Youth Running in RVA

Richmond Road Runners Club does not organize races or training programs specifically for youth runners, but the club does encourage youth participation in many of our events.

In addition, RRRC and its members support several local nonprofit organizations that encourage and support youth running in RVA. Many RRRC members serve as coaches or volunteers with local youth running programs. Every year, RRRC partners with Sports Backers to offer the Patrick Henry Half Marathon. All profits from the race support Kids Run RVA!

Youth Running at RRRC Races

Kids Runs - Many RRRC races offer a kids' fun run before or after the main event. These fun runs are short (usually 0.25 miles or less) runs for children ages 2-10. Participation is free, but registration is required. All finishers of a kids run receive a finisher's medal.

Youth Pricing at RRRC Races - Youth aged 12 years and younger receive youth pricing when they sign up to participate in many RRRC races. Youth will pay only $5.00 plus processing fee if they wish to run in most club races of 15K (9 mile) duration or less. Youth registrants do not receive a giveaway (if available), but may purchase one during registration. Please note that most races have a minimum age for participation and require a parent or guardian to run the race with a child under 9 or 10 years of age, depending on the race distance.

Free Registration for Running Clubs/Programs at Title I Schools - Running clubs/programs at Title I schools may request free registration for their youth runners (aged 17 years and younger) and up to four (4) adult coaches/chaperones to participate in RRRC races. Please contact administrator@rrrc.org at least four weeks before a RRRC race to arrange for free registration of your club/team.

RRRC Youth Running Camp 2021

Richmond Road Runners Club offers a free running camp for youth (girls and boys) going into grades 6, 7, 8, or 9. The goal of program is to introduce young runners to the fundamentals of running, conditioning, and healthy habits.

Click here for MORE INFORMATION and to SIGN UP

Location: Robious Middle School Sports Complex, where the program will use the new track, fields on the complex, and some of the roads in the surrounding neighborhood. 

Dates:

• Session 1: July 12-16, Monday - Friday (weather permitting)
• Session 2: July 19-23, Monday - Friday (weather permitting)

Time: 7:45 - 11:30 AM (drop off no earlier than 7:40 AM; pick up no later than 11:45 AM)

Registration

• The RRRC Youth Running Camp is a free program, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. All runners must be registered online and a parent or legal guardian must accept the waiver.
• The program will accept a maximum of 60 campers per session. Once the participant cap is reached, you will have the option to join a waiting list and will be notified if spaces become available. 

Head Coach: Bill Kelly & Rosie Schutte

Kids Run RVA

Sports Backers created Kids Run RVA to make running and active living just as fun and easy. Kids Run RVA promotes physical activity to youth across the Richmond region and encourages more kids to get moving more often. Between all its programs and events, Kids Run RVA instills healthy habits that continue to flourish into adolescence and adulthood.

Sports Backers offers the Virginia 529 Kids Run, a one-mile run just for kids ages 5-12 on the day of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K. The Whole Foods Marathon, Jr. offers fall Halloween-themed runs (0.5 and 1 mile events) at Byrd Park just three weeks before the VCU Health Richmond Marathon weekend. 

Kids Run RVA supports run clubs at elementary and middle schools throughout the region. Volunteer coaches lead the running and walking clubs at local schools and communities. Clubs meet before or after school to run, jump, walk, and play together! Over time, young people in Kids Run RVA Clubs improve their fitness, build a love for running and walking, and prepare to participate in one of our events.

West End Richmond Striders

West End Richmond Striders is a local not-for-profit organization that offers track and field training, academic assistance and life skills to youth ages 5-16. This USATF/AAU summer track club has a diverse group of professionals, parents, volunteers, and student-athletes who are dedicated to ensuring that youth are provided with organized activity that will enhance their physical, mental, and scholastic growth and development. Organized in 1973 by Jimmy Lee Bracey, Jr, West End Richmond Striders has had a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of Richmond’s youth. For information, visit them on Facebook, email westendrichmondstriders@gmail.com, or call Charlene L. Hinton-Watts at (804) 997-1246.

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. The local GOTR council Girls on the Run of Greater Richmond offers its program in over 20 schools in the Richmond area. GOTR teaches life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games for girls in 3^rd through 8^th grade. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K running event.

Healthy Kids Running Series

Healthy Kids Running Series is a national, community-based not-for-profit organization that provides a fun, inclusive, five-week running series for ages 2-14 designed to get kids active, experience accomplishment and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

Richmond is home to two local programs:

Richmond - with runs at Quioccasin Middle School, 9400 Quioccasin Rd, Richmond

Mechanicsville - with runs at Pole Green Park, 8996 Pole Green Park Lane, Mechanicsville

There are also programs in Louisa and Amelia Court House.

YMCA Cross Country Program

YMCA of Greater Richmond offers a co-ed cross country program for youths 8-14 years old -- for beginner or experienced runners and for athletes of other sports looking for some cross training. The price is $72 for YMCA members and $110 for non-members. (YMCA offers financial scholarships for its sports programs for those who qualify.) 

The program runs from mid-August to late October. Practices will be held two times per week. Participants  learn proper running skills and technique, receive training in long-distance running, as well as speed, agility, endurance, and plyometrics. YMCA Cross Country teaches the character values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring as the cornerstones of the program. Program includes 3 race meets and culminates with an Association-wide 5K Meet on October 26 at Dorey Park.

CLICK HERE to view details of and to register for the cross country program at the following YMCA locations:

• Manchester
• Tuckahoe
• Atlee Station
• Shady Grove
• Swift Creek
• Midlothian
• Patrick Henry
• Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan
• Goochland
• Petersburg
• Chicahominy
• Chester