12.19.2023

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Today’s Forecast

52º | Morning clouds | 6% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 4:554 p.m.

Running the River City

Richmond-area running stores

PR has a wide selection of shoes for everyone from occasional walkers to cross country runners. | Photo by RICtoday

It’s no secret that Richmond’s a running town. The streets of the River City boast professionals like multi-American Record holder Keira D’Amato and 3:56 miler Waleed Suleiman. It’s also home to the “World’s Friendliest Marathon” and thousands of everyday runners.

If you’re looking for a locally-owned place to pick up gear for yourself or the runner in your life— keep scrolling.

PR Run & Walk by Keira D’Amato

The first retail venture by Nike pro marathoner and Midlothian resident Keira D’Amato, PR Run & Walk just moved to a new location on Monday, Dec. 18. The new space at 15712 WC Commons Way in Midlothian’s Westchester Commons is larger than the original storefront, but offers the same high-tech shoe-fitting system.

PR has a wide selection of shoe brands, a knowledgeable staff, and an in-depth fitting process. It also does online orders. Fun fact: City Editor David’s first post-college job was at PR Run & Walk.

A smiling runner — The Richmond Marathon brings thousands of runners — local and out of town — to the streets of Richmond every year.
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Photo provided by Sports Backers

Lucky Road

Lucky Road, founded in 1999 in Fredericksburg, has been in the Richmond area since 2012. In January of 2023, it moved into the Carytown location formerly held by Roadrunner Sports. This expansion brought its total number of locations to four — it also has storefronts in Fredericksburg, Midlothian, and Willow Lawn.

Not only is Lucky Road a great choice for a shoe fitting, but it sponsors several local races.

Walkabout Outfitters

While it’s not a running specialty store, Walkabout Outfitters has a solid variety of running and hiking supplies along with its myriad outdoor equipment. Founded in Lexington, VA in 2005, Walkabout’s Carytown location is just a short walk — or jog — from Lucky Road.

If you’re ready to hit the trails running, Walkabout is the perfect spot for all your off-road and outdoor needs.

Asked

Which Richmond runner once held 11 world records in events from 250-1000 yards?

A. Waleed Suliman
B. Lon Myers
C. Keira D’Amato
D. Bethany Sachtleben

Make a guess

Events

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Common Ground Virginia History Book Group | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Register to discuss “Unwise Passions” by Alan Pell Crawford.
Commonwealth Concert Opera’s Naughty or Nice | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 7-11 p.m. | Révéler, 3108 W. Cary St, Richmond | $20 | Enjoy an eclectic group of seasonal songs in a festive atmosphere.

Wednesday, Dec. 20

VCU Women’s Basketball vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 6 p.m. | Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., Richmond | $7-$10 | The Rams take on UMES at home.
Game Night by RVA Pieces | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 6-10 p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St., Richmond | Free | Join the chess club for a monthly board game night — bring whatever you want to play.

Thursday, Dec. 21

Blues Night | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6-10 p.m. | Strangeways Brewing, 3110 W. Leigh St., Richmond | Cost of purchase | Enjoy a local brew and some blues.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | See the Christmas comedy on the big screen.

Friday, Dec. 22

Make the Yuletide Gay | Friday, Dec. 22 | 6-10 p.m. | Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Ave., Richmond | $5-$10 | Celebrate the holidays with an indoor market, a variety show, photo ops with Santa, and free toys for kids.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Travel

Return to relaxation at The Omni Grove Park Inn: The Blue Ridge Mountains’ iconic inn + spa

a large pool surrounded by stonework and stone columns

Enjoy twenty water features, mineral-based pools + 43,000-sqft. of peace and quite at the hotel’s stunning spa. | Photo provided by The Omni Grove Park Inn

Spending a few days relaxing in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains at a gorgeous, historic resort? Sign us up, please.

The Omni Grove Park Inn (right outside of buzzworthy Asheville, NC) is currently offering a special “Return to Relaxation” package with discounted overnight rates Sunday through Thursday. The package also includes breakfast at The Morning Table and valet or garage self-parking.

With the chaotic holidays already upon us, this sounds like our ideal time + place to unwind.

Built in 1913, the iconic Inn has been providing a luxury experience to guests seeking fresh, Western North Carolina mountain air for over 100 years. Enjoy the hotel’s arts and crafts architecture, as well as:

The Spa, rated a top resort spa by “Condè Nast Traveler”
Indoor pools
Cozy, 36-foot-wide fireplaces
18-hole golf course designed by Donald Ross
State-of-the-art fitness center
On-property trails
High-quality restaurants
Gorgeous views from its Sunset Mountain-top location (trust us, the views are amazing)

Book your relaxing getaway

News Notes

Civic

The Department of Public Works is looking for feedback on its plans for improvements at two intersections. Share your thoughts on the proposed speed management solutions at 7th Street and Semmes Avenue and the suggested improvements at Hermitage Road and Laburnum Avenue.

Sports

After 2025, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic will neither be sponsored by Dominion nor held at the Country Club of Virginia. Despite these changes to the annual PGA tournament, the event’s directors say they have “no intention” of leaving Richmond. (Richmond BizSense)

Award

The Altria Theater has been nominated for Theatre of the Year in this year’s Pollstar Awards. The historic venue— ranked as the no. 15 theater in the U.S. for total ticket sales in 2023 — is one of seven nominees for this award.

Shop

You can save on season tickets to the LiVE LOUD concert series at Brown’s Island until Tuesday, Dec. 26. Tickets, discounted up to 50%, are available online.

Weather

Despite last week’s snowfall, predictions suggest that a white Christmas this year is very unlikely. Temperatures are expected to be unseasonably warm Dec. 20-26, and a map from RTD puts the likelihood of Christmas morning snow at 6%. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Featured Deal

University of Richmond Athletics is offering Spiders Kids Club featuring three membership levels and perks like: free tickets, giveaways, birthday parties + more. Snag the deal.*

Edu

Honoring retiring supervisors

Henrico announces scholarships to honor retiring supervisors

Supervisor Frank Thornton speaks at a Henrico county lecturn.

Supervisor Frank Thornton has served on the Henrico Board of Supervisors for 28 years. | Photo by RICtoday

Henrico County has announced two scholarships available for HCPS seniors to honor Frank Thornton and Patricia O’Bannon. The two long-time members of the Board of Supervisors will retire at the end of the year.

Both Thornton and O’Bannon were elected in 1995. Thornton was Henrico’s first Black supervisor and O’Bannon was the first woman on the board.

The county will honor each supervisor’s 28 years of service with a $5,000 annual scholarship. Thornton’s will be awarded to a student who has “shown leadership through advocacy for social issues.” O’Bannon’s is for a service-oriented student who plans to seek a career in public policy, communications, or education.

A dozen corporate and individual donors pledged a total of $62,500 to establish the scholarship fund. HCPS seniors can apply online for the scholarships beginning in January.

The Buy

The Buy 12.19.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

This Adams Apple Company apple butter. It’s made in the USA + you can use it to make these amazing apple butter snickerdoodle cookies Lifestyle and Recipe YouTuber Jessica O’Donohue whipped up (just save a few for Santa).

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

I could talk for hours about my favorite spots to run in Richmond, but it’s hard to beat the trails surrounding the James River for views and fun, challenging terrain.

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