The RRRC Sweetheart 8K is an annual Richmond Road Runners Club event that for 2023 offers two options for Valentine's Day running or walking.
The Sweetheart 8K will be an in-person race on Sunday, February 12 featuring a scenic 8K (5 mile) course through The Grove and Walton Park communities, historic Midlothian Coal Mine Park, and the surrounding roads and trails. The race starts and finishes at the Urban Farmhouse in The Millworks in Midlothian.
The Virtual Sweetheart 8K will allow you to run when, where, and with whom you please from Friday, Feb. 10 to Monday, Feb. 13. You may post your results between Friday, Feb. 10 and Monday, Feb. 13.
Both events are RRRC Grand Prix (GP) events for 2023. RRRC GP participants receive a race point for posting a time for either event. RRRC GP participants in the in-person race will receive place points based on overall and/or age group finish times.
NOTE: Details provided below about packet pick up and race day activities are tentative and subject to change. Registered participants will receive updated information a few days before the race.
Registrants for the virtual and in-person Sweetheart 8K may pick up their bibs and race shirts (if you registered by January 25):
Join the Couples Challenge and run the 8K with your Sweetheart!
During registration, click "Yes" for the question "Would you like to join a Couple?" and follow the directions to "Create a New Couple." Your partner can register during the same transaction or in a separate transaction--just make sure he/she knows the right couple/team name.
There will be awards for the top "couple" finisher at the in-person Sweetheart 8K.
Runners must be 5 years old or older to participate in the 8K road race.
8K Registration
Pricing
Youth Pricing: For all 8K runners 5-12 years of age, the price is $5 plus processing fee. Youth runners have the option to add on an adult-sized race shirt for $8.
Any discounts will be applied at check out.
Refund Policy: All entry fees and processing fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, no exceptions. Registrations cannot be deferred to a later race. Bib numbers are not transferrable. In the event of postponements or cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, there will be no refunds.
Urban Farmhouse again is helping to host the Sweetheart 8K.
Because of construction, there will be limited parking at the Millworks where the race will be. However, the YMCA parking lot will be available for parking on the day of the race. Participants can park at the YMCA and walk up Woolridge Road to the start of the race.
Race Shirts (in-person and virtual races)
Awards, sponsored by Lucky Road Run Shop (in-person race only)
The 8K (5 mile) course, which starts and finishes at The Millworks, runs through The Grove and Walton Park communities and the historic Midlothian Coal Mine Park. The course primarily is on roads and paved pathways, but there are small sections of trail.
One water stop will support runners at the intersection of Glenpark Lane and Glenmeadow Road, just before mile 3 on the course. The water stop will be hands-free and cup-less. Bring your own cup or bottle.
This is a road race conducted under the rules of USATF and RRCA. In consideration of the safety of all participants, the following are not allowed on the course during the race: baby joggers, baby strollers, animals on or off leash, skateboards, inline or roller skates, or bicycles. The use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, RRRC encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of the Sweetheart 8K.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY. BE ALERT, WATCH FOR TRAFFIC & PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR FELLOW RUNNERS, COURSE MARSHALS, AND POLICE.
Nancy Rachlis and Michael Forder
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
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