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 2023

Only one week;  7/17/2023 to 7/21/2023 (Monday- Friday) Weather permitting all activities outside 

Click here for MORE INFORMATION and to SIGN UP

Registration: 

• Camp is Free but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for all campers and coaches ( Parent or legal guardian must accept the waivers for every camper )
• Program will accept the first 110 campers, once this level is reached you will have the option to join a waiting list and will become notified is spaces become available.

Youth Running Camp Information

• The program is limited to youth going into grades 6, 7, 8, or 9 (no exceptions).
• Campers/runners MUST be able to run a continuous mile before starting the program so that they may receive the full benefit of the training.
• Campers/runners will be placed in groups of like ability with one or more coaches assigned for groups of 7-12 runners.
• The coaches will be runners or certified coaches involved in coaching youth at various levels; some coaches will be college or high school cross country runners. Staff with medical/CPR First Aid certified backgrounds will be on site throughout the camp session.
• All activities will be outdoors. If the weather forecast calls for any rain or bad weather, that day's activities will be canceled and notification provided NLT 7:00 AM. *Email should be checked daily before camp session.
• The program will include speakers that will discuss various elements of running, such as: running shoes, diet, injuries and prevention, hurdles, and other aspects of high school and college running.
• Runners who are not picked up by 11:45 AM each day will not be allowed to continue in the program.
• Disruptive campers, or campers that are not following direction given by any coach will not be allowed to continue the program.

Kids On The Move

Sports Backers created Kids On The Move to make running and active living just as fun and easy. Kids On The Move 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 On The Move instills healthy habits that continue to flourish into adolescence and adulthood.

Sports Backers offers the Atlantic Union Bank 10k Mini, a one-mile run just for kids ages 5-12 on the day of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K. The Marathon Junior offers fall Halloween-themed runs (0.5 and 1 mile events) at Byrd Park just three weeks before the VCU Health Richmond Marathon weekend.

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