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.
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.
Registration has already opened for next year’s River City Half. Anyone who registers before Friday, March 15 will get early bird pricing — the half is $75, and the 5K is $30. Next year‘s race is set for March 8, 2025.
