The Rundown: RVA’s Active Events for May 2016

Just go ahead and sleep in your running shoes so that you can be extra ready at all times.

May 3, 2016; 11:33 AM • by Kathryn Pullam

Photo by: Sky Noir

There’s a little bit of everything this month–now that it’s getting warmer we are back to triathlon season and everybody is gearing up for the big Dominion Riverrock party (now with not one, not two, but THREE trail race options). You can get your crazy on and head to Petersburg for the Rugged Maniac or experience for yourself how steep the banking is at Richmond International Raceway at the Race 13.1 Richmond. Chase mascots in Kings Dominion, get your pink on with Komen, high-five a nurse at Bon Secours Memorial Regional’s Nursing 5k, and finish things up by honoring our service members with a moving Memorial Day Race.

Dolphin Dash 5k –Saturday, May 7th

• Event Type: Run/Walk
• Distance: 5k, 1 Mile Fun Run
• Location: Cool Spring Elementary School, 9964 Honey Meadows Road, Mechanicsville
• Time: 8:00 AM
• Registration: $20 for the 1 Mile Fun Run; $30 for 5k

The Hook: Geared toward the kids, all participants under 12 will receive a finisher medal and there’s a bounce house to assist with burning off any energy that might remain after the race. For the adults, the 5k is chip timed and age and gender group prizes will be awarded.

Komen Central Virginia Race for the Cure – Saturday, May 7th

• Event Type: Run/Walk
• Distance: 5k
• Location: Brown’s Island, Richmond
• Time: Festivities start at 7:30 AM with Team Photos followed by an 8:30 AM Welcome Ceremony. 5k begins at 9:00 AM
• Registration: $30 per participant for recreational 5k/$35 for competitive (chipped) 5k/$20 for kids aged 6-12 years

The Hook: Pull out all of your pink and wear it all to this 5k event, which raises awareness and funds for breast cancer. But it’s much more than that; this festival celebrates survivors and honors those who have lost their battle. 100% of the proceeds are allocated to the mission of the Susan G. Komen Foundation; 75% of which stays in the community to fund local programs.

Bon Secours Memorial Regional’s Nursing 5k Challenge – Saturday, May 7th

• Event Type: Trail Run/Walk
• Distance: 5k, Kids’ Fun Run
• Location: Pole Green Park, 8996 Pole Green Park Lane, Mechanicsville
• Time: 8:45 AM (Kids’ Run); 9:00 AM (5k)
• Registration: $25 per participant for 5k (increases May 5); Kids Fun Run is free

The Hook: Other than getting a lot of air time around Halloween because “nurse” is a timeless costume choice for whatever reason, nurses don’t get a lot of attention and certainly not enough thanks. Here’s your opportunity to support nursing excellence by heading to pretty Pole Green Park for a nice run in the woods–and give a nurse a sweaty hug when you’re finished.

Rugged Maniac – Saturday, May 7th

• Event Type: Obstacle race
• Distance: 5k
• Location: Virginia Motorsports Park, 8018 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg
• Time: 9:00 AM
• Registration: $89 (plus tax) per participant

The Hook: They say it’s for the adventurous, but I think the more correct description might be for the crazy. You’re going to get dirty (very dirty) making your way through this 5k loaded with obstacles with names like “Leap of Faith,” “Pyromaniac,” “Commando Crawl,” and “The Gauntlet.” Most of them involve mud, some feature fire, and there’s water too. If you survive, the after party features beer, mechanical bull riding, live music, and a pie-eating contest.
Pro Tip: Read the lengthy Race Info Packet, which has truly important information about parking fees, what to bring, and tips for prepping for the event. Unusual things, like “Bring a gallon of water to wash off with” and “Wear socks on your arms to protect your forearms.”

Run 4 Robious 5k — Saturday, May 7th

• Event Type: Walk/Run
• Distance: 5k, 1 Mile Fun Run
• Location: Robious Elementary School, 2801 Robious Crossing Drive, Midlothian
• Time: 8:00 AM
• Registration: $30 for 5k; $10 for 1 Mile Fun Run
  The Hook: An annual fundraising event put on by the Robious Elementary School PTA. Bonus: there’s a Sugar Shack really close by, a perfect post-race treat.

Hometown Hero 5k — Saturday, May 14th

• Event Type: Run/Walk
• Distance: 5k, 1 Mile Fun Run
• Location: Scott Park, 6680 Courthouse Road, Prince George
• Time: 9:00 AM
• Registration: $20 per participant

The Hook:There aren’t many opportunities to race in rural Prince George but they’re pulling out all the stops with age group awards and post-race games, music, and more. All proceeds will be donated to five local scholarships awarded to Prince George students.

Holton Hustle 5k – Saturday, May 14th

• Event Type: Run/Walk
• Distance: 5k, 1 Mile Fun Run
• Location: Linwood Holton Elementary School, 1600 Laburnum Avenue, Richmond
• Time: 9:00 AM
• Registration: $30 per individual for 5k/$70 for a team of up to 5 team members; $7 for 1 Mile Fun Run (kids aged pre-k through 8th grade only)

The Hook: The Holton Hustle 5k is part of a larger festival that includes lots of vendors, heath and family activities, demonstration, music, and plenty of food. The course is a nice jaunt through Northside, including one of my personal favorite roads to run on in Richmond – Pope Avenue.

Laurel Meadow Elementary School Rock ‘n Roll 5k – Saturday, May 14th

• Event Type: Run/Walk
• Distance: 5k, 1 Mile Fun Run
• **Location:* *Laurel Meadow Elementary School, 8248 Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville
• Time: 9:00 AM (Mascot Run – free); 9:15 AM (1 Mile fun Run); 10:00 AM (5k)
• Registration: $22 per participant aged 13 & up for 5k/$17 for 12 and under/$55 for a Family (Parents Children 18 & under); $12 for 1 Mile Fun Run

The Hook: I’m not sure what the Meadow Mad Dash and Mascot Run is, but I envision some costumed mascots being chased by a hoard of kids and runners and I love it. I’d go for that alone! Mascot chasing aside, proceeds from this event go toward purchase of much-needed technology for the students at Laurel Meadow and a fund for building a track at the school–both excellent causes.

Dominion Riverrock Festival HCA VA Filthy 5k Mud Run – Friday, May 20th

• Event Type: Trail Run and Mud Crawl
• Distance: 5k
• Location: Start near American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, finish at Brown’s Island, Richmond
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Registration: $45 per participant

The Hook: Where do I begin? First, the course covers part of the James River Trail System and includes rock hopping across the river to Belle Isle. Second, the mud pit at the finish. Third, you can bring your dog and run as a duo in the Ruffwear Dog Wave. Fourth, it’s part of the Dominion Riverrock Festival, which is pretty fantastic all around. So, if you like getting muddy (very muddy), sign up. Now.

AshCreek 5k – Saturday, May 21st

• Event Type: Run/Walk
• Distance: 5k, Fun Run
• Location: Ashcreek Club House, 10854 Linderwood Drive, Mechanicsville
• Time: 8:00 AM (5k); 9:00 AM (Fun Run)
• Registration: $30 per participant for 5k; $15 for Fun Run

The Hook: Benefiting Young Life Ministries and their work in Hanover County.

Dominion Riverrock Festival James River Scramble – Saturday, May 21st

• Event Type: Trail Run
• Distance: 10k
• Location: Starts at Brown’s Island, ends at American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, Richmond
• Time: 9:00 AM
• Registration: $50 per participant
  The Hook: If reading about crawling through mud pits makes your eye twitch, this event is a better option for you. The course offers lots of great views and varying surfaces; you’ll hit the Canal Walk, 14th Street Bridge, Flood Wall, jump onto the Buttermilk Trail, then rock hop across to Belle Aisle, before crossing the river again on via the Pedestrian Bridge. Feeling extra energetic? Pair the James River Scramble with the new Bust the Banks Half the next day to complete the “Trail Takedown” challenge and earn a special medal and–of course–braggin’ rights.

Fort Lee Armed Forces Day Run the Crater – Saturday, May 21st

• Event Type: Run
• Distance: 8 Miles/5k
• Location: Williams Stadium at Fort Lee, corner of Lee Avenue and Mahone Avenue
• Time: 8:00 AM
• Registration: $20 per participant for Civilians; $17 for Active Duty Military

The Hook: A cool opportunity to tackle an unusual distance and for civilians, to run with the soldiers of Fort Lee. The course starts on Fort Lee and takes you through scenic Battlefield Park. Pro Tip:Allow for extra time for security checks to get on base if you are a civilian.

Kings Charter 5k – Saturday, May 21st

• Event Type: Run/Walk
• Distance: 5k, Kids’ 1 Mile Fun Run
• **Location:* *Kings Charter Club House, 9407 Kings Charter Drive, Mechanicsville
• Time: 8:30 AM (Kids’ Fun Run); 9:00 AM (5k)
• Registration: $20 per participant for 5k; Fun Run is free

The Hook: With an event description that includes bouncey house and cornhole games, this seems more like a block party than a race. But make no mistake–Kings Charter doesn’t mess around with this 5k! The race is chipped and the top three male and female finishers receive trophies.

Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU Power Kids Triathlon – Saturday, May 21st

• Event Type: Triathlon
• Distance: Ages 5 to 8 – 50 meter indoor swim, 1.8 mile bike, 0.6 mile run; Ages 9 to 14 – 100 meter swim, 4.8 mile bike, 1.2 mile run
• Location: Shady Grove Family YMCA, 11255 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen
• Time: 6:30 AM (Timing chip pickup begins); 7:00 AM (Transition opens); 8:00 AM (Race start, ages 5-8); 9:00 AM (race start, aged 9-14 but note gear has to be set up by 7:45 AM)
• Registration: $65 per participant

The Hook: This is the biggest kid’s triathlon in Virginia and I honestly can’t think of a better option for channeling most kids’ natural love of riding bikes, swimming, and running. I bet it also does a great job of tiring them out (I’m not a parent, but from what I hear, burning energy seems to be a high-priority goal). Pro Tip: Participating children must have active USAT Youth Memberships ($10) for insurance purposes.

Race 13.1 Richmond – Saturday, May 21st

• Event Type: Run
• Distance: Half marathon, 10k, 5k
• Location: Richmond International Raceway, 602 East Laburnum Avenue, Richmond
• Time: 7:00 AM
• Registration: $35 per participant for 5k; $45 for 10k; $89 for Half Marathon

The Hook: Ever watch a NASCAR race and wonder what it would be like to run a lap around the track? Here’s your chance to find out. This race begins and ends with a lap around Richmond International Raceway’s track. Try to restrain yourself from making “vroom vroom” car noises as you finish. Or go ahead and do it–not judging.

Dominion Riverrock Festival Bust the Banks Trail Half – Sunday, May 22nd

• Event Type: Trail Run
• Distance: Half Marathon
• Location: American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, Richmond
• Time: 8:00 AM
• Registration: $70 per participant

The Hook: This is the introductory year for the half distance race at Dominion Riverrock and it’s sure to be a popular addition for the ever-growing population of trail junkies in RVA. You’ll cover the majority of the James River Trail System, making for a very challenging run that includes the Nickel Bridge and the switchbacks and hills of Forest Hill Park as well as the rewards of the Floodwall and Canal Walk. Feeling extra energetic? Pair the Bust the Banks Half with the James River Scramble the day before to complete the “Trail Takedown” challenge and earn a special medal to accompany those bragging rights.

GroundForce IT Power Sprint Triathlon – Sunday, May 22nd

• Event Type: Sprint Triathlon
• Distance: 300 meter pool swim, 12 mile bike, 5k run
• Location: Shady Grove Family YMCA, 11255 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen
• Time: 5:30 AM (Transition & Chip Handout open); 7:00 AM (Race start)
• Registration: $85 per individual/$125 for 2 person relay/$144 for 3 person relay/$80 for aquabike

The Hook: A great race for first time triathletes featuring a pool swim and flat course for the running portion. For the one-trick ponies (myself included), there is the option of participating as a relay team, so runners, go find your cyclist buddy and someone who swims, team up, and kick butt. Proceeds go to Sportable, which is a fantastic cause. Pro Tip: Participants must pay a $15 USAT one day insurance membership fee if not in possession of an annual USAT license.

Run & Ride Kings Dominion – Sunday, May 22nd

• Event Type: Run
• Distance: 10k, 5k, 1 Mile Fun Run
• Location: Kings Dominion, 1600 Theme Park Way, Doswell
• Time: 7:30 AM (10k); 8:00 AM (5k); 8:30 AM (1 Mile)
• Registration: It’s complicated; check out the race website for details.

The Hook: Now this is a pretty cool opportunity to race through Kings Dominion before the gates open and then spend the rest of the day riding coasters and eating lots of delicious theme-park food–park admission is included in your race registration fee along with parking.

Autism Society of Central Virginia 5k – Saturday, May 28th

• Event Type: Run/Walk
• Distance: 5k, Kids’ Dash
• Location: Innsbrook Pavilion, 4951 Lake Brook Drive, Glen Allen
• Time: 8:30 AM (Kids’ Dash); 9:00 AM (5k)
• Registration: $35 per chip timed adult and kids 11 and older/$30 for non-timed adults and kids 11 and older; $20 per chip timed child age 3-10/$15 for non-timed child age 3-10

The Hook: Going strong for 14 years, this event is a primary source of income for the Autism Society of Central Virginia, raising $94,000 (!) in 2015! That’s pretty darn amazing. Help them hit the $100,000 mark this year.

Hopewell Optimist 5k Run/Walk for Childhood Cancer -Saturday, May 28th

• Event Type: Run/Walk
• Distance: 5k
• Location: Beacon Theatre, 401 North Main Street, Hopewell
• Time: 9:00 AM
• Registration: $15 per student aged 6-17 years; $25 per adult; $60 for families of 4 or more

The Hook: The course map isn’t on the web, but I bet it’s a nice one through the historic City Point section of Hopewell and causes don’t get much better than raising funds for childhood cancer.

Stratford Hills 10k – Sunday, May 29th

• Event Type: Run
• Distance: 10k
• Location: Stratford Hills Shopping Center, 6788 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond
• Time: 8:00 AM
• Registration: $10 per participant for Richmond Road Runners Club Members/$15 for non-members

The Hook: This no-frills 10k is a staple of the Richmond Road Runners Club calendar and often attracts a fast field, making it a great place to challenge yourself. The course is deceptive; first you rocket down the hill of Scottview Drive and spend most of the out-and-back course on flat and fast Riverside Drive, taking in beautiful views of the James. But don’t get too full of yourself because while Scottview was fun to run down at the beginning, it is NOT fun to run up at the end. Bonus: I’m volunteering as a course marshall at this race. Give me a shout and I’ll ring my cowbell extra loud for you as you pass.

Virginia Memorial Day 12k & 5k Run/Walk/Roll – Monday, May 30th

• Event Type: Run/Walk/Roll
• Distance: 12k, 5k
• Location: Striker West Creek Field, 12575 West Creek Parkway, Richmond
• Time: 8:00 AM
• Registration: Multi-tiered fee structure; visit website for details

The Hook: There are few things more appropriate than running a race to benefit wounded veterans on Memorial Day. This event features an opening ceremony that will recognize and honor current active military, veterans, and those who gave their lives for our country. You can also meet retired Marine Staff Sergeant Herb Delbridge, a Vietnam War Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, thank him for his service, and then take a photo with him and his very snazzy firetruck decorated with hand painted scenes representing each branch of US Military.

May 3, 2016 11:33 AM 0