2024 Official Race Guide: Virginia Credit Union River City Half & River City 5k

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To learn more about VACU, or to become a member, visit vacu.org

LET’S #RUNRIVERCITY!

We can’t believe race weekend is finally here! We’ve been working on the Virginia Credit Union River City Half Marathon & River City 5k for a full year and have dreamed of creating and producing a spring half marathon for even longer. In addition to holding a new half along the James River, we’re ecstatic to have a complementary 5k distance so that we can truly have an event that’s for all fitness levels.

If you’ve ever run any part of this course, you know the beauty it holds. From river views, to nature sightings, scenic bridges, and spectacular architecture, there’s something magical about being immersed in Richmond’s outdoors. The course features a fun mix of rolling hills, a few steep climbs, and flat sections. It’s our hope that the inclines add meaning to your miles and help you feel extra accomplished as you cross that finish line. After all, it is often the climb that leads to greatness. Soak it all in, because the James River views in late winter are unmatched!

This event would not be possible without our amazing sponsors, and especially Virginia Credit Union. Thanks to the University of Richmond, we have a wonderful home for our start, finish, and Post Race Festival. This event was also unique in that we got to work with multiple local charity partners. Richmond is lucky to be a home to many vibrant organizations that better our community and raising awareness for their causes is always a win.

Finally, we thank you for trusting us with your race day experience. We hope the inaugural Virginia Credit Union River City Half & River City 5k is everything you want it to be and leaves you wanting to come back next year.

Molly Johnson Race Director

SCHEDULE

Friday, March 8

3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Bib and Swag Pickup at =PR= Run & Walk by Keira D’Amato

Saturday, March 9

6:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Bib and Swag Pickup at University of Richmond

8:00 a.m.

Virginia Credit Union River City Half Begins

8:30 a.m.

River City 5k Begins

8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Post Race Festival

3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Live Show with Ali + Keira (Ticketed Event) at Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Packet Pickup & Bib Assignment

Packet pickup will take place at =PR= Run & Walk by Keira D’Amato on Friday, March 8. You will receive your event shirt and your bib number will be assigned. Bib Assignment will also be offered pre-race on Saturday, March 9. You will have your bib assigned at the start line and then you can collect your shirt and tote bag at the finish line. A photo ID or registration QR Code is required to pick up your race packet. You may pick up a race packet for another pre-registered runner, provided you have a copy of their photo ID.

PACKET PICKUP OPTIONS

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

3:00-6:00 P.M.

=PR= Run & Walk by Keira D’Amato

15517 WC Commons Way Midlothian, VA 23113

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

6:30-8:30 A.M.

Start Line Area (Westhampton Green, near Keller Hall)

46 Keller Rd

Richmond,VA 23226

Registration is CLOSED

Although Packet Pickup will be offered on race morning, we highly encourage everyone that is able, to pick their packet up on Friday at the =PR= Run & Walk location. This will allow us to better serve all participants and will help us all reach the starting line on time. We thank you in advance for helping us make this first year event a huge success!

Registration has reached capacity for both the Virginia Credit Union River City Half & River City 5k and is now closed.

Race Switches NOT Allowed

Participants are no longer able to switch race distances because both races have reached capacity and registration is closed. If you can no longer attend in person, you can switch from the in-person event to the virtual event of the same distance. Click here for more information >

BAG CHECK

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

6:30-8:30 A.M.

Post Race Festival

Located on Lakeview Lane in front of Lakeview Hall

Bag Check

Bag Check is located at the Post Race Festival on Lakeview Lane. If you plan to check a bag on race morning, you will need to attach the tear tag from your race bib to your bag. This means you cannot check a bag until you have received your bib!

Please note that the Post Race Festival is located about a ½ mile from the start area. Signs and volunteers will help direct you on race morning.

Please plan your arrival to allow enough time to arrive to the start line on time!

RACE START TIMES

Virginia Credit Union River City Half begins at 8:00 a.m.

River City 5k begins at 8:30 a.m.

Please consider the following:

Are you planning to use Bag Check?

If you have your bib prior to race morning, we recommend parking near the Post Race Festival. You can drop your bag off before heading toward the start area. Please plan to walk at least a .5 mile and arrive at least 45 minutes before your start.

Do you need to pick up your bib on race morning?

We recommend parking near the start. Packet Pickup is located near the start line. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before your start.

Do you need to obtain your bib on race morning AND use Bag Check?

We recommend parking near the start. You will need to head to Packet Pickup (located near the start) to obtain your bib before heading to Bag Check. The bag check tear tag on your bib is required to check a bag. After checking your bag, you will then need to make your way back to the start area. Please plan to walk over a mile and aim to arrive at least 1-hour before your start.

If traveling by vehicle, navigating around race day traffic might require or suggest for you to travel on toll roads. If you do not have an E-ZPass®, we highly recommend having change to allow for quicker transactions.

Road Closures

Many roads will be closed on and around the Virginia Credit Union River City Half course. View the complete list of road closures >

Huguenot Memorial Bridge Closure

The Hugenot Bridge will close at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday morning in preparation for the race. If you will be traveling to the University of Richmond Campus from the south, please plan an alternative route. We suggest traveling Northbound on the Chippenham Parkway (Willey Bridge) to River Road to access campus.

The Huguenot Memorial Bridge is expected to reopen around 9:30 a.m., after all 5k participants have cleared the bridge.

Race Day Parking

There is ample free parking available on the University of Richmond campus. You will need to decide whether you prefer to park near the start line or finish festival area—they are located about 1/2 mile apart.

*With

To view or print a PDF version of this map, click here.

HALF MARATHON COURSE SUPPORT

Xact

XACT ENERGY fruit bars (available in strawberry, orange, and apricot ) will be available at the Mile 6.5 water stop on the half marathon course.

Medical Assistance

ETS will provide medical assistance at the Start and Finish lines, as well as just before mile 7 on the half marathon course. There will also be roving medical services provided by Richmond Ambulance Authority, Richmond Fire and EMS, Henrico Fire and EMS, and a variety of volunteer EMS groups.

Water

Water will be available at the Start, Finish, and at mile 2, 4, 6.5, 8.4, 10, and 11.8 along the half marathon course.

Nuun Endurance

Nuun Lemon-Lime Endurance electrolyte hydration will be available at every water stop along the course.

Port-o-johns

Port-o-johns are readily available at the Start and Finish and adjacent to every water stop along the course.

5K COURSE SUPPORT

Medical Assistance

ETS will provide medical assistance at the Start and Finish lines. There will also be roving medical services provided by Richmond Ambulance Authority, Richmond Fire and EMS, Henrico Fire and EMS, and a variety of volunteer EMS groups.

Water

Water will be available at the Start, Finish, and at mile 1.5 along the 5k course.

Port-o-johns

Port-o-johns are readily available at the Start and Finish.

STARTING CORRALS

Starting Corrals for the Half & 5k

The Virginia Credit Union River City Half & River City 5k will utilize a corral-like system based on predicted pace times. Participants will predict their per-mile pace and will line up behind the sign which best represents their pace. This will allow participants to line up with others preparing to run at roughly the same speed and will result in a more pleasant experience for everyone. Participants’ net times will be recorded from when they cross the start and finish mats.

Predicted Pace Times

Under 7:00

7:00-8:00

8:00-9:00

9:00-10:00

10:00-11:00

11:00-12:00

12:00+

COURSE TIME LIMITS

Half Marathon 3.5-Hour Limit

If you are unable to maintain a pace that enables you to finish within the course time-limit, as indicated by not reaching the course cutoffs before the times listed below, you will be unable to continue on the course and a SAG vehicle will take you back to the Post Race Festival. These cutoffs will be strictly enforced as portions of the half marathon course are unsafe to run on without road closures.

Course Cutoffs

MILE 6.5 by 9:55am

MILE 10 by 10:50am

Important Note About Race Start Times

Each race will begin promptly at its designated start time. Participants are responsible for being on time for the start of their race. Starting mats must be turned off and moved immediately after the start of each race and roads will reopen following our last participant to cross the start line on-time. Latecomers will not be allowed to start.

POST RACE FESTIVAL

Post Race Festival

After crossing the Finish Line, all race participants will be greeted by DJ CJ and helpful volunteers who will provide plenty of complimentary food and beverages. Friends and family are welcome to join you! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Post Race Food

After crossing the Finish Line, all race participants can head to Post Race Food to receive complimentary apples, granola bars, graham crackers, and potato chips.

Plus, one of Richmond’s favorite breakfast food trucks, Brekkie Waffles, will be selling sweet and savory Belgian-style waffles! The waffles are naturally glutenfree and there are vegan options.

Papa Johns Pizza

Nothing quite refuels you the way a hot slice of Papa Johns Pizza does after you’ve crossed the Finish Line. All participants can enjoy a hot slice on us!

Hardywood Craft Beer

After you cross the Finish Line, head over to the Post Race Festival with your bib number and celebrate your accomplishment with two complimentary beers. Additional drink tickets will be for sale while supplies last.

Adult Beverage Menu:

Hardywood Richmond Lager - $8

Hardywood Great Return IPA - $8

Hardywood Tropication - $8

Non-alcoholic beverages will be available at the Volunteer Check In Tent.

Shop Official Event Merchandise

Be sure to shop official event merchandise at Packet

Pickup at =PR= Run & Walk by Keira D’Amato on Friday, March 8 or at the Post Race Festival on March 9. With a great selection of running apparel and commemorative items, there’s sure to be something for everyone on your shopping list. We accept cash, credit, or Apple Pay.

Items will be available online on the Sports Backers

Store following the event.

Bonus! Every dollar you spend helps Sports Backers’ nonprofit mission come to life. Celebrate your accomplishment and help build a more active community! Learn more about Sports Backers.

Live musical acts will be playing along the course to help inspire and motivate participants. Friends or relatives wanting to spectate along the course are welcome to join the fun at one of the locations below! In addition to

- You can catch 5k and Half Marathon participants from this spot! Plus, coffee is available at Stella’s or Starbucks.

One of the best views on the course! From here, you’ll be able to give runners the boost they need after a long uphill climb while also soaking in the view of the James River and famous A-line Bridge. If you’re lucky, you might

Cheer on runners as they make a left turn off of Coventry and onto Cary Street Road. On this corner, you’ll find plenty of room in front of First Presbyterian Church. From here, we’d suggest heading back toward campus via Did you know Richmond has been designated a “Runner Friendly Community” by the Road Runners Club of America? It won this designation in part because of the community support! Keep an eye out for other spectators and don’t be afraid to join the fun! We need help making this first year a hit and giving our runners the Spectators wanting to catch half marathoners along the route can use the Powhite Parkway to travel from the north side of the river (where UofR Start/Finish is located) to the south side of the river (where miles 2-7 of the half

AMERICA’S FRIENDLIEST MARATHON

FIND YOUR RUNNER

Real-time Text Message Updates

Runner tracking will be available on race day, allowing spectators to follow friends and family by receiving realtime text message updates and splits. You can electronically track multiple runners on the course by entering the athlete bib number or name on the website. Updates will be received as half marathon participants cross the start, 10K, and finish checkpoints or as 5k participants cross the start and finish checkpoints.

Sign up for runner tracking.

Garmin

If your runner is wearing a Garmin running watch, and carrying their smartphone, they can turn on LiveTrack via their Garmin Connect app on their phone. This allows runners to share their live location with friends and family via email, Facebook, or Twitter.

Set Up and Share Live Location using Find My on iPhone

If your athlete is running with their iPhone or Apple Watch, they will be able to share their live location with you before setting off. Follow this step-by-step guide to enable live tracking. This will require your runner to carry a smartphone, unless they have an Apple Watch with cellular service.

POST RACE INFORMATION

Race Photos

Finisher

FinisherPix is the official photographer at the Virginia Credit Union River City Half & River City 5k. Be sure your bib number is worn on the front and is visible at all times, smile when you see the FinisherPix team, and look up when you cross the finish line. Have a great race!

Visit their website after the race to see your photos.

Finisher Certificates

Free finisher certificates will be available on your official results page after the race. Just click and print!

Lost & Found

If you lose or find valuables on race day, please go to the Volunteer & Information Tent located near the finish line within the Post Race Festival.

Lost and found items will be taken to the Sports Backers office on Monday, March 11. If you lose something, you can call 804-285-9495 or email info@sportsbackers.org

Unofficial Live Results

Available Saturday, March 9

Official Race Results

Available Sunday, March 10

VA Credit Union River City Half Fueling Guide Lets Talk About Nutrition

During you race:

Practicing your race fuelling strategy prior to race day will ensure the best results. When you are putting together your race nutrition plan remember the acronym EATS:

• Eat something every 30 - 60 minutes

• Avoid foods that are high in fat and ber. Think easy to digest carbohydrates!

• Two-hundred to three-hundred (200-300) calories an hour depending on your size.

• Sodium 250-500 mg per hour. Fluids 16-20oz per hour.

This is where gels and energy chews come in handy; an XACT ENERGY bar is exactly 100 calories and most impor tantly, is easy to eat and digest, so a great choice for eating and running at the same time.

When to EAT:

Rather than asking yourself at which km marker to eat, it can be more helpful to think in terms of time.

• 1 fruit bar every 45 minutes is a good place tostart.

• If you can eat more regularly then you should be able to push harder, running at a higher intensity. You might be able to set your watch alarm to remind you when to eat as it can be easy to get caught up in the race excitement and atmo sphere.

XACT ENERGY fruit bars are the o cial on-course energy bar of the Virginia Credit Union River City Half Marathon. Look out for XACT energy fruit bars at the feed station near the half-way point.

RACE INFORMATION

Ali, Keira, glitter, sparkles, and fringe...

Take to the starting line alongside Keira D’Amato and then celebrate! Join us at the Live Show with Ali + Keira, featuring professional runner and hometown hero Keira D’Amato and Ali Feller, host of the Ali on the Run Podcast. Celebrate crossing the Virginia Credit Union River City Half finish line by raising the roof with one of the most dynamic duos in the world of running.

Ali & Keira will be dressing up and they want you to come in your glitteriest get-up, too!

Live Show FAQs

Paid parking is available behind the VMHC, with entrances from Kensington Avenue and opposite the VMFA parking garage (from N Sheppard St. or Stuart Ave). Additional paid parking is available at the neighboring VMFA and on street is available on a first-come first-serve basis.

Hardywood Craft Beer and wine will be available for purchase during the preshow happy hour. You may opt to use your beer tickets from your race bib.

ONLY water is allowed in the Robins Family Forum. All food and alcoholic beverages must be consumed or gotten rid of before entering the theater.

A registration QR Code is required to check in at the Live Show. Ticket holders will receive a QR via email prior to the show (it can also be found in your confirmation email).

LIVE SHOW SCHEDULE

Saturday, March 9

Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Use entrance closest to paid parking.

3:00 p.m.

Hardywood Happy Hour begins (in Halsey Family Hall)

3:45 p.m.

Last Call & Seating begins for Live Show

4:05 p.m.

Live Show with Ali + Keira Begins (in Robins Family Forum theater)

5:25 p.m.

Live Show with Ali + Keira Ends

5:30 p.m.

VIP Meat + Greet (VIP ticket holders only)

View the website for more info >

Stay up to date on all the latest trends, news, and fun interviews in the active living community with the ‘On The Move’ with Nan & Kam podcast from Sports Backers! Nan and Kam chat with individuals from all corners of the running and fitness world including prominent figures within, and outside, the Richmond Region.

Sports Backers is excited to use the Virginia Credit Union River City Half & River City 5k to promote and fundraise for Richmond area nonprofits who work in tandem to help all members of our community achieve the goal of living actively. Please consider learning more about and supporting one or multiple of these wonderful nonprofits who are doing important work to make the Richmond, Virginia region a fun, vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and play.

EVENT CHARITIES

Sports Backers

Our mission is to inspire you to live an active lifestyle. Your support allows us to: advocate for safe and accessible bike and pedestrian infrastructure, offer free fitness classes, support running and fitness clubs at area schools, and develop fun, new participatory events for our entire community.

CARITAS

CARITAS creates a safe place to heal and time to rebuild. For people experiencing homelessness and/or addiction, CARITAS is Richmond’s active community of caring that provides them a safe space for healing and recovery–and the support to rebuild and renew lives.

Greater Richmond SCAN

SCAN is the only local nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect in the Greater Richmond area. SCAN provides awareness, support, advocacy, treatment, and education to protect children, promote positive parenting, strengthen families, and create a community that values and cares for its children. SCAN’s five programs include: the Family Support Program, Child Advocacy Center, Richmond Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Circle Preschool Program and Community Programs.

Greater Richmond Fit4Kids

Fit4Kids is dedicated to improving children’s health and wellness through physical activity and healthy eating programming. We believe that active, well-nourished kids perform better in school, have greater self-esteem, and grow to lead productive lives.

Girls on the Run of Greater Richmond

At Girls on the Run of Greater Richmond, we envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. Using running and other physical activities as a platform for building self-esteem and teaching life skills, Girls on the Run programs are a safe space for girls to come together, push their limitations, and run headlong into confidence, empowerment, and community.

SOAR365

SOAR365 is a Richmond-based not-for-profit organization created in 1954 by area families who were determined to find a better way of caring for their loved ones with disabilities. We employ more than 250 individuals, including approximately 130 who have a disability. Our wide range of programs and services are designed for individuals and families who are coping with the daily “real world” challenges of living with a disability. We have a profound impact on nearly 1,150 individuals and families who receive our help each year. For more information, please visit out website and our social media channels.

Shood

Shood believes everyone deserves the basic dignity of having a clean pair of shoes that fit. They make gently used, high-quality shoes available to those in need through a personal, pop-up shopping experience, throughout Richmond, Virginia.

Sportable

Sportable has created opportunities and transformed the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments through sport since 2005.

Central Virginia’s premier adaptive sports club, Sportable provides sporting opportunities to more than 400 athletes each year by offering a variety of competitive and recreational adaptive sports programs. Our athletes are all ages, come from different backgrounds, and have varying abilities. By fostering a fun, inclusive, competitive, and accessible environment, we transform the lives of our athletes and free them to see beyond their disability, enhance their peer relationships and help them to reach their personal finish line.

Thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and participants who make the Virginia Credit Union River City Half & River City 5k possible!

RACE COMMITEE

Alison Hale Merchandise

Ashlee Snider Marketing Director/Sag Support

Brittney Antozzi Sponsorship/ Finish Festival

Chris Woodbury Finish Area

Dion Ellis Post Race Food - Pizza Tent

JM Ramey Water Stop Coordinator

John Raigins Operations

Jon Lugbill Command Center

Kamryn Lanier Social Media

Katharine Benfer Registration/Sag Support

Kristen Eichert Course Entertainment

Lauren Millard Sponsorship

Lizzie Moorehouse Bag Check

Mara George Registration/Finish Festival

Marsha Jackson Finish Area

Mary Marshall Graeber Volunteers

Megan Capito Start/Finish Line

Megan Schultz Medical/Operations

Meghan Keogh Start Area/Pod Cast Coordinator

Michael George Start/Finish Line

Mike Levins Start Area

Molly Johnson Event Director

Nan Callahan PR and Media

Suzanne Wade Post Race Food

Will Dixon Water Stop Support/Sag Support

Woody Woodward Course Marshals

RICHMOND’S BIGGEST BLOCK PARTY!

This spring, we invite you to walk with your family, reunite with your running buddies, cross the finish line in costume, volunteer, or cheer! We don’t want you to miss the 25th running of the #Ukrops10k!

JOIN THE FUN ON APRIL 20!

SPORTSBACKERS.ORG