September 16 – November 11, 2023

They say there’s strength in numbers… and we couldn’t agree more! Training for the VCU Health Richmond 8k can be a challenge, but doing it in a group setting with a crew of supportive coaches and teammates is sure to get you to the finish line. Spend 8 weeks in a program catered to runners and walkers of all abilities – you’ll quickly realize how fun (yes, FUN!) training can be and how easy it is to make new friends. So take some time for yourself, your health, and your social life and meet us Sept. 17 at one of our convenient locations. Lace ‘em up, folks – it’s time to get moving!

Join our Traveling Team! Tired of doing the same routes? Then take advantage of all the uniquely RVA places you can run and walk. This group will meet up at different locations each week such as…the Virginia Capital Trail, The Fan, Brown’s Island and more! Post-training you can explore each area by going to a local coffee shop, or brunch location with some of your new 8k Training Team friends!

8k Training Team Fees

Early Bird Pricing, November 13 – 17: $55

November 18 – October 3: $60

Here is what some recent participants say they love most about Sports Backers Training Teams:
Several years ago I walked a race with no training team or preparation. I decided to try again, but the right way this time. The training, clinics and meetings were so valuable! I enjoyed the Saturday experiences very much. Thank you for your encouragement!
– Jan Sloan
I loved everything about it—meeting the new people, getting great tips, and an overall awesome time!
– Virginia Moncure
I never expected the support, fun, and lifelong friendships I gained from the Training Team!
– Lauren Caldas

8k Training Team Registration Includes

  • Training Starts on September 16, 2023 with a detailed written schedule for you to follow. Most sites will begin at 8 a.m., but coaches will email all participants prior to the first day of training to confirm
  • Personal guidance from a team of experienced coaches
  • Organized and supported weekly group Saturday morning runs from several convenient locations around the city
  • A special Sports Backers 8k Training Team shirt
  • FREE entry in the 2023 VCU Health Richmond 8k and all associated race benefits

Registration

Register Now

or print out an entry form and mail it in with payment

PLEASE NOTE: Training Team entry fees are non-refundable and entries are non-transferable, no exceptions. Once we receive your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate

Income Based Rate

At Sports Backers, our mission is to inspire people from all corners of our community to live actively. Engaging underserved populations is one of our core values and one way we act on this value is by offering Income Based Rates for all of our training teams. These special rates are offered to those who qualify and would otherwise not be able to participate.

Those who make $25,000 or less annually or receive proven TANF, Food Stamp or Energy Assistance Benefits from Social Services and are not currently claimed as a dependent by anyone making above $25,000 annually are eligible for a special $15 rate for the 8k Training Team. Please provide one of the following documents for verification:

  • Verification/Eligibility letter from Social Services
  • Most Recent Tax Return

For those that qualify for the income-based entry fee, please come by our office or mail the completed mail-in entry form and your verification document to Sports Backers, 100 Avenue of Champions, Richmond, VA 23230. You can also email your documentation to [email protected] (make sure to black out you social security number).

For more information, please email [email protected].

Important Rules & Notes

  • All Training Team entry fees must be received by October 1 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Training Team entry fees are non-refundable and entries are non-transferable, no exceptions. Once we receive your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate. You may not defer your 2023 Sports Backers 8k Training Team entry nor your free entry in the 2023 VCU Health Richmond 8k to the 2024 event.
  • Strollers and baby joggers are not allowed at group training sessions or in the VCU Health Richmond 8k.
  • You must be at least 8 years of age to participate. If you are under the age of 16, you must have a parent/guardian present for all training runs.

Saturday Group Training Locations

The schedule for the weekly Saturday group run/walk at each facility is below.
Locations and time subject to change.

Training Starts on September 16, 2023. Most sites will begin at 8 a.m., but coaches will email all participants prior to the first day of training to confirm.

  • Church Hill
    • Parker Field (By Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby St, Richmond, VA 23223)
    • 7:30 a.m.
  • Carytown/Byrd Park

    • Dogwood Dell Parking Lot by Barker Field & The Carillon (1300 Blanton Ave, Richmond, VA 23221)
    • 8:00 a.m.
  • Midlothian
    • Mid-Lothian Mines Park (13301 N Woolridge Rd, Midlothian, VA 23114)
    • 8:00 a.m.
  • Short Pump
    • Twin Hickory Park (5011 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059)
    • 7:30 a.m.
  • Traveling Team – This group will meet up at different locations each week such as…the Virginia Capital Trail, The Fan, Brown’s Island and more!
    • 7:30 a.m.
    • Week 2: Willow Lawn – behind the Kroger, near Golds Gym

Training Schedule

When you arrive for the first Group Run/Walk you will receive a training booklet with the complete eight-week training schedule. Every Saturday you will meet at your local facility listed above. The other days of the week, you will be on your own to follow the training schedule.

Here is a sample of the first week’s training schedule:

Saturday 9/16 Sunday 9/17 Monday 9/18 Tuesday 9/19 Wednesday 9/20 Thursday 9/21 Friday 9/22 Saturday 9/23
Group Walk/Run

1 Mile Walk/Run

 Rest Cross Train or Walk 1 Mile Rest 1.5 Miles Easy Rest Group Walk/Run

2 Miles

Clinics

There will be clinics held on everything from injury prevention to nutrition to shoes. Clinic details will be posted in the early summer.

Safety and COVID-19

The Sports Backers team wants to keep you moving, but only in a way that keeps our participants, volunteers, staff and communities safe and healthy.

We can assure you that we have our eye on all of the most recent COVID-19 guidelines and will make updates to our event as needed to stay within those guidelines, but most importantly to keep you safe.

Any updated COVID-19 safety policies and procedures can be found here.