See Richmond like you've never seen it before! Both courses are rich in architecture, lush foliage, river views, and more!
2026 Virginia Credit Union River City Half
Virtual 2026 Virginia Credit Union River City Half
Virtual 2026 River City 5k
Don’t miss this breathtaking course!
Watch nature wake from its winter slumber and take in the early signs of spring in Virginia as you run over and along the James River, through well-established neighborhoods and outdoor gems like Pony Pasture, and start and finish on the gorgeous campus of the University of Richmond. You’ll not only accomplish a personal goal but will also support Sports Backers nonprofit goal of building a vibrant community. Join us!
What’s Included?
Every participant gets:
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Gorgeous Views!
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Long sleeve technical shirt
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Finisher medal
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Bib with chip timing
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Access to the Post Race Festival with two drink tickets
Half Marathon participants will also recieve a branded canvas tote
Half Course*
Participants in the Virginia Credit Union River City Half will pass through the beautiful campus, run over the Huguenot Bridge and alongside the James River, passing through outdoor gems like Riverside Meadows and Pony Pasture before making their way to Forest Hill Avenue. From there, runners will be challenged to make a steep climb in the Westover Hills neighborhood, but the views of the iconic “Million Dollar View” bridge promise to be worth the effort! Participants will then head left on the Nickel bridge to cross the James River once more before running past the historic Carillon, through the well-established neighborhoods of Windsor Farms and along River Road, before finishing back on the Top Ranked “Most Beautiful Campus” of the University of Richmond.
- Course Limit: 3.5 Hours
- Course Cut Off 1: Mile 6.5 Water Stop @ 9:50 AM
- Course Cut Off 2: Mile 10 Water STop @ 10:45 AM
5k Course*
The beautiful 5k course will lead participants through campus and along River Road before running out and back on the Huguenot Bridge. After soaking in spectacular river views, participants will return toward campus along the Gambles Mill Corridor and finish near Westhampton Lake.
- Course Limit: 1.5 Hours
- Course Cut Off 1: Mile 1 @ 8:50 AM
* Courses subject to change
Richmond Road Runners Club Winter Training Team
Need help training? We partner with the Richmond Road Runner’s Club on their Winter Half Marathon Training Team as the official training solution for the half.
Registration is currently closed and will reopen in the Fall.
Sports Backers’ mission is to inspire people to live actively. Since 1991, Sports Backers has fostered a culture of active living in Central Virginia through its participatory sporting events and community-based programs that have inspired hundreds of thousands of people in the region to set fitness goals and pursue an active lifestyle. In everything that we do, we strive to promote health equity and create accessible opportunities for active living throughout our region.
We fulfill our mission by: (1) advocating for bike and pedestrian infrastructure; (2) energizing the community through events; and (3) building a network of community-led group fitness programs in schools and neighborhoods. With your support, we can make this region a more vibrant place to live where safe opportunities to walk, run, bike, or workout abound and where access to these activities are available to all. Thank you for considering an investment in our region’s future!
Cancellation Policy
Entry fees are non-refundable, even in the case of a race cancellation, postponement, event 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 or timing chip 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.
Deferrals
You may defer your registration from the 2026 Virginia Credit Union River City Half & 5k to the 2027 event until February 20. Deferred registrations may not be transferred to another person. Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances. No exceptions. No deferrals will be allowed after February 20, 2026. The deferral may be used only for the 2027 event. You may only defer an entry once (i.e., if you deferred your 2025 entry to 2026, you will not be able to defer it again in 2026 to 2027).
Through February 20: $20 fee for Half / $10 fee for 5k
For instructions on how to defer your entry, click here or email us.
Race Switch Policy
You may switch races up until the event begins or until the event reaches capacity, whichever happens first.
- Switching from the Half Marathon to the 5K: There is a $10 transfer fee. Follow the provided steps to complete your transfer.
- Switching from the 5K to the Half Marathon: There is a $10 transfer fee plus the difference in event price at the time of transfer. Please email info@sportsbackers.org for more details on transfering.
Virtual Switches
You may switch to or from the virtual event to the in-person event at no cost. If you would like to switch events, please follow these steps: Sign into RunSignUp > Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer Event > Choose New Event. If you have any issues you can email info@sportsbackers.org. Switches will be allowed up until race morning.
Rules
- This race is conducted under the rules of USATF and the Road Runners Club of America.
- In consideration of the safety of all participants, IN-LINE SKATES, SKATEBOARDS, BICYCLES, HANDCYCLES, OR ANIMALS will NOT be allowed on the course.
- Strollers, Baby Joggers, Baby Carriers are NOT allowed on the course.
- Once received, entries are non-refundable. Entries may not be transferred or given to another person. See above for additional policies.
- The Half Marathon has a minimum age of 12; The 5k has a minimum age of 6 on or before race day.
Questions? Feedback?
Questions or Feedback please reach out below
