Inaugural River City Half Marathon draws nearly 3,000 runners
This year’s inaugural River City Half Marathon and 5K sold out, sending off 2,750 runners. | Photo via Sports Backers
The first running of the River City Half Marathon and 5K was Saturday, March 9. The brand new event sold out, drawing 2,750 runners from over 40 states. Despite the broad turnout, Richmonders took home wins in both the men’s and women’s races.
Nike pro, American Record holder, and local business owner Keira D’Amato was the first woman to cross the finish line. She ran the race in 1:16:15, or 5:50 per mile. D’Amato’s hometown win comes just seven days after she took second at the US 15K championships in Florida.
After her win, D’Amato joined Ali Feller for a live episode of the “Ali On The Run” podcast. The two talked shop in front of a sold out crowd of 300 at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.
Keira D’Amato (in the pink windbreaker) and Ryan McCracken (in the black "=PR=" jersey) took home wins at this year’s half marathon.
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Photo via Sports Backers
The first finisher overall and the winner of the men’s race was Richmond local and Freeman High School grad Ryan McCracken. McCracken, who ran track and cross country at William & Mary, ran 13.1 miles over Richmond hills in 1:09:43, or 5:20 per mile.
McCracken told us he’s “pleased as punch” to win the race’s inaugural running. He also mentioned how much he enjoyed the course.
The race course was designed to showcase Richmond’s natural beauty. The half marathon started on campus at the University of Richmond before taking runners across the Huguenot Bridge, along Riverside Drive, through Stratford Hills and Westover Hills, back over the river via the Nickel Bridge, and through Richmond’s iconic Windsor Farms neighborhood before finishing at UR.
The race course was designed to showcase the natural beauty the River City has to offer.
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Photo via Sports Backers
Registration has already opened for next year’s River City Half. Anyone who registers before this Friday, March 15 will get early bird pricing — the half is $75, and the 5K is $30. Nextyear‘s race is set for March 8, 2025.
Events
Tuesday, March 12
Beep Boop Bop! on Shockoe Sessions Live! | Tuesday, March 12 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | In Your Ear Studios, 1813 E. Broad St., Richmond | $20 | Get tickets to join the sonic adventure in person or tune in to the show on YouTube.
Tedeschi Trucks Band | Tuesday, March 12-Wednesday, March 13 | 8 p.m. | Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St., Richmond | $45-$195 | Rock out on the “Deuces Wild” tour.
Wednesday, March 13
Literary Virginia Book Group | Wednesday, March 13 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Tune in for a discussion of “What the Eyes Can’t See: Ralph Northam, Black Resolve, and a Racial Reckoning in Virginia” by Margaret Edds.
Thursday, March 14
“The Departed” | Thursday, March 14 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | Martin Scorsese’s Boston crime thriller stars Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matt Damon.
“The Tudors by Numbers” Author Event and Book Signing | Thursday, March 14 | 7-8 p.m. | Agecroft Hall, 4305 Sulgrave Rd., Richmond | $15 | Join author Carol Ann Lloyd as she discusses her new book, “The Tudors by Numbers: The Stories and Statistics Behind England’s Most Infamous Royal Dynasty.”
Friday, March 15
2024 Transportation Forum | Friday, March 15 | 7:45-10 a.m. | Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main St., Richmond | Free | Register to learn how you can engage in regional transit planning and get an inside look at future projects.
VCU Baseball vs. Princeton | Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17 | Times vary | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $7-$10 | Cheer on the Rams in a four-game series against the Tigers.
Art for the Soul | Friday, March 15 | 7-11 p.m. | Studio Two Three, 109 W. 15th St., Richmond | $10-$20 | Enjoy an art exhibit, shop from vendors, and try your hand at karaoke with DJ Lon.
Saturday, March 16
Genworth Lights Up! Youth Series | Saturday, March 16 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Rd., Richmond | Free | The Genworth Lights Up! Youth Series stops at Pine Camp this Saturday, and provides kids + teens aged 3-18 with the chance to engage in visual and performing arts workshops.*
Cinnaholic, a California-based vegan bakery chain, is looking to open up shop in Chesterfield. The franchise plans to set up in a 1,000-sqft space at 14225 Winterview Pkwy. (Richmond BizSenze)
Edu
HCPS’ new program, Henrico CARES, aims to improve access to high-quality mental health services in schools. The county plans to invest nearly $18 million to address youth mental health.
State
The General Assembly has passed the budget for the next two years. The budget increases education funding and includes pay raises for teachers and state employees, and does not include the funding for a new stadium sought by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. (VPM)
Transit
Funded by CVTA, the Department of Public Works is upgrading the traffic signals at Chamberlayne Avenue and Lombardy Street. Expect intermittent lane closures starting next week while crews remove the current traffic signal poles, install new poles, vehicle detection sensors, and new pedestrian countdown equipment.
Cause
ouRVA Collective and the Happily Natural festival are hosting a community volunteer day at Sankofa Community Orchard on Saturday, March 30. RSVP online to volunteer at the community garden from 1 to 4 p.m.
Holiday
The Weinstein JCC’s Purim celebration is planned for Sunday, March 24, from 12 to 3 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite animal and join the celebration including crafts, face painting, laser tag, a bounce house, kosher food, and two 30-minute shows by Jonathan the Juggler.
Announced
Drum roll, please… Our sister newsletter in Charlotte, NC will launch on Monday, March 18. From the latest news about developments and restaurants to fun events around town, we’re covering everything you need to know about Queen City. Just like this newsletter, it’s 100% free, 100% local, and 100% informative. Subscribe today.
Shop
This cozy men’s sweatshirt has been climbing the sales ranks and we can see why — the brushed fleece makes this everyday essential super comfortable.*
Sports
5 Kickers games we’re excited for in 2024
⚽ Six Kickers home games we’re excited for in 2025
Get tickets to cheer on the Kickers at City Stadium. | Photo by Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography
With a snazzy new crest + refreshed brand, the Kickers started their season with an away-game win last Friday — andthe ball just got rolling. There are plenty of games to look forward to here in River City. Here are six matches we’re gearing up for this year.
Opening Night — Saturday, March 22 Kick off the season with this high-energy match against AV Alta, and be on the lookout for RVA’s favorite hopping mascot, Kickeroo.
Pups at the Pitch — Saturday, March 29
Bring your dog to this match against Forward Madison, and maybe you’ll inspire the next “Air Bud.”
Night at the Museums — Wednesday, April 9
We’re intrigued by what this match against Union Omaha could entail, considering its Stiller-esque title.
Pride Night — Saturday, June 21
Celebrate Pride Month and show your love for the Roos at this summertime showdown against Spokane Velocity.
National Ice Cream Sandwich Day — Saturday, August 2
Root for the Kickers to beat Naples, while you beat the heat with ice cream from the Richmond-owned biz, Nightingale.
Fiesta de Herencia Hispana — Saturday, September 20
The Virginia Hispanic Chamber presents this match against Charlotte Independence. Last year’s celebration included a $5 Modelo happy hour and a Salsa Guy halftime show.
The Lavender Fields Eye Pillow Set. With items like the crystal-infused lavender eye pillow and crystal-infused sleep mist, we’re dreaming of better sleep this week after Daylight Savings.
Half marathon-winner Ryan McCracken is actually an old friend of mine — he was the one who first took me for a run around Larus Park’s trails. Those of you who were miffed I was highlighting such a hidden gem, take it up with Ryan.
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