Richmond designated a Runner Friendly Community by the Road Runners Club of America
Richmond isn’t just home to ‘America’s Friendliest Marathon’; it’s also officially a Runner Friendly Community. The designation was made official by the Road Runners Club of America after Sports Backers, and the Richmond Road Runners Club applied to be recognized.
Richmond isn’t just home to ‘America’s Friendliest Marathon’; it’s also officially a Runner Friendly Community. The designation was made official by the Road Runners Club of America after Sports Backers, and the Richmond Road Runners Club applied to be recognized.
RRCA looked at the following aspects when reviewing applications – community infrastructure, community support, and local government support. Each of these segments had a list of requirements that Runner Friendly Communities must meet to be considered. All applicants had to prove that their community supports running by working with public and private groups and that they can maintain infrastructure that makes running safe and enjoyable for all.
“Running provides Richmonders with numerous health benefits, and the large-scale events we host also provide a positive economic boost to many local businesses. Our beautiful and scenic neighborhoods, along with the James River, serve as the setting for popular events such as the Richmond Marathon and Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, with enthusiastic supporters lining the courses to provide encouragement and motivation for participants,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “While these annual events are special occasions and memorable experiences for those involved, you can see people enjoying running on a daily basis throughout Richmond.”
Nationally acclaimed professional runner Keira D’Amato echoed Mayor Stoney’s support and wrote a letter to RRCA stating that Richmond holds it own as a standout running location.
“The journey of a life in running has taken me around the U.S. and the world, and all the while, Richmond has been home for me and my family. The infrastructure, accessibility, and community support in Richmond provide me with everything I need to train and compete at a high level while staying engaged with the local running community,” D’Amato said.
In addition to Mayor Stoney and D’Amato, several other individuals and groups showed support during the application process, including Katherine O’Donnell, CDME Executive Vice President of Richmond Region Tourism, Jeff Wells, Owner of Fleet Feet Richmond, Neil Amin, Chief Executive Office of Shamin Hotels, and Anthony and Tara Clary, Co-Founders of We Off the Couch Fitness Group.
As a Runner Friendly Community, Richmond will be listed on the RRCA website and will receive a commemorative plaque. Richmond will be featured in a national press release from the RRCA and the RRCA Annual Report, will receive window decals to be placed in runner-friendly businesses, and will be able to use the RRCA Runner Friendly Community logo.
Will you help support independent, local journalism?
We need your help. RVAHub is a small, independent publication, and we depend on our readers to help us provide a vital community service. If you enjoy our content, would you consider a donation as small as $5? We would be immensely grateful! Interested in advertising your business, organization, or event? Get the details here.
Owens & Minor has committed fifty thousand dollars to provide ongoing access to the educational and environmental benefits of the James River through programs provided by the James River Association (JRA). Twenty-five thousand dollars of their gift will go toward JRA’s new, state-of-the-art James A. Buzzard River Education Center, currently under construction in downtown Richmond. The additional twenty-five thousand dollars will go toward helping JRA with their educational programming.
“We are extremely grateful for the very generous support of The Owens & Minor Foundation and their employees,” said Bill Street, President and CEO for the James River Association. “Their partnership with JRA supports the construction of the future James A. Buzzard River Education Center and provides support for our current educational programming.”
In addition to their generous donation, volunteers from Owens & Minor planted trees in partnership with JRA, Richmond Public Library, and Richmond Department of Public Utilities/RVAH2O this past Earth Day on April 22, 2023. These planting efforts supported the Greening Richmond Public Libraries project at the East End Public Library.
“JRA and our partners were fortunate to work alongside conservation-minded volunteers from Owens & Minor to plant trees on Earth Day,” said Justin Doyle, Director of Community Conservation for the James River Association. “As the trees we planted grow, they will intercept rainwater, reduce stormwater runoff, and help cool one of the hottest areas of Richmond’s East End.”
Community tree planting events associated with the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative rely on volunteer assistance. This project will benefit the library and surrounding community in regard to stormwater runoff, which is a growing source of pollution in the James River watershed.
“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the James River Association to promote conservation and responsible stewardship of our nation’s waterways,” said Faith Cristol, President of The Owens & Minor Foundation. “We truly value our partnership with JRA and the opportunity to contribute to the goal of creating a healthier environment and serving our community.”
Will you help support independent, local journalism?
We need your help. RVAHub is a small, independent publication, and we depend on our readers to help us provide a vital community service. If you enjoy our content, would you consider a donation as small as $5? We would be immensely grateful! Interested in advertising your business, organization, or event? Get the details here.
The James River Association (JRA) will launch its seasonal boat and paddle programs starting in May 2023. These guided river trips are open to the public and offer unique experiences for participants to engage with the river through birdwatching tours, photography excursions, historical batteau rides, and sturgeon-watching trips—all while learning about the wildlife, history, and natural resources of the river and its tributaries.
It’s a chance for local recreationists, as well as regional travelers, to take a break on the James and enjoy the natural beauty and solace it provides. Trips will take place in each of JRA’s three regions which include Richmond, Williamsburg, and Lynchburg.
In the Williamsburg region, JRA’s Connect with the James program will offer kayaking tours of Powhatan Creek in partnership with James City County, highlighting river birds and other local flora and fauna. In the Richmond region, JRA’s Connect with the James program will offer pontoon boat sunset cruises, wildlife outings highlighting the ever-popular Atlantic sturgeon, and art-themed adventures in partnership with Artspace in which participants can either sketch or photograph the river with the guidance of a seasoned teacher.
“Every year, more than 2.7 million Virginians rely on the James River for drinking water, but only a small handful of them have regular access to the river. Our goal with the Connect with James program is to change that!” said Mike Lyden, JRA’s Senior Operations Manager. “Whether taking a guided trip focused on history and wildlife or participating in a trash cleanup along the river’s banks, the James has a way to engage everyone. Join us for a Connect with the James trip and experience how the river not only provides water for drinking but water for pure enjoyment.”
In the Lynchburg region, JRA’s James River Adventures, located at Riveredge Park across the river from downtown Lynchburg, will provide guided river paddles in addition to offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to ride back in time on a historic batteau boat along one of the James’ most beautiful and fascinating stretches of water.
“We can’t wait to get people back on the James for river season,” said Rob Campbell, JRA’s Upper James Senior Regional Manager. “I’m especially excited to provide river lovers with the opportunity to take a trip on our historic batteau and give them a chance to enjoy the river in a whole new way.”Pre-registration is required for all programs. JRA provides canoes, kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices to participants. All fees associated with Connect with the James and James River Adventures are donations to JRA to help protect and connect people with the James, and to create a healthy river for thriving communities.
Will you help support independent, local journalism?
We need your help. RVAHub is a small, independent publication, and we depend on our readers to help us provide a vital community service. If you enjoy our content, would you consider a donation as small as $5? We would be immensely grateful! Interested in advertising your business, organization, or event? Get the details here.
Walking along the floodwall, across Mayo Bridge, the Pipeline and across T-Pot you’ll be reminded of how awesome it is to have a river running through our city.
Will you help support independent, local journalism?
We need your help. RVAHub is a small, independent publication, and we depend on our readers to help us provide a vital community service. If you enjoy our content, would you consider a donation as small as $5? We would be immensely grateful! Interested in advertising your business, organization, or event? Get the details here.
