On the Move

Meet Emily Schreer, our Policy and Planning Manager for Bike Walk RVA. Emily will be working to advance local and regional plans and policies that support active transportation, with a focus on placemaking projects, community engagement initiatives, and the Fall Line Vision Plan. She's also growing indigo, learning Swahili, and roller skating...so safe to say her agenda is full.

With the Allianz Richmond Marathon reaching capacity, focus has shifted to the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon. The Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team is the perfect way to get race day ready, and it starts in August. Nan talked with half marathon training team coach, Timmy Siverd, about his running journey and why he loves the program.

This week, the Allianz Richmond Marathon sold out for the third consecutive year and faster than ever before. We asked the Sports Backers staff what makes race day so special, and challenged them to guess the color of this year's shirt. The swag reveal is coming later this summer. There still time to join the waitlist, and you can sign up for the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon and the Capital...

For the past few months the Sports Backers marketing pod has had the pleasure of working with Madelyn, our marketing intern! Madelyn has been helping with social, editing the podcast, writing press releases, working events and more. She's leaving us soon, so we figured now was a great time to have her on to recap her experience!

Kamryn sits down with Will Dixon, on his one year anniversary as Executive Director of Sports Backers. They talk through all the wins of the last year, and everything Will's excited about for the future. Happy Executive Director-aversary Will! 

We have a new team member here at Sports Backers! Welcome Jacquelyn Wright, our Sponsorship Coordinator. She just completed her first two events and is looking forward to the Markel Corporate Run and our fall schedule. Get her ice cream and book recs, and travel plans here!

The Markel Corporate Run takes place on June 4. Kristen Eichert, Sports Backers' Corporate Sales Manager, joins the pod to talk about why the event is a can't miss, and how you can still sign up. Bring back fun work events and lace up for the Markel Corporate Run!

You might've seen the news that the Allianz Richmond Marathon is 70% full. Now that marathon training is becoming top of mind, we sat down with Elaine Digges (best known as @miss_elaine_neous) to hear about her first experience on Sports Backers Marathon Training Team and why she's coming back for year two! Get those registrations in!

Nan & Kam catch you up to speed on all the new things happening at Dominion Energy Riverrock this year. From new events, to a new layout, new sports to try in our Adventure Zones, and more -- there's something for everyone!

Dominion Energy Riverrock returns to Richmond’s riverfront May 15–17. This year’s festival features fan favorites like skimboarding and bouldering, along with exciting additions such as skateboarding. We spoke with Jake McKnight of Skim Milk and Hayleigh Omonhundro of RVA Skate School to get all the details on what they’ll be doing at the festival—and how you can watch and even try these sports yo...

May marks Bike Month and RVA goes absolutely crazy for it. The fun kicks off this weekend and Natalie Rainer, Engagement Manager for Bike Walk RVA at Sports Backers, has all the info you need to make sure you don't miss any of the action!

Meghan Keogh joins us to tell us everything we need to know about the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger. Race day is on April 18 and it's not too late to sign up and be part of RVA's biggest block party! Get the inside scoop on the expo, race day, and more!

Over 10 years ago, a group of friends decided to dance the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger together. Since then they've created a legacy crew that's a must-see at the race. The Jammin' Grannies are on course at the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k every year, and they continue to up their dance game. Nan & Kam get in on the action...and the costumes. We reco...

Richmond legend, Jonathan Austin (Jonathan The Juggler), has been making Richmond races more fun and whimsical for over 20 years by combining his two passions, juggling and running. After completing the Virginia Credit Union River City Half he's on to the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k. Hear his story and see if he manages to teach Nan & Kam how to juggle.

Alex Na started a movement all about community and kindness when we shared his birthday tiramisu with strangers in a park. The same sentiments align perfectly with the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger, and Alex is training for his first 10k. To celebrate, he's making Rainbow Cookie tiramisu. See how you can get some this weekend!

We have a role reversal this week! Nan & Kam were guests on O Lala (In RVA) pod with Olivia, Liz and Matt. Check out the conversation and hear all about the behind the scenes of the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger, and find out more about the origin of Richmond's biggest block party!

Atlantic Union Bank is the title sponsor of the Atlantic Union Bank 10k Mini. They not only show love to the kids run though, they have team members throwing course parties, team members running, and team members volunteering! We chatted with Matt Linderman, Chief Information Officer, and Team Captain for all the AUB associates doing the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger about w...

This Saturday is the third annual Virginia Credit Union River City Half & River City 5k. Race Director, Molly Johnson breaks it all down for us so your race day will be smooth and easy! There's still time to register for the half, so come join us!

Nan & Kam are on the loose this week trying all the different lattes of 10k Latte Week to celebrate the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger! The promos run through Friday, so you still have time to try one of these delicious creations. We recommend YouTube for this one!

For years Bart Yasso has been a name in the running industry, most notably he was the Chief Running Officer at Runner's World Magazine. Now Bart is sharing his top runs in a book with National Geographic. One of his picks is the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger, so obviously we had to sit down and ask the expert why we made the cut!

This week Sports Backers unveiled the participant shirt, and the finisher medal for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger. Hear about all the other 10k Reveal Day highlights from our Race Director Meghan Keogh, and find out why you should still consider doing the YMCA 10k Training Team!

Coming off a week of ice and cold temps, we're ready to warm you up with spring events! Get a sneak peek at 10k Reveal Day, The People's Finisher giveaway, the start of 10k Training Team...and sign up for Virginia Credit Union River City Half & River City 5k before it sells out!

We have a new Development Manager, Ryan McCracken! Ryan started in January, but we've seen him before. He won the inaugural Virginia Credit Union River City Half and he placed third at this year's Allianz Richmond Marathon. Hear more about his love of running, passion for donuts, and movie grading scale.

The YMCA 10k Training Team for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k kicks off on February 7. Nan & Kam chat with Louise Lockett-Gordon about her 10 years coaching at the Church Hill location. Find your new training family and sign up today!

The Virginia Credit Union River City Half and River City 5k is celebrating a fun announcement this week! We're adding a spirit contest called Rally for River City to encourage more community groups to flock to the Virginia Credit Union River City Half course and pump those runners up! Did we mention cash prizes are involved? Check out Nan & Kam's chat with Kristen Eichert from Sports...