food, beer, vendors and more nice areas to hang out. Things were busy but not crowded.
These races always have nice swag. The medal was cool and the shirt was very spring like representing VA well. You also got a tote bag at the end.
Overall great race even the cool temps and rain couldn’t take away from the day. Next time, if the race is on a nice sunny March day it will be a beautiful setting.
Beautiful river views
A few long gradual uphill sections, but mostly very flat fast and runnable. Pizza and beers after, shirt medal. Beautiful views around the river and well organized. MORE
A few long gradual uphill sections, but mostly very flat fast and runnable. Pizza and beers after, shirt medal. Beautiful views around the river and well organized.
Hilly but scenic course, well organized
The course runs through some very nice old historic neighborhoods overlooking the James River. There are also a couple nice bridge crossings. Be prepared for hills though, there is about … MORE
The course runs through some very nice old historic neighborhoods overlooking the James River. There are also a couple nice bridge crossings. Be prepared for hills though, there is about 550 ft of elevation gain. Due to the large turnout (sold out) parking was a challenge for those who did not arrive early.
Beautiful views (from hilltops!)
I absolutely loved this race course. I ran the River City Half Marathon as a fun run, so that is definitely a factor in my perspective. It is HILLY, with … MORE
I absolutely loved this race course. I ran the River City Half Marathon as a fun run, so that is definitely a factor in my perspective. It is HILLY, with some fairly steep grades (biggest around the 10K mark), but the rewards for the hills are stunning views of the James River and some of Richmond’s most beautiful old homes.
When I ran the race, it was the first year, but you could never tell. Everything was well-organized both leading up to the event (helpful email updates, clear course and registration info) and day-of. The porta potty lines weren’t long. The start line was easy, with general pace groups (I believe they were by the minute, so if you have a very specific goal, this isn’t the one), and lots of free parking options at both the start and finish line. The start and finish are about a mile apart, so up to you which seems like a better option. The finish line was filled with food, fun swag and photo ops. Great finisher medal.
If you don’t mind hills, this is an awesome course and awesome race. I traveled from out of state to do it and will definitely consider doing so again. Richmond is such a fun city!
Beautiful course!
I usually run the 5ks but had 2 girlfriends as 1st timers, we laughed and enjoyed the beautiful scenery even in the rain. Next year, I'm running it. MORE
I usually run the 5ks but had 2 girlfriends as 1st timers, we laughed and enjoyed the beautiful scenery even in the rain. Next year, I’m running it.
Only Did The 5K
This is the first 5K I had done in a while and I thought it was a good experience. It was a raining day but U of R’s campus is … MORE
This is the first 5K I had done in a while and I thought it was a good experience. It was a raining day but U of R’s campus is very beautiful (even if the weather is poor).
I am a bigger runner so I enjoyed they offered a 3XL shirt (that is a huge bonus for me).
I can’t really say anything negative about the race day as I had such a good race. lol!
Beautiful Course and Well Organized
The race ran along the James River in Richmond resulting in great scenery. The logistics were also amazing. Parking and exiting was super easy. The University of Richmond is a … MORE
The race ran along the James River in Richmond resulting in great scenery. The logistics were also amazing. Parking and exiting was super easy. The University of Richmond is a lovely place to start and end the event. I definitely will be running this event again.
Beautiful route!
The start and finish at University of Richmond was well organized and easily accessible from the ample parking. A great race where you can enjoy running along and over the … MORE
The start and finish at University of Richmond was well organized and easily accessible from the ample parking. A great race where you can enjoy running along and over the beautiful James River with NO TRAFFIC!!
A nicely organized, well-supported race
I'm a native Richmonder and love running in local races. I signed up for the 5K option, having not run a 'shorter race' in quite some time. The start of … MORE
I’m a native Richmonder and love running in local races. I signed up for the 5K option, having not run a ‘shorter race’ in quite some time. The start of the race was downhill, which was different than what I am used to. The 5K course quickly winds onto Huguenot Bridge, where you get a nice view of the James River. There’s a turn-around on the bridge. I was pleasantly surprised that the back portion of the race was on a paved trail, and ended back on the University of Richmond campus. I loved the finish line- there were quite a few spectators near the finish, in spite of the sub par weather (a driving windy, rainy day). I really liked the technical shirt and the medal. Both designs were great! I will be back next year and plan to take on the 1/2 marathon course. Sportsbackers did a great job on this inaugural race. I want to put a positive plug in for the University of Richmond location- there were so many different surface parking lots at both the start and the finish. I find parking to be one of the most stressful things about attending races. The U of R venue made this a non-issue. I’ll be back!
Challenging race with beautiful views
Hills, yes there are hills but just know, when you go up, you will also come back down. Great course, amazing views of Richmond I didn't know existed. Course support … MORE
Hills, yes there are hills but just know, when you go up, you will also come back down. Great course, amazing views of Richmond I didn’t know existed. Course support was great considering it rained the entire time. I can only imagine how it will be when
the weather is nice. If you are thinking about it just do it. The inaugural was great can’t wait to see what happens at the 2nd.
Rolling on the River
This was a fantastic inaugural race! It may have rained the entire time, but that didn't dampen the energy on this course! So many spectators, beautiful views of the river … MORE
This was a fantastic inaugural race! It may have rained the entire time, but that didn’t dampen the energy on this course! So many spectators, beautiful views of the river and the neighborhoods, great markings for miles and where to turn — really well done especially for the first time! There were some killer hills, and the roads were narrow at times (hard to get around other runners) with a few potholes, but the ease of getting to the starting line & the finishing area back to your car, plus all of the refreshments for finishers and availability of porta potties can’t be beat! I would not consider this a PR-making course, but if you like a challenge & race logistics convenience, then this is a race for you.