The Richmond region’s status as a destination for sports enthusiasts has never been stronger than it is today. The Sports Backers aggressively pursue opportunities to expand the number and scope of sporting events held in the region each year. This long-term growth model is the major reason the Sports Backers were the first sports commission in the country awarded the Sports Commission of the Year title four times by the National Association of Sports Commissions.
The Sports Backers now own and produce 14 events each year that include some of the largest and most successful of their kind in the country. They include:
- Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger
- Uncorked Half Marathon & 5k
- Dominion Energy Riverrock
- Cougar 7v7 Field Hockey Tournament
- Run Bike Relay presented by Ragnar
- Anthem Corporate Run
- Virginia Credit Union Moonlight Ride
- Patrick Henry Half Marathon
- Trails & Ales
- Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival
- Walmart Biz Bowl
- Marathon Jr.
- VCU Health Richmond Marathon, Markel Richmond Half Marathon and Richmond 8k
- CarMax Tacky Light Run
The Sports Backers work to support other sports tourism events owned and operated by non-profit organizations in the Richmond region. We form strategic partnerships with selected events that show significant progress for becoming major events. In 2018, we provided marketing grants to other organizations that supported over 20 events. If your organization puts on an event that you believe qualifies, submit a grant request.
2019 Sports Backers Supported Events Calendar
January 19-21
Monument City Classic Volleyball Tournament
February 23-March 3
Ultimate Cup
March 9-31
Jefferson Cup
March 30-31
K’Crushka Disc Golf Tournament
April 6
Virginia Junior Disc Golf Championships
April 14
James River Sprints Regatta
May 4-5
Tour De Richmond Disc Golf Tournament
May 10
Southern Track Classic
May 11
Cap2Cap
May 25-27
The Beast of the East Softball Tournament
May 25-27
Boys East Cost Volleyball Tournament
May 25-27
South Atlantic Championships Volleyball Tournament
June 1-2
Sun Cup Recreational Soccer Tournament
June 8
Virginia Boat Club Sprints Regatta
July 5-7
The Queen of the Hill Softball Tournament
July 18-21
The Fast Pitch Nationals Softball Tournament
September 14
Heart of Virginia Century
October 26-27
The Halloween Cup Softball Tournament
November 3-18
Ultimate Cup
* The Sports Backers in conjunction with the Richmond Road Runners Club supports approximately 50 kids running clubs and events per year through the Kids Run RVA Grant Program.