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!
April 12, 2025
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k
The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger is RVA’s favorite spring tradition! Since 2000, people from around the Richmond region and beyond have gathered to share in the journey of crossing the 10k finish line.
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!
April 12, 2025
Atlantic Union Bank 10K Mini
Race day isn’t just for you…it’s for your kids too! This one-mile run for kids 4-12 is sure to be the best intro to how fun running can be. Add some mascots, a shirt, and finisher medal and you’ve got the perfect Saturday! Make the #ukrops10k a family affair!
June 5, 2025
Markel Corporate Run
The Markel Corporate Run is the perfect opportunity to engage your team members by getting together to run or walk (we have a lot of walkers) a 5k and finish with RVA’s biggest networking event and office party.
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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Sports Backers Announces New Executive Director, Will Dixon
Sports Backers Announces New Executive Director, Will dixon Written by: Nan Callahan, PR & Communications Manager Dixon to succeed Lugbill as tenure ends in June RICHMOND, VA – Sports Backers, the award-winning nonprofit organization committed to inspiring active living in the Richmond region and beyond, announced the selection of its new Executive Director following a…
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Episode 68 – Meet Our NEW Executive Director
Episode 68 – Meet Our NEW Executive Director This fall, Sports Backers announced that Jon Lugbill, our Executive Director of the last 32 years, was planning to retire. After a nation-wide search, we now know who will be taking over in June and it’s none other than Sports Backers’ own Will Dixon!
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Episode 67 – Beat the 10k Price Hike and Check Out Our New Space!
Episode 67 – Beat the 10k Price Hike and Check Out Our New Space! Nan & Kam reveal their new podcast room and chat with Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k Race Director, Meghan Keogh. Meghan has led the charge on the 10k for the last 10 years, so she’s basically an expert!
Coming Soon! Sports Backers New Office & Active Living Hub
The future home of Sports Backers office and Active Living Hub on the Fall Line trail offers an exciting opportunity to engage the community.