First-ever 'Sports Backers Marathon' Launched for March 12-14, 2021
Event will also feature half marathon and 5k distances, as well as virtual option
RICHMOND, VA – The first-ever ‘Sports Backers Marathon’ will take place over the weekend of March 12-14, 2021, at Dorey Park and the Virginia Capital Trail, Sports Backers announced this week. The event will feature measured, marked courses for a marathon, half marathon, and 5k, allowing participants to train confidently through the winter to celebrate crossing a finish line in March. A virtual option remains in place for participants to take part on a route of their choosing as well, and registration is now open at www.sportsbackers.org/events/sports-backers-marathon/.
The official measured and marked courses will be open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 12-14 and will include a shared start and finish line in Dorey Park in Henrico County, just east of downtown Richmond, before continuing along the Virginia Capital Trail, a paved, 10-12-foot wide dedicated multi-use path providing participants a scenic and protected route. The courses will feature mile markers, touchless bottle refill stations, on-site packet pickup, and restroom facilities. A detailed list of COVID-19 health and safety protocols will be in place during the event.
Registration fees are currently $70 for the marathon, $60 for the half marathon, and $25 for the 5k, with price increases for each on February 1. The registration includes a chip-timed bib, unique finisher medal, unisex short-sleeve technical shirt or ladies’ technical tank, and an additional premium finisher item for full and half marathon participants.
“We’re excited to launch the Sports Backers Marathon and continue to provide motivation and encouragement for active living over the next few 
months,” said Molly Johnson, Sports Backers Marathon Event Director. “We know from the Richmond Marathon in November that participants really value the custom race experience and the option to pick their own race day and start time, and we look forward to offering another opportunity for participants to step up to a start line, take on the challenge of a marathon, half marathon, or 5k, and feel the joy and excitement of crossing the finish line in March.”
The USA Track and Field-certified race courses will be open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day from Friday, March 12, to Sunday, March 14. The event will utilize the RaceJoy app to track participant times and compile a race leaderboard, allow friends and family to send messages to runners, and guide participants along the courses.
Participants unable to take part on the official courses will have the opportunity to run virtually on a course of their own choosing. Virtual participants will have until March 31 to upload their results in order to receive a finish time and be added to the event leaderboard. More information on the Sports Backers Marathon can be found at www.sportsbackers.org.
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