Professional runner Keira D’Amato’s favorite spots for a run in Richmond
D’Amato finished eighth at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. | Photo by @janemonti26.2
If you’ve ever been out for a stroll along the James or gone for a jog at Pony Pasture, newsflash — you might have been passed by an American record holder.
Keira D’Amato is a Richmonder, a business owner, and a Nike-sponsored professional distance runner. She’s set American records in the 10 mile, half marathon, and marathon, and ran in both the 2022 and 2023 World Championships. On Saturday, June 29, she’ll be vying for a spot on the US Olympic team in the 10,000m.
Keira D’Amato broke the US women’s half marathon record by 13 seconds in June 2023.
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Photo by Casey Sims
In addition to being one of our foremost professional athletes, D’Amato has also championed Richmond as one of the best running cities in the country.
“I’ve run in almost every state,” D’Amato said. “And Richmond is the friendliest place to run.”
After writing about some of our favorite routes for a run or walk around the River City, we reached out to D’Amato to get a professional opinion. Here are her six favorite places to run in the Richmond area.
Pony Pasture/Riverside Drive
D’Amato loves this stretch of road and trail for its varied terrain — one can enjoy dirt trails, flat pavement, and hilly roads in a single run. More than that, however, she appreciates the community of runners, walkers, and cyclists she gets to share to road with.
“You feel like you’re part of something,” D’Amato said.
The Virginia Capital Trail is one of D’Amato’s favorite local paths to run.
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Photo by RICtoday
Virginia Capital Trail
Like many Richmond runners, D’Amato frequents the Capital Trail for longer runs, starting at Great Shiplock Park and heading east. Don’t worry — it turns out even 2:19 marathoners dread the massive hill that begins ~1.5 miles in.
Pocahontas State Park
D’Amato is frequently asked, “if you could run anywhere in the world, where would you pick?” Her answer? Pocahontas State Park. The rolling hills, soft gravel surfaces, and natural beauty have made this Chesterfield park a staple of her training.
RVA Yoga Hang | Monday, June 24 | Benchtop Brewing, 434 Hull St., Richmond | $25 | Your ticket to this all-levels yoga session includes a craft brew after the class.
Flying Squirrels vs. Somerset Patriots | Tuesday, June 25 | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $10-$25 | Celebrate some historic Richmond neighborhoods at the Fan and Museum District Community Night.
Wednesday, June 26
Starting a Nonprofit | Wednesday, June 26 | 12-1:30 p.m. | RPL Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St., Richmond | Free | Get your questions answered by a local attorney and see the resources offered by the Richmond Public Library.
Thursday, June 27
Foster Parent Information Session | Thursday, June 27 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | See if you could be a good fit as a foster parent during this online session.
Stomping Grounds | Thursday, June 27 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St., Richmond | $12 | Get $9 advance tickets at Plan 9 to see Madly Backwards, Juniper Tree, and Høly River.
The first of two Zoning 101 webinars is today at 11:30 a.m. — the second one is tomorrow at 6 p.m. The meetings will explain the basics of the zoning ordinance rewrite process the city is undergoing. Get registration links and more info with our explainer.
Transit
GRTC is almost done with the rollout of its initial on-demand microtransit service, LINK. The fifth of five zones, located in Sandston/Elko in the east end of Henrico, will launch on Monday, July 1.
Coming Soon
VCU is getting a Qdoba. The fast-casual chain plans to open in fall 2025 on West Grace next to Red Eye Cookie Co. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Sports
The Ivy play the final game of their inaugural season this Friday, June 28 against Lancaster Inferno. Get tickets and be ready to sport your green — it’s also fan appreciation night.
Environment
This Friday, June 28 is the final day to tell PlanRVA your ideas for pollution reduction in our region. The group is using federal funds to detail short- and long-term strategies to reduce greenhouse gases.
Cause
RVA Community Fridges has put out a call for donations to help Richmonders cool down amid high temperatures this week. Check out the map to find a fridge near you to drop off sunscreen, water, ice, popsicles, and hydrating fruits like watermelon.
Pets
The Veil is starting a program with Richmond Animal Care & Control to promote adoptions at dog-friendly breweries. Volunteers take adoptable dogs out on the town and give them exposure to prospective pup parents. Send an email to get more information about joining the Brewpub & Patio Pups crew.
Learn
Discover the science behind happiness and its impact on our health during “BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness,” on view now through Monday, Sept. 2 at the Science Museum of Virginia. Psst… This striking exhibit features real human specimens. Learn more + buy tickets.*
Featured Deal
Shop ‘til you drop at the Ruby Boutique before it permanently closes on Sunday, June 30 (think: savings of up to 75% on 100+ pairs of shoes and clothing). Their sister store, The Phoenix, will remain open — so look for new summer arrivals.*
Asked
🏒 Your memories of Richmond hockey
The history of Richmond ice hockey
Richmond’s hosted several pro ice hockey teams over the last 50 years. | Photo by RICtoday
Recently, we asked our readers for their memories of Richmond hockey — from the Robins through the brief return of the Renegades. Here are a few of your responses.
“I loved going to the Renegades games. One of my favorite memories is being able to meet the team at the end of the game and they gave me the game puck!” — Melissa B.
“Winning a playoff game at the final horn. Never see that often in hockey!” — Christopher B.
“Saw all the teams play. Saw the ‘Gades win the Riley Cup.” — Tim M.
“My then-GF poured a bucket of popcorn on my head at a Renagades game. As a result, I met my future wife at that same game. We’ve been married 25 years.” — Mike S.
If you, like me, are a running nerd, then I assume you’re already following Keira on Strava. Between great ideas for places to run, mind-boggling track workouts, and some top-tier puns, there’s something for just about everyone.
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