Don’t miss the breathtaking course at Sports Backers’ newest event, the Virginia Credit Union River City Half & 5K! 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 …
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Don’t miss the breathtaking course at Sports Backers’ newest event, the Virginia Credit Union River City Half & 5K! 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 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.
The beautiful 5K course will lead participants through campus and along River Road before running out and back on the Huguenot Bridge. After soaking in spectacular river views, participants will return toward campus along the Gambles Mill Corridor and finish near Westhampton Lake.
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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The race I will likely never get to run
It has been two years now I have tried to run this race. Both times we get screwed over by the parking situation. And this year we got their early … MORE
It has been two years now I have tried to run this race. Both times we get screwed over by the parking situation. And this year we got their early and we still had to go through the ordeal with parking.
They have parking near the starting line and near the finish line. Great, right? The way to get to the starting parking is a road with only one way in and one way out to then go on the other side of the college campus, only accessible through a round about way. They do not close parking when it’s full and make you drive through the whole way round rather than, say, put up a sign, or redirect traffic. So although we got their early, we waisted 45 minutes just being ushered through the worst parking set up imagined by, I don’t know, someone who hates runners. And then, the spots that are available near the finishing line (depending on your definition of near, I guess that’s accurate) is, so far from the start that it was another 20 minutes before we got remotely near the starting line. No we did not make it.
In addition to signs and just telling people there’s no parking, I suggest having early arrivals go to the further lot. “Why would you punished the people that show up extra early??” Oh no. They have to walk/run. At a running event. Stop. Police.
And then the late arrivals can park closer and maybe make it to the race. And it was not just us. There were at least 20 or 30 of us scrambling through this mess, that I saw. No idea how many people just dipped instead of try and make it.
They say third times the charm, but I’m no going to try again next year. It sucks because it’s one of the most beautiful areas of the city. It’s a simple course, but they really need better parking organization or something.
Unrelated to my grievances with the (lack of) race, it’s also insanely easy to cheat at this race. I did not cheat. Like I said, I didn’t get to run it. However, our bib track some how still managed to get captured. We did not make it near the starting line. It was in our sight, but we gave up when we saw them turn away some of the other people that got screwed over by the bad parking situation. Then we had to walk all the way back to our car, past the finish line. Apparently it was enough. I did not even realize the bib was active until I got an email saying I ran a 19 minute and some seconds 5k. I run a 17 minute mile at the moment, 15 if I really push. There is no way, but hey, maybe just some other weird organizational thing.
Stunning Views w/ Stellar Crowd Support
My first half. And the crowd support was great for this. The race itself is gorgeous coursing along and across the James River and through some of Richmond's most beautiful … MORE
My first half. And the crowd support was great for this. The race itself is gorgeous coursing along and across the James River and through some of Richmond’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Yes it’s hilly but it’s beautiful and fun. The last mile downhill is amazing (really adds to the finish). The finish area is a bit crowded (lines for ID checks/drink tickets were quite long and minimal food options for family/friends of race participants) but atmosphere, weather, course, crowds, and scenery more than made up for it. Would love it to be 2-3 weeks later so you could really see all of spring coming out but understand it’s timing in early March from a temperature standpoint too. Overall definitely recommend and hope to do again at some point.
Absolutely Wonderful Race!!
This was my first time running the River City Half and everything was perfect from start to finish! Very organized and well-run, great scenery, wonderful spectators and cheering squads, amazing … MORE
This was my first time running the River City Half and everything was perfect from start to finish! Very organized and well-run, great scenery, wonderful spectators and cheering squads, amazing swag (one of the prettiest medals I’ve ever seen!) and lots of other awesome race items (like the nice long-sleeved shirt and handy tote bag)! Yes, there was a huge hill but it wasn’t the worst hill I’ve ever seen and the fans cheering us on made it more bearable! Excellent race as a whole and I am looking forward to running this half again!
I give this race 5/5 stars!!! ❤️
Beautiful & Fun
I thoroughly enjoyed this race! I’ve encouraged my running friends to do this race with me next year. It starts on the U of R campus and takes you out … MORE
I thoroughly enjoyed this race! I’ve encouraged my running friends to do this race with me next year. It starts on the U of R campus and takes you out into the roadway, then across a bridge with the most beautiful view! The smiles on everyone’s faces across all ages says it all.
The hills are challenging but doable! The shirts and medals were great. The post race celebration is one of the best! I will definitely be back!
Tough, beautiful, fun
The packet pick-up was a logistical nightmare between one locating the store, two finding parking and three navigating my way back home. It would be great for two packet pickup … MORE
The packet pick-up was a logistical nightmare between one locating the store, two finding parking and three navigating my way back home. It would be great for two packet pickup locations for North side participants and Southside participants. The volunteer support at the race and on course was terrific. It was easy to locate the start from parking area and plenty of water on course. Great crowds cheering runners all along the route even bands and music. I hope to participate again.
Pretty good time
Everything was easy to sign up and get there. The course was great, no where can be completely flat. It’s a great one to have friends come to. They won’t … MORE
Everything was easy to sign up and get there. The course was great, no where can be completely flat. It’s a great one to have friends come to. They won’t be waiting super long (compared to the full) and lots of drinks to celebrate with after!
Well organized & scenic
Ran the 5k, it was a great run through beautiful scenery. Tu rn around is at the end of the bridge, so you run over the river 2x! Organized, chef's … MORE
Ran the 5k, it was a great run through beautiful scenery. Tu rn around is at the end of the bridge, so you run over the river 2x! Organized, chef’s kiss! I loved the morning of bib pick up and the race shirt at the finish line. Great shirt & medal!
The race w/ amazing encouragement signs
This race had the perfect amount of hills. Running around the RVA was such a blast. The signs that both spectators and the race had were AMAZING!! Highly recommend this … MORE
This race had the perfect amount of hills. Running around the RVA was such a blast. The signs that both spectators and the race had were AMAZING!! Highly recommend this race if you are looking for a half marathon in the spring.
Scenic run around the city!
This was a very well organized race. You could tell there was a lot of thought put into logistics, and the course itself offered a variety of different views and … MORE
This was a very well organized race. You could tell there was a lot of thought put into logistics, and the course itself offered a variety of different views and variations. Will be returning next year!
Amazing course and great views
Love running along side the James River, well paved city trails and luxurious neighborhoods. Albeit a bit hilly, very rewarding. Great crowd support and volunteers. Will return again, thank you! MORE
Love running along side the James River, well paved city trails and luxurious neighborhoods. Albeit a bit hilly, very rewarding. Great crowd support and volunteers. Will return again, thank you!
Scenic with 2 tough climbs
Scenic and cozy course, crossing the river twice and running alongside it for a bit too, with some quiet neighborhood roads sprinkled in. There are 2 hills between miles 6-8.5 … MORE
Scenic and cozy course, crossing the river twice and running alongside it for a bit too, with some quiet neighborhood roads sprinkled in. There are 2 hills between miles 6-8.5 that will challenge you, but the last few miles after that provide opportunity to finish strong.
Great race
This is a great race for half marathon fans. Amazing views! Some challenging hills, but great race support along the way and a good after-party to celebrate. If they could … MORE
This is a great race for half marathon fans. Amazing views! Some challenging hills, but great race support along the way and a good after-party to celebrate. If they could remove the smell of cow poop from Maymont, that would make it nearly perfect 💩😂
Pretty course with plenty of hills
It is a very pretty course partially along the river. Lots of parking and an easy start line. The coures is well marked, with good support stations. There aren't many … MORE
It is a very pretty course partially along the river. Lots of parking and an easy start line. The coures is well marked, with good support stations. There aren’t many spectators, but it’s a smaller race. The hills are challenging, especially the one at mile 6. The last mile is mostly downhill and helps you have a strong finish. I would say this is not a course to PR on. Cruise and enjoy.
Second Half Ever - Second PR!
I'm a flatlander, originally from Houston, TX where I ran my first ever half marathon in January 2026. This was my second ever half and I was expecting to be … MORE
I’m a flatlander, originally from Houston, TX where I ran my first ever half marathon in January 2026. This was my second ever half and I was expecting to be taken out by the hills. They were challenging, but this course was gorgeous! It was foggy out, but the river views were majestic anyway. I’d run this race again and again as I am now a Virginian and this race is what I would consider to be local to me now.
Scenic half race!
The race was pretty to run on as the course passed along water and and nature. I even PR’d and the weather was perfect! It was not super hot and … MORE
The race was pretty to run on as the course passed along water and and nature. I even PR’d and the weather was perfect! It was not super hot and did not rain!
Gorgeous river views to forget the hills
This beautiful yet challenging course is just what you need for a spring race. The hills make you work but the views running along and over the James River make … MORE
This beautiful yet challenging course is just what you need for a spring race. The hills make you work but the views running along and over the James River make it all worth it. Oh, and the best looking medals and swag in the RVA. 10/10 would recommend
Beautiful River Run
It is a very pretty run. Parking is easy. Well marked course. The hills are challenging but the last mile is mostly downhill and helps make for a strong ending … MORE
It is a very pretty run. Parking is easy. Well marked course. The hills are challenging but the last mile is mostly downhill and helps make for a strong ending to the race. Post race festival was put together well – it was chilly but perfect running weather. I would sign up for this one again and again!
Pretty and Hilly
If you love hills, this race is for you if you don’t love hills, this race is for you too! Beautiful scenery, excellent crowd support, and a great after party. … MORE
If you love hills, this race is for you if you don’t love hills, this race is for you too! Beautiful scenery, excellent crowd support, and a great after party. The challenge of the hills is worth it to take a tour of Richmond.
No award ceremony? This was a race?
I thought it was disappointing that there was no award ceremony, and thus no recognition of the podium finishers. If the Race Director wants to make it a fun run … MORE
I thought it was disappointing that there was no award ceremony, and thus no recognition of the podium finishers. If the Race Director wants to make it a fun run go for it but don’t call it a race if this is the approach.
On another note, that was a punishing course! Perhaps the hardest I’ve ran in 25 years of racing. The course included +32m straight into -38m of elevation. Fair to say the legs were in shock mode from the constant up and downs. This is a risky course for those who are vulnerable to developing a stress fracture.
The positives; weather was perfect. A fair bit of support along the course. Parking was convenient although a bit of an uphill walk to the car afterwards.
Scenic course with some decent hills
It starts and ends on the beautiful University of Richmond campus. Much of the race is along the James River and gives some nice views. There are a few challenging … MORE
It starts and ends on the beautiful University of Richmond campus. Much of the race is along the James River and gives some nice views. There are a few challenging hills, particularly around 6 and 9 mile marks, but the last few miles are pretty chill. I would definitely run this race again!