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!
August 23, 2025
Ashland Half Marathon & 5k
Escape to small-town Virginia at the Ashland Half & 5k!
Sports Backers Marathon Training Team
Let Richmond’s running community carry you to 26.2.
Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team
It turns out one really is the loneliest number… especially when you’re training for a half marathon.
November 15, 2025
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!
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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Ashland 5k Sells Out Again in 2025: Small-Town Charm Meets Summer Racing Fun
Ashland 5k Sells Out for Third Straight Year, Race Takes Place August 23 Written by: Nan Callahan, PR & Communications Manager Summer’s 5k sells out again ASHLAND, VA – The Ashland 5k has officially sold out for the third year in a row, reaffirming its status as one of the region’s most charming and beloved…
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Episode 85 – Designs by Dion
Episode 85 – Designs by Dion Dion Ellis, Graphic Designer at Sports Backers, shares his design process for everything from merchandise to finisher swag. This week is Reveal Week for the Allianz Richmond Marathon so Dion’s basically a celebrity.
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Episode 84 – All Aboard to Ashland
Episode 84 – All Aboard to Ashland It’s almost time for the Ashland Half & 5k! Nan and guest host Ashlee chat with Emmy Richards and Kelly Franke with the Town of Ashland.
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.