Tacky Wonderland Is Back!

The holidays are sweet, so this year we’re turning up the sugar with a candy theme! Step into a tacky wonderland filled with lights, elves, gum drops, peppermint sticks, the big man himself...and more! We've turned RVA's favorite holiday tradition into a can't miss experience for anyone and everyone! Travel to the North Pole and spend a night immersed in holiday cheer.

This 6k course shows off Midlothian’s best display of tacky lights—you just wait! You’ll see dozens of homes with over-the-top tacky lights in the Walton Park neighborhood. Run or walk with thousands of other nice-listers & find out the true meaning of holiday spirit. Dust off your ugliest holiday sweater, find anything you can that lights up or glows, hang your stockings by the chimney with care, & get your milk & cookies ready because Santa is coming early this year!

PICK-UP at SANTA'S WORKSHOP

Fri, Dec. 9

4:00 – 6:00 PM TBD

Sat, Dec 10

4:00 – 6:00 PM @ the North Pole in Mid-Lothian Mines Park.

A photo ID or registration QR code are required to pick up your packet. You may pick up a packet for another per-registered participant with a copy of their photo ID or QR code.

PERKS

• Participant Swag Choice: Knit Hat or Short Sleeve T-shirt
• Ornament Finisher Medal
• Santa Tracker – bib
• Plenty of Photo Ops
• Admission to the North Pole

Please note: Secret Santa Glow Kits & other holiday-themed merchandise are available during online registration for an additional fee.

VIRTUAL TACKY LIGHT RUN

Unable to participate at Walton Park, but still want to be part of the festive cheer?! Participate virtually, bring your family, & revel in the tacky!

How it works:

• Register by Dec 10
• Participate on your own tacky course
• Have fun!

Cost Includes:

• Santa Tracker – bib
• Ornament Finisher Medal
• Participant Swag Choice: Knit Hat or Short Sleeve T-shirt
• Packet Mailing

Celebrate Your Finish

Even if we are not together, we want to see your holiday spirit. Dig out your grandmother’s favorite holiday sweater, charge those battery packs, & wear all the garland you can find. Post a photo or video to share your virtual experience using the race hashtag #nevertootacky.

Sports Backers invests in the future of active living in our region through our youth programs such as Kids Run RVA & the Scholar-Athlete program. From the youngest kids getting an opportunity to be a part of a run club, reaping the socio-emotional benefits while moving more, to those on their way to adulthood & applying to college, Sports Backers is passionate about supporting Richmond region youth. Your donation makes it possible for us to support the most important part of our community – our kids. They are the future & we know that by investing in them & instilling healthy habits now, it benefits us all.

Let’s Go, RVA! Sports Backers mission is to inspire active living in all corners of our community. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to producing quality sporting events & programs that motivate residents & visitors to be more active, supporting youth running & fitness programs, & advocating for safe bike & pedestrian infrastructure. 

Due to COVID-19, we had to stop all in-person events & cancel all in-person programming in the Spring. But, our staff is hard at work bringing virtual & social distancing options to our region including virtual & outside fitness classes, virtual kids physical activity videos & classes, workout challenges, virtual events, &, most recently, socially distanced in-person events.

Cancellation Policy

Entry fees are non-refundable, even in the case of a race cancellation, event postponement, even format changes, and/or if you are unable to participate. Race numbers and entries cannot be transferred to another person. No exceptions. This means once we have received your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, and you may not give or sell your number to anyone else. Anyone found participating with another person’s number will be disqualified and both people will be barred from future Sports Backers events, including the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and VCU Health Richmond Marathon. Sorry y’all, but no dogs allowed.