👟Both courses are rich in architecture, lush foliage, river views, and more!

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. Then cross the finish line inside the University of Richmond's Robins Stadium, taking your final steps on the track as the crowd cheers you on. You'll not only accomplish a personal goal but will also support Sports Backers' nonprofit goal of building a vibrant community. Don't miss this breathtaking course!

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 2027 Virginia Credit Union River City Half and River City 5k to the 2028 event. You may only defer to and from the same event: 2027 Half to 2028 Half or 2027 5k to 2028 5k. Deferred registrations may not be transferred to another person. Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances. No exceptions. The fee to defer a registration is $10 for the 5k and $20 for the Half Marathon through December 3 and then $20 for the 5k and $35 for the Half Marathon through February 20. All deferrals must be completed by February 20 and may be used only for the 2028 event. You may only defer an entry once (i.e., if you deferred your 2026 entry to 2027, you will not be able to defer it again to 2028). For instructions on how to defer your entry, click here or email us. 

🚨Distance Switch Policy

You may switch distance up until the event begins or until the event reaches capacity, whichever happens first.

• Switching Half Marathon to the 5K: There is a $10 transfer fee. Follow the provided steps to complete your transfer.
• Switching 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 Event Switches

You may switch to or from the virtual event to the in-person event of the same distance at no cost. If you would like to switch events, please follow the provided steps to complete your transfer to virtual. If you have any issues, please email info@sportsbackers.org. Virtual 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.