The Rundown: RVA’s active events for April 2016

5ks, 10ks, color runs, fun runs, triathlons, relays, races with dogs…our feet already hurt, man.

Photo by: Elvert Barnes

Holy moly, Richmond. Do we love being active or what?? Much like the flowers and pollen that are exploding into being, the active calendar has exploded with events of all kinds. There are nearly 50 (count ’em – 50!!) active events this month. You can walk a 5k, you can run with your dog, you can run for 12 hours, you can run for 200 miles, you can try a tri, get a superhero cape, run for any one of a slew of great causes…the possibilities are just about endless.

Relays

Colonial 200 Relay – Friday, April 22nd through Saturday, April 23rd

  • Event Type: Running Relay
  • Distance: 200 miles
  • Location: Begins in Albemarle County through Central Virginia to Jamestown
  • Time: 5:30 AM
  • Registration: Full Team (7-12 runners) $1,500

The Hook: There is no experience like a 24-hour team relay experience (so they tell me).

Colonial 70 Relay – Saturday, April 23rd

  • Event Type: Running Relay
  • Distance: 70 miles
  • Location: Hanover to Jamestown
  • Time: 4:00 AM
  • Registration: Full team (4-6 runners) $700

The Hook: For those who can’t quite stomach the idea of running all night during the 200 miler, you’ll still get the flavor for the team relay experience with 65% less smelliness and 100% more sleep.

RAGNAR Trail Richmond – Friday, April 29th through Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Trail Running Relay
  • Location: Pocahontas State Park
  • Registration: SOLD OUT

The Hook: I’m including this one (even though it’s sold out) as a heads up for next year. Get it on your calendar and register early!

Half Marathons

Petersburg Half Marathon, 5k, & Kid’s Race – Saturday, April 16th

  • Event Type: Run/Kid’s Race
  • Distances: Half Marathon/5k
  • Location: 103 River Street, Petersburg
  • Time: 7:00 AM (Half Marathon); 7:15 AM (5k); 10:30 AM (Kid’s Race)
  • Registration: $80 for Half Marathon; $35 for 5k; $15 for Kid’s Race

The Hook: Only central Virginia can give you a race that includes running through an actual Civil War battle reenactment.

Miles on the Hill – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: Half Marathon/10k/5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run
  • Location: 13301 Kelly Green Lane, Midlothian
  • Time: 9:00 AM (Kid’s Run); 10:00 AM (5k and 10k); Check website for updates on Half Marathon start time.
  • Registration: $25 for Half Marathon, $20 for 10k and 10k; $15 for Kid’s Run

The Hook: Registration includes sunglasses and a pack of color run powder that you get to hurl at your fellow runners after the finish. You’ll be sneezing blue for a week.

Pro tip: pack a garbage bag to sit on in the car for the ride home.

10ks

Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k – Saturday, April 9th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Giant Street Party
  • Distance: 10k
  • Location: Start Line at Broad Street & Harrison Street, Richmond
  • Time: 8:30 AM
  • Registration: $45 per participant – final block of registration selling now; $55 at race expo if not sold out

The Hook: The 10k is THE race in Richmond – and one of the largest in the entire country. Be there or be square.

Carytown 10k – Sunday, April 24th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distance: 10k
  • Location: Starts at Cary Court on West Cary Street, Richmond
  • Time: 8:00 AM
  • Registration: $23 for Richmond Road Runners Club (RRRC) Members, $28 for Non-Members through March 31st; fee increases April 1 and Race Day. Kid’s Run is free.

The Hook: The “other” spring 10kt tradition in Richmond offers a decidedly different experience from Monument Avenue and is a great race in its own right. Double dog dare you to grab a post-raece breakfast at Can-Can while still wearing your race clothes and bib.

Ashland Railroad Run – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 10/5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run
  • Location: The Hanover Arts & Activities Center, 500 South Center Street, Ashland
  • Time: 8:00 AM (5k); 8:15 AM (Kid’s Run); 9:00 AM (10k)
  • Registration: $25 for 5k and 10k, $10 for Kid’s Run through April 29; $35 for the COTU Challenge

The Hook: Try your hand at the COTU Challenge, running the 5k and 10k back to back.

Miles on the Hill – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: Half Marathon/10k/5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run
  • Location: 13301 Kelly Green Lane, Midlothian
  • Time: 9:00 AM (Kid’s Run); 10:00 AM (5k and 10k); XX:XX (Half Marathon)
  • Registration: $25 for Half Marathon, $20 for 10k and 10k; $15 for Kid’s Run

The Hook: Registration includes sunglasses and a pack of color run powder that you get to hurl at your fellow runners after the finish. You’ll be sneezing blue for a week.

Pro tip: pack a garbage bag to sit on in the car for the ride home.

5ks

Cure Chasers 5k – Saturday, April 2nd

  • Event Type: Family Fun Run/Walk
  • Distance: 5k
  • Location: Pole Green Park, 8996 Pole Green Park Lane, Mechanicsville
  • Time: 8:00 AM
  • Registration: $25 per participant in advance/$30 on race day

The Hook: Organized by and benefiting Lynee Geisz’s Team Cure Chasers in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Everything Basketball 5k – Saturday, April 2nd

  • Event Type: Trail Run/Walk
  • Distances: 5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run
  • Location: Richmond Christian School, 6511 Belmont Road, Chesterfield
  • Time: 8:30 AM
  • Registration: $40 for 5k; $20 for Kids’ Run

The Hook: One of the organizers for this fundraising race has a great knack for puns – the tagline is great – Every BUCKet Counts.

Race to Parenthood 5k – Saturday, April 2nd

  • Event Type: Run/Walk
  • Distance: 5k
  • Location: West Creek Business Park, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond
  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Registration: $40-$50 for adults (rates go up nearer to event); $15-$25 for ages 8-17

The Hook: All funds raised through this race will go directly to five Featured Couples whose journey to parenthood includes fertility treatments and adoption. Read their stories on the race website and it will be nearly impossible to NOT want to run this one.

Petersburg Half Marathon, 5k, & Kid’s Race – Saturday, April 16th

  • Event Type: Run/Kid’s Race
  • Distances: Half Marathon/5k
  • Location: 103 River Street, Petersburg
  • Time: 7:00 AM (Half Marathon); 7:15 AM (5k); 10:30 AM (Kid’s Race)
  • Registration: $80 for Half Marathon; $35 for 5k; $15 for Kid’s Race

The Hook: Only central Virginia can give you a race that includes running through an actual Civil War battle reenactment.

Project Unify 5k & 2k Fundraiser – Saturday, April 16th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 5k/2k Kid’s Run
  • Location: O.B. Gates Elementary School, 10001 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield
  • Time: 8:30 AM (Kid’s Run); 9:15 AM (5k)
  • Registration: $5 for 2k; $15 for 5k for students; $25 for 5k for adults; $50 for 5k family registration (4 family members)

The Hook: Benefiting the Special Olympics.

9th Annual Tiger Trot – Saturday, April 16th

  • Event Type: Run//Walk/Kid’s Fun Runs
  • Distances: 5k/1 Mile Fun Run/1/2 Mile Fun Run
  • Location: 310 South James Street, Ashland
  • Time: 8:00 AM (1/2 Mile); 8:15 AM (1 Mile); 9:00 AM (5k)
  • Registration: $25 for the 5k and $15 for the fun runs

The Hook: A quick jaunt through the Center of the Universe; you might get the chance to try to outrun am Amtrak.

United for UNOS 5k & Fun Run – Saturday, April 16th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 5k/Kid’s Run
  • Location: Innsbrook, 4951 Lake Brook Drive, Glen Allen
  • Time: 6:00 PM (Kid’s Run); 6:30 PM (5k)
  • Registration: $35 for 5k through April 15; Kid’s Run is free

The Hook: A run to support the like saving work of the United Network for Organ Sharing.

Walk Like MADD Dash 5k – Saturday April 16th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk
  • Distance: 5k
  • Location: Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico
  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Registration: $25 for adult runners and walkers; $20 for youth aged 5-18

The Hook: A nice setting in Dorey Park for raising awareness of yet another worthy cause – Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Young Life 5k – Saturday, April 16th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk
  • Distance: 5k
  • Location: Innsbrook, 4901 Lake Brook Drive, Glen Allen
  • Time: 8:00 AM
  • Registration: $30 per participant

The Hook: 100% of race entry fees and donation will go toward providing financial assistance for students to attend Young Life camp this summer.

Bridging the Health Gap Joy Run – Saturday, April 23rd

  • Event Type: Run/Walk
  • Distances: 5k/2k
  • Location: Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg
  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Registration: $15 per participant and $75 for a team of 6 or less through April 20th

The Hook: Billed as a “joy run/walk” – what could be better?

Earth Day 5k Race Without a Trace – Saturday, April 23rd

  • Event Type: Run/Walk
  • Distance: 5k
  • Location: Virginia Capitol Trail; begins at Great Shiplock Park in Richmond
  • Time: 10:30 AM
  • Registration: $30 per participant

The Hook: For all of our environmentally conscious friends, it boasts small footprint and Earth Day festival at the finish line.

Guardian Christian Academy TrailBlazer 5k – Saturday, April 23rd

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 5k/Kid’s Run
  • Location: Southside Church of the Nazarene, 6851 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield
  • Time: 8:30 AM (Kid’s Run); 9:00 AM (5k)
  • Registration: $20 for adults/$15 for kids 12 and under for 5k; Kid’s Run is free

The Hook: Trail run with aim to model healthy behavior for the children and community.

Lift Up RVA 5k – Saturday, April 23rd

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run
  • Location: West End Assembly of God, 401 North Parham Road, Henrico
  • Time: 8:00 AM (5k); 9:00 AM (Kid’s Run)
  • Registration: $25 for 5k; $15 for Kid’s Run through April 20th

The Hook: Fundraiser for youth summer mission projects planned for downtown RVA.

Swift Creek Great Gator 5k – Saturday, April 23rd

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 5k/Kid’s Run
  • Location: Swift Creek Elementary School, 13800 Genito Road, Midlothian
  • Time: 8:30 AM (Kid’s Run); 9:30 AM (5k)
  • Registration: $25 for adults/$20 for kids for 5k; $10 for Kid’s Run through April 20th

The Hook: Proceeds raised will go to technology to be used in classrooms at Swift Creek Elementary School, helping students as they Race into the Future.

Round Up the Family 5k – Sunday, April 24th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 5k/Kid’s Run
  • Location: Deep Run Park
  • Time: 1:45 PM (Kid’s Run); 2:00 PM (5k)
  • Registration: $20 for 5k; $10 “Fun Pass” for Kid’s Run and activities

The Hook: Break out your coordinated family costumes, this race features a Family Spirit Competition complete with prizes.

Superhero Heart Run – Sunday, April 24th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk
  • Distances: 5k/2k
  • Location: Bryan Park, 5308 Hermitage Road, Richmond
  • Time: 10:00 AM
  • Registration: $25 for adults/$10 for kids 12 and under

The Hook: You’ll receive a commemorative Superhero Heart Run Cape when you participate in this first annual event raising awareness of Congenital Heart Defects.

Woolridge Wildcat 5k – Sunday, April 24th

  • Event Type: Trail Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run
  • Location: Woolridge Elementary School, 5401 Timber Bluff Parkway, Midlothian
  • Time: 2:00 PM (Kid’s Run); 2:45 PM (5k)
  • Registration: $12 for Kid’s Run (Age 12 and under); $25 per adult (Age 13 and up)/$20 per child

The Hook: You won’t have to drag yourself out of bed early on a weekend to participate in this afternoon race.

Ashland Railroad Run – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 10/5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run
  • Location: The Hanover Arts & Activities Center, 500 South Center Street, Ashland
  • Time: 8:00 AM (5k); 8:15 AM (Kid’s Run); 9:00 AM (10k)
  • Registration: $25 for 5k and 10k, $10 for Kid’s Run through April 29; $35 for the COTU Challenge (5k and 10k back to back).

The Hook: Try your hand at the COTU Challenge, running the 5k and 10k back to back.

ASK 5k – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk
  • Distance: 5k
  • Location: The Diamond, 3001 North Boulevard, Richmond
  • Time: 10:00 AM
  • Registration: $30 per adult/$15 per child aged 6-17/free for kids 5 and under

The Hook: The course features an ending in the infield of the Diamond, with the finish crossing home base; the event is a fundraiser to show support for children battling cancer in Central Virginia.

Bon Air 5k – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run
  • Location: Bon Air Elementary School, 8701 Polk Street, Bon Air
  • Time: 8:30 AM (Fun Run); 9:00 AM (5k)
  • Registration: $20 per adult/$12 per child (12 and under) for 5k; $12 for Fun Run

The Hook: The culminating experience for students who have participated in Bon Air Elementary’s Running Club; come celebrate with them.

CASA Superhero Run – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 5k/Kid’s Run
  • Location: St. Joseph’s Villa, 8000 Brook Road, Richmond
  • Time: 9:00 AM (Kid’s Run); 9:30 AM (5k)
  • Registration: $15 for Kid’s Run; $30 per adult/$20 per child (6-12 years old) for 5k

The Hook: Raises funds for abused and neglected children; gives you the opportunity to be a superhero for them and a speedster on a flat Northside course.

CrossOver Challenge – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk
  • Distances: 15k/5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run/1 Mile Walk
  • Location: 1311 Palmyra Avenue, Richmond
  • Time: 8:00 AM (15k); 8:15 AM (5k); 8:30 AM (1 Mile Walk); 9:00 AM (Kid’s Run)
  • Registration: $10 for Kids Run and 1 Mile Walk; $30 for 5k; $35 for 15k

The Hook: A variety of events and distances means everyone in the family will be able to participate.

Montrose 5k – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 5k/Kid’s Run
  • Location: Montrose Elementary School, 2820 Williamsburg Road, Henrico
  • Time: 9:00 AM (Kid’s Run); 9:30 AM (5k)
  • Registration: $20 per participant

The Hook: Help Montrose Elementary’s first 5k fundraiser be a success

Mustangs 5k – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run
  • Distance: 5k
  • Location: Midlothian Middle School, 13501 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian
  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Registration: $25 per participant

The Hook: Third annual event, which grows year over year and support Midlothian Middle School’s athletic programs.

Richard Bland College Run Through the Grove 5k – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run
  • Distance: 5k
  • Location: Richard Bland College, Statesman Hall, 8311 Halifax Road, Petersburg
  • Time: 9:30 AM
  • Registration: $20 per adult/$17 for Tri Cities Running Club Members, Richard Bland College Faculty & Staff, and Military/$12 for Students and Kids 12 and under

The Hook: Run on the scenic campus of Richard Bland College and test yourself in a field that’s sure to be stacked with college kids and their young legs.

Run for Hope – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run
  • Location: Atlee High School, 9414 Atlee Station Road, Mechanicsville
  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Registration: $25 per participant/ $20 for those participating as part of a group

The Hook: Race supports Hope for Families Summer Camps, raising funds for underprivileged kids from Richmond to attend for free.

We Heart Harlie and Friends 5k – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: 5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run
  • Location: Glen Allen High School, 10700 Staples Mill Road
  • Time: 8:30 AM (Kid’s Run); 9:00 (5k)
  • Registration: $15 for Kid’s Mile; $25 for 5k

The Hook: This all started when one woman met a little girl named Harlie, who has faced many medical challenges beginning before she was even born. Inspired by Harlie’s resilience and spirit, Lynda Reider started the We Heart Harlie and Friends Foundation, which raises funds to support children with profound special needs and their families.

Winterpock Elementary School PTA 5k – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run
  • Distance: 5k
  • Location: Winterpock Elementary School, 900 Elementary Way Loop, Chesterfield
  • Time: 10:00 AM
  • Registration: $25 per participant

The Hook: Post-race family fun day complete with everyone’s two favorite things: bounce houses and food trucks!

Miles on the Hill – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk/Kid’s Run
  • Distances: Half Marathon/10k/5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run
  • Location: 13301 Kelly Green Lane, Midlothian
  • Time: 9:00 AM (Kid’s Run); 10:00 AM (5k and 10k); XX:XX (Half Marathon)
  • Registration: $25 for Half Marathon, $20 for 10k and 10k; $15 for Kid’s Run

The Hook: Registration includes sunglasses and a pack of color run powder that you get to hurl at your fellow runners after the finish. You’ll be sneezing blue for a week.

Pro tip: pack a garbage bag to sit on in the car for the ride home.

Oddballs

Richmond Road Runner’s Club 10 Miler on the Capitol Trail – Saturday, April 2nd

  • Event Type: Run
  • Distance: 10 Miles
  • Location: Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico
  • Time: 8:00 AM
  • Registration: $20 per participant for Richmond Road Runner’s Club Members/$25 for non-members

The Hook: Brand new to the Richmond Road Runner’s Club Calendar and a fantastic opportunity to check out the Virginia Capitol Trail on a 5 mile out-and-back course.

Dogwood 12 Hour – Saturday, April 9th

  • Event Type: Trail Run
  • Distance: Varied
  • Location: Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Road, Chesterfield
  • Time: 7:00 AM

The Hook: This one gives you a few options of trail goodness to choose from. Mild: 10 mile distance; Medium: a 4 person relay; or Extra Crazy: a 12 hour run.

Virginia 529 Kids Run – Saturday, April 9th

  • Event Type: Kids Run
  • Distances: Kids Run
  • Location: Start Line at Cathedral Place near Laurel Street, Richmond
  • Time: 8:00 AM
  • Registration: $25 per participant; $30 at race expo

The Hook: Kids get to experience the exciting atmosphere of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k as they run their hearts out in this pre-10k kids run.

CrossOver Challenge – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk
  • Distances: 15k/5k/1 Mile Kid’s Run/1 Mile Walk
  • Location: 1311 Palmyra Avenue, Richmond
  • Time: 8:00 AM (15k); 8:15 AM (5k); 8:30 AM (1 Mile Walk); 9:00 AM (Kid’s Run)
  • Registration: $10 for Kids Run and 1 Mile Walk; $30 for 5k; $35 for 15k

The Hook: A variety of events and distances means everyone in the family will be able to participate.

With Your Dog!

Friends of Richmond K-9: 5k for K-9s – Saturday, April 2nd

  • Event Type: Run/Walk
  • Distance: 5k
  • Location: William Byrd Park, Richmond
  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Registration: $27 per participant; register before March 31st

The Hook: After the race, the Richmond Police K-9 Unit will present a demo and participants have the opportunity to have a photo taken with the officers, both human and canine.

Pooch Pursuit 5k & 1 Mile Walk – Saturday, April 16th

  • Event Type: Run/Walk
  • Distances: 5k/1 Mile
  • Location: Pole Green Park, 8996 Pole Green Park Lane, Mechanicsville
  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Registration: $20 for 5k; $10 for 1 Mile; Kids under 12 are free with paying adult

Richmond SPCA Dog Jog and 5k – Saturday, April 16th

  • Event Type: Run/Dog Jog
  • Distances: 5k/1 Mile
  • Location: Richmond SPACE, 2519 Hermitage Road, Richmond
  • Time: 9:30 AM (5k); 11:00 AM (dog jog)
  • Registration: $20-$55 – it’s complicated so check out the website for details

Dualathlons and Triathlons

Richmond Tri Club Sprint – Saturday, April 23rd

  • Event Type: Triathlon
  • Distances: 400 Meter Pool Swim; 20k Bike; 5k Run
  • Location: Collegiate School Aquatic Center, 5050 Ridgedale Parkway, Richmond
  • Time: 7:00 AM
  • Registration: $70 per individual; $115 per team for relay

The Hook: The sprint distance is a great option for the triathlon virgin, as is the pool swim.

Rumpus in Bumpass – Saturday, April 30th

  • Event Type: Triathlon
  • Distances: 1,500 Meter Lake Swim; 24 Mile Bike; 10k Run
  • Location: Lake Anna State Park, 349 Pleasant Landing Road, Bumpass
  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Registration: $100 – $200; it’s complicated so check out the webpage for more details

The Hook: You know you’ve always wanted to be able to say you did a race in Bumpass (at least I know I have… too bad I don’t do triathlons or I’d be all over this one!).

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Kathryn Pullam

When not running, Kathryn can most often be found in the vicinity of donuts, live music, or a comfy porch swing.

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