Official Race Guide

Official Race Guide
NOVEMBER 14, 2015
Featuring
AN EVENT OF
Every accomplishment
starts with the
decision to try.
Anthem applauds your
commitment to healthy living.
Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Independent licensee
of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Welcome to Richmond!
You have made it to race weekend, and I and our
entire Richmond Marathon Race Committee could not
be more excited to welcome you to our great city and
the 38th running of the Anthem Richmond Marathon
and its companion races, the American Family Fitness
Half Marathon and the HCA Virginia 8k.
We want you to be as prepared as possible, so we
have created the 2015 Anthem Richmond Marathon
Race Guide. So much of race day comes down to
planning and execution and our hope is the Race
Guide will provide you with a comprehensive tool to
help you navigate smoothly through the Allianz Global
Assistance Health & Fitness Expo, the Start and
Finish areas, and the Anthem Richmond Marathon,
American Family Fitness Half Marathon, and HCA
Virginia 8K courses. You’ve put a lot of time and
energy into your training, and we want to make sure
you are able to focus on getting to the finish line.
Dubbed “America’s Friendliest Marathon” by
Runner’s World magazine, our event relies on the
support of a vibrant community that will inspire
and encourage you. Hundreds of volunteers spend
countless hours preparing for race weekend and
supporting the athletes on race day. Thousands of
residents will line the course, whether in their front
yards, on medians, or at one of our four Party Zones
to cheer you on. Richmond is an incredibly special
place, and we are excited to show you why!
It’s our mission to make sure you have a safe, fun,
and successful experience. If you have any questions,
comments, or concerns, please let us know. Race
staff and organization volunteers will be manning
information booths at the expo and will be present at
numerous locations on race day.
Whether you are a participant, volunteer, or spectator,
each of you help make the Anthem Richmond
Marathon weekend one of the best weekends of the
year in Richmond. Thank you for your support! We
wish you all the best as you #RunRichmond. We are
looking forward to congratulating you at the finish line!
Megan Schultz
Race Director
Table of Contents
4
Schedule
21
Past Winners
4-5 Expo & Pre Race
22-23 Profile: A Marathon Run Decades in the Making
6-15 Race Day & Maps
26
About the Race Organizer
16-17 Post Race
27 Sports Backers Upcoming Events
18 Party Zones & Spectator Info
28 19 Profile: Friends Ready for Reunion
in Richmond
29-30Profile: Kids Run RVA and Call Federal Marathon,
Jr. Inspires Love of Physical Activity
Sponsors & Race Committee
www.richmondmarathon.org
3
Schedule / Pre-Race
Schedule
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Allianz Global Assistance Health &
Fitness Expo, packet pick-up, and
walk-up registration at the Arthur
Ashe Jr. Athletic Center
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Allianz Global Assistance Health &
Fitness Expo, packet pick-up, and
walk-up registration at the Arthur
Ashe Jr. Athletic Center
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bus tours of Marathon course leaving
from Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center
(advance registration recommended)
Packet Pick-Up/Race Expo
Packet pick-up will be available at the Allianz Global Assistance Health
& Fitness Expo held at the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center (3001A N.
Boulevard) on Thursday, November 12, from 5 to 9 p.m. and on Friday,
November 13, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. THERE IS NO RACE DAY PACKET
PICK-UP! A photo ID is required to pick up your race packet. You may
pick up a race packet for another pre-registered runner, provided you have
a copy of their photo ID.
Expo Parking
The Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center has 2,000 FREE parking spaces located
in the surface lots outside the building. For directions, visit our website.
Free Downtown Shuttle to Expo
Participants staying in downtown hotels may wish to take advantage of
the free shuttle service to the Expo/packet pick-up. The shuttles will run
from the atrium entrance of the Omni Richmond Hotel on Cary Street
near 12th Street. Three 55-person shuttle buses will run on a continuous
loop between the Omni and the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center during
Expo hours, leaving each location every 20 minutes. The last shuttle will
depart from the Omni at 8:40 p.m. each day with the final return service
leaving the Expo right after closing time.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
7 a.m. sharp
8k start – All Waves (8th & Broad St.)
7:30 a.m. sharp
Half Marathon start – Wave A
(7th & Broad St.)
7:45 a.m. sharp
Marathon start – All Waves
(5th & Grace St.)
8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Post-Race Party
11:30 a.m.
Half Marathon course closes
3 p.m. Marathon course closes
4
www.richmondmarathon.org
Run Richmond App!
NEW!
Now you can have all the event
info for event weekend at your fingertips!
Runner tracking, course maps, schedules,
expo directions, spectator info, and event
details are all included. Enjoy everything
that America’s Friendliest Marathon has
to offer, and share it with your friends on
Facebook and Twitter!
Pre-Race
Walk-Up Registration
Walk-up registration will be held at the Allianz Global
Assistance Health & Fitness Expo at the Arthur Ashe Jr.
Athletic Center on Thursday, November 12, from 5 to 9
p.m. and on Friday, November 13, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION OR PACKET
PICK-UP!
Switching Races
If you are already signed up for one race and want to
switch to another, you may do so, in person, at the Expo.
There is a $10 fee to change races, along with any
applicable entry fee difference. There are no refunds of
entry fees if you are switching to a less expensive event.
Marathon Course Tours Available on Friday
Members of the Richmond Road Runners Club will lead
bus tours of the Anthem Richmond Marathon course
on Friday, November 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All buses will depart from the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic
Center, site of the Expo/packet pick-up. Each bus has a
capacity of 55 passengers plus one tour guide. Each tour
of the marathon course will last approximately one hour
and 45 minutes. Sign up on a first-come, first-served
basis on our website.
Marathon and Half Marathon Pace Teams
The Richmond Road Runners Club has lined up experienced
pacers to help marathoners and half marathoners achieve
their finish time goal. Visit our website in advance or stop by
the Richmond Road Runners Club booth at the Expo.
Official Event Merchandise
Leave time at the Expo to check out the latest event
merchandise inside Sports Backers Store. With a great
selection of running apparel and commemorative items,
there’s sure to be something for everyone on your shopping
list. Bonus! Every dollar you spend helps Sports Backers’
mission come true. Celebrate your accomplishment and
help Sports Backers build a more active community!
Learn more about Sports Backers on page 26.
Call Federal Marathon, Jr.
Nearly 1,000 youngsters
ages 5-12 participated
in the fourth annual Call
Federal Marathon, Jr. on
Saturday, October 24th in
Richmond’s scenic Byrd Park. The event, which is part of
the Anthem Richmond Marathon, benefited Kids Run RVA.
OFFICIAL
RACE
CHARITY!
Kids Run RVA is an initiative of Sports Backers, a nationally recognized non-profit, that
motivates thousands of young people across our region to run and be active on a regular
basis. Sports Backers is committed to improving the health of our children by encouraging
routine physical activity, which is critical to their long-term growth and well-being.
Kids Run RVA provides free training opportunities for youth of all ages, abilities and
backgrounds as well as funding to support school-based run clubs and events. For schools
with fewer resources, Kids Run RVA grants can additionally cover transportation and
entry fees to Sports Backers’ events—like the Call Federal Marathon, Jr.—which serve as
celebrations of the students’ dedication and hard work.
We invite each of you to learn more about how you can get involved with Kids Run RVA.
Each time a child laces up his or her shoes, you will be giving them the most important gift
of all—a path to good health and fitness!
www.richmondmarathon.org
5
Race Day
Pre-Race Support
Marathon
•P
re-race water available at the Start area on the
south side of Grace St near 6th St
• First Aid tent located in the Marathon Start area,
on the south side of Grace St between 6th & 7th St
Half Marathon & 8k
•P
re-race water available at the Start area on the
north side of Broad St near 8th St
• First Aid tent located in the Half and 8k Start area,
on the north side of Broad St between 8th & 9th St
Race Day Parking
ON COURSE SUPPORT
Marathon Course = M
Diamond
Springs
Water
Start
Half Marathon Course = H
Mountain
Blast
POWERADE
Accel
Gel
M H 8k
Port-ojohns
Music
M H 8k
M H 8k
1
2
M H 8k
M H 8k
M H 8k
M H 8k
M H 8k
MH
M H 8k
8
MH
MH
9
H
10
MH
7
MH
M 8k
MH
H
M
H
H
MH
MH
MH
MH
H
11
H
H
H
MH
12
MH
MH
MH
MH
13
M
M
M
M
M
15
M
M
M
M
M
17
18
H
M
M
20
M
M
21
M
M
22
M
M
M
M
23
M
M
M
M
24
M
M
M
M
25
M
M
M
M
M H 8k
M H 8k
M H 8k
M H 8k
M
M
www.richmondmarathon.org
M
M
M
2nd & Franklin
3rd & Marshall
5th & Marshall
7th & Marshall
8th & Marshall (surface lot)
5th & Broad (surface lot)
8th & Grace/Franklin
Parking Near the Finish
M
M
M
M
26
6
H
M
19
Finish
MH
M
M
With over 90 parking decks and lots in the
downtown area, there is plenty of parking
available on Race Day. The Start and Finish
lines are located about one mile apart. For a
complete map of downtown public parking, visit
our website. It is recommended that 8k runners
park near the Start to allow for more parking near
the Finish for marathoners and half marathoners.
Here is a partial listing of the parking decks/lots
open and offering special rates on Race Day:
Parking Near the Start (recommended for 8k entrants)
H
MH
16
Wet
Wash
Cloths
M
MH
14
Junk
Food
H 8k
5
6
Party
Zone
M H 8k
3
4
8k Course = 8k
James Center (10th & Canal)
RMA Expressway Deck (10th & Canal)
3rd & Main (surface lot)
4th & Main
4th & Cary (surface lot)
8th & Main
8th & Cary
12th & Canal
14th & Cary
15th & Cary
Virginia & Canal
Post-Race Shuttle
M
M
Free shuttle service will be available to take
participants and spectators from the Post-Race
Party back to parking areas located near the Start.
The shuttle will run on a loop from 8 a.m. until the
conclusion of the event. You can pick up the shuttle
in the cobblestone circle on 7th Street just across
the pedestrian bridge from Brown’s Island.
Race Day
rd
I-9
Nor
th
Bou
lev
a
5
Hermitage Road
Expo/Packet
Pick-up Map
Expo
Entrance
Rob
in H
ood
rd
Expo/Packet
Pick-up
Roa
d
Rob
in H
Entr
ood
anc
Roa
d
to P e/Ex
arki it
ng
Arth
Athl ur Ashe
etic
J
Cent r
er
Nor
th B
oul
eva
Dow
Pickntown S
h
-up/
Drop uttle
Mar
-off
ath
(rese on Co
rvati urs
on re e To
quire urs
d
)
Av
Parking
en
ue
Nor
th B
oul
eva
rd
The
Diamond
En
Ex tran
Pa it ce
rk to /
ing
Hermitage Road
Parking
Greyhound
Bus Lines
of
Ch
am
pion
s
Entr
a
to P nce/Ex
arki it
ng
Sports
Backers
Stadium
Entrance/Exit
to Parking
www.richmondmarathon.org
7
Race Day
UPS Bag Check Available
to All Runners
UPS will offer bag check on race
morning near the start of each
race. Volunteers will be on hand to
help you attach the tear-off tag on your race bib
to your bag. Once you have finished your race, you
can pick up your bag in the parking lot of the Civil
War Visitors Center at Historic Tredgar, adjacent
to the Finish Line Festival.
Discarded Clothing to be Donated
to a Worthy Cause
Area 10 Faith Community will be at the starting
lines of all three races picking up clothes discarded
by runners. There will be clear plastic bags tied
to the barricade to collect the clothing items.
They have arranged with the Salvation Army to
collect and launder everything. to have everything
laundered and then will distribute the items to local
charities. Please note: If you leave your clothing or
any other item at the Start line, it will be collected
and donated. Do not expect to be able to return to
the Start line later in the day to retrieve it.
www.richmondmarathon.org
9th Street
State Capitol
9th Street
8th Street
Marathon UPS Bag Check
Grace Street
7th Street
Pre-Race Water
Half & 8k UPS Bag Check
Broad Street
8th Street
7th Street
6th Street
6th Street
5th Street
8k Start
Grace Street
Marathon Start
8
Carpenter Theater
Info &
First Aid
5th Street
Run Richmond
Premium Package
Check-In
Info & First Aid
Pre-Race Water
Broad Street
Half Marathon Start
Broad Street
Library of Virginia
9th Street
Broad Street
The National
8th Street
7th Street
6th Street
5th Street
START AREA
Party Stops
WW
WC
9
6
www.richmondmarathon.org
Port-O-Johns
W Water
Mile Marker
J
Junk Food Stops
Accel Gel
W
10
W
11
ry
Ca
d
tR
5
ee
Str
eA
ve
ov
Gr
F Finish: 5th & Tredegar St.
S Start: 5th & Grace
Wet Wash Cloths
8
River Rd
Riverside Dr
7
W
1
G
E
L
t Rd
Marathon Course
DISTANCE (MILES)
Hugueno
MAP KEY
0
100
200
300
400
W
tm
W
12
st
re
Fo
W
4
ll A
ve
Hi
76
3
195
W
18
Maymont
Park
161
Av
e
13
nt
me
nu
W
Mo
64
lvd
500
nd
2
14
W
G
E
L
W
W
Se
mm
St
e
ve
sA
J
W
17
WC
W
W
Br
oa
dS
t
ain
WM
19
20
W
Bellevue Ave
21
G
E
L
W
W
W
W
95
Joseph
Bryan Park
NB
600
lvd
700
Ave
Maple
Dr
iew
ttv
Sc
o
St
ore
la
We
s
NB
ANTHEM RICHMOND MARATHON ELEVATION
Dr
view
dsor
W
23
24
W
W
W
WC
22
J
15
W
3r
dS
t
W
W
W Br
Gr oa
ac d S
W
eS t
t
Ca
ry
St
16
1
25
m
Lo
N
St
dy
ba
r
Br
St
N
d
oa
St
W
Hermitage Rd
5th
Rd
F
N
Hermitge
Brook Rd
Win
ve
rlayne A
S
26
W
St
Chambe
9th
800
95
Race Day
S Belvidere St
9
Race Day
Complimentary McCafé Beverages
Available to Runners
All event participants may pick up a
complimentary Smoothie or Premium Roast
Coffee provided by McDonald’s beginning at 7:30 a.m. in
the Finish Area on Brown’s Island (while supplies last).
Event Features Disposable Bib Timing Tag
All three races are timed using the ChronoTrack™
“B-Tag™,” a light-weight disposable timing device
that comes attached to your race bib and requires no
additional application. Do not remove the timing tag from
the back of your bib and do not fold or crumple your bib.
Important Note About Race Start Times
Each race will begin promptly at its designated start time.
Participants are responsible for being on-time for the start
of their race. Starting mats must be turned off and moved
immediately after the start of each race, so latecomers are in
danger of not receiving an accurate start time.
Starting Corrals for the Marathon and 8k
Marathon and 8k participants have been assigned a bib
number that corresponds to one of the corrals at the
start of each race. Your bib number must be visible to
enter your corral. If you would like to run with another
participant, you are permitted to start in the slower
person’s corral. You may not move up into a faster corral.
Anthem Richmond Marathon – 7:45 a.m. Start for all Corrals
Corral #
Bib Sequence
Predicted Times
1
1-1500
3:30 & under
2
1501-3000
3:31 – 3:59
3
3001-4500
4 hours – 4:14
4
4501-6500
4:15 – 4:30
5
6501-8000
4:31 – 5 hours
6
8001-9500
5:01 & up
HCA Virginia 8k – 7 a.m. Start for all Corrals
Corral #
Bib Sequence
Predicted Times
1
24001-25500
:49 & under
2
25501-27000
:50 – :59
3
27001-28500
1 hour – 1:10
4
28501-30000
1:11 & over
Wave Starts for Half Marathon
Due to the size of the race, the American Family Fitness
Half Marathon utilizes wave starts (starting two minutes
apart beginning with Wave A at 7:30 a.m.). Participants
start in waves with others of the same general speed based
on the predicted time indicated on their entry forms. Look
for the sign at the entrance to the wave that corresponds
to the letter prefix on your race bib. Your bib number must
be visible to enter your wave. If you would like to run with
another participant, you are permitted to start in the slower
person’s wave. You may not move up into a faster wave.
American Family Fitness Half Marathon – 7:30 a.m. Start
Wave
A
B
C
DA
DB
E
F
G
HA
HB
J
K
10
www.richmondmarathon.org
Start Time
7:30 a.m.
7:32
7:34
7:36
7:38
7:40
7:42
7:44
7:46
7:48
7:50
7:52
Bib Sequence
10001-11000
11001-12500
12501-13500
13501-14500
14501-15500
15501-17000
17001-18000
18001-19000
19001-20000
20001-21000
21001-22500
22501-24000
Predicted Times
1:44 & under
1:45 – 1:50
1:51 – 1:59
2 hours
2 hours
2:01 – 2:10
2:11 – 2:15
2:16 – 2:29
2:30
2:30
2:31 – 2:59
3 hours & over
Race Day
ve
Westbrook A
W
Joseph
Bryan Park
64
8
ayne Av
G
E
L
rl
Chambe
7
e
Bellevue Av
e
W
Fa
6
uq
5
ui
er
Rd
Boulevard
W
Ellen Rd
Half Marathon Course
d
Brook R
ge
Hermita
95
J
W
9
W Laburnum Ave
195
MAP KEY
Av
e
W
1
Mile Marker
W
Water / Powerade
Port-O-Johns
Westwood Ave
4
3
Ave
Rennie
U
Brookla nd Pkwy
S
Start: 7th St & Broad St
F
Finish: 5th & Tredegar St.
U
U-Turn: intersection of Loxley,
Rennie and Brookland Pkwy
eva
oul
d
NB
oa
Br
ac
St
Gr
eS
10
W
Wet Wash Cloths
WC
G
E
L
Accel Gel
J
Junk Food Stops
nt
Av
e
W
mb
2
Br
Lo
me
ar
W
nu
oa
d
W
N
Mo
dy
St
t
Party Stops
d
Brook R
W
W
Hermitage Rd
rd
WC
St
11
W
W
Le
igh
St
1
Gr
95
ac
e
W
Virginia St
Commonwealth
University
Br
oa
12
AMERICAN FAMILY FITNESS HALF MARATHON ELEVATION
dS
t
Ca
13
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
10.5
11.0
11.5
12.0
12.5
13.0
100
ry
W
7th
St
N 8th
9th St
St
E
150
S
N
N
200
St
N
N
5th
3r
d
250
St
St
W
W
F
www.richmondmarathon.org
11
Race Day
Prize Money/Awards
Prize money and other awards will be available as follows:
Overall
Place
Marathon
Half Marathon
8k
1
$2,500
$1,000
$1,000
Accel Gel and POWERADE Flavors
2
$1,500
$500
$500
3
$750
$250
$250
Assorted flavors (vanilla, chocolate, and citrus orange) of all
natural Accel Gel will be offered at Miles 14 and 21 on the
marathon course and Mile 8 on the half marathon course.
Mountain Berry Blast POWERADE will be served at every
water stop.
4
$500
$150
$150
5
$250
$100
$100
Medical Assistance
HCA Virginia will provide medical assistance at the Start and
Finish lines, as well as Mile 22.5 on the marathon course
(Mile 9 on the half marathon course), and in the post-race
festival area. Bike medics will also be patrolling the course.
7-Hour Marathon and 4-Hour Half
Marathon Time Limits
The marathon has a course time limit of seven hours, and
the half marathon has a four-hour limit. If you are unable
to maintain this pace, you will be asked to move to the
sidewalk to enable the reopening of the streets to vehicular
traffic. At that time, there will no longer be traffic protection,
medical aid, or water stops offered. There will be four
designated checkpoints along the marathon course with
shuttles available to take participants back to the Finish area
if anyone does not reach a checkpoint by these times:
MILE 7 by 9:45am
MILE 11 by 10:50am
MILE 16 by 12:10pm
MILE 20 by 1:15pm
Friends & Family Can Follow Your
Progress Electronically
We’re proud to offer Race Day Alerts and Runner Tracking
for all event participants. Sign up now or download the Run
Richmond app. Choose between text messages, email alerts or
track through the app. We’ll provide 6.2, 13.1, and 20-mile
splits for marathoners, 10k splits for half marathoners, and
finish results for all three races.
12
www.richmondmarathon.org
Additional awards will be given to the top five finishers in all
age groups in all three races. Overall awards are determined
by clock time; age group awards by chip time.
The Awards Ceremony for overall winners will take place
on the stage in the Post-Race Party area immediately after
each race. Awards for age group winners in all races will be
mailed out after the race.
Course Records
Double your money! Bonuses are offered for course records
for both male and female athletes.
• $2,500 bonus for Anthem Richmond Marathon course records
• $1,000 bonus for American Family Fitness Half Marathon
course records
• $1,000 bonus for HCA Virginia 8k course records
Bonus Money for Fast Marathon Times
Bonuses of $500 will be awarded to marathoners that finish
under these times:
• Male – 2:20
• Female – 2:46
Richmond-Area Marathon Championship
The Anthem Richmond Marathon is awarding the top local
finishers with cash prizes! Any current resident of the
Richmond-Petersburg MSA is eligible to win prize money for
being the first Richmond resident to cross the Finish line
at the Anthem Richmond Marathon. Prize money will be
awarded to the top three males and females as follows:
Place
Amount
1
$500
2
$300
3
$100
Please note: Plaques will be mailed to the top three local
male and female finishers in the American Family Fitness Half
Marathon and HCA Virginia 8k.
Event DOs and DON’Ts
For the enjoyment of all participants
and spectators, please adhere to the
following event rules:
• No strollers, baby joggers, animals on
leashes, skateboards, skates, bicycles,
or handcycles will be allowed on the
course. This will be strictly enforced.
• No one other than registered race
participants may cross the Finish line.
Please do not have anyone join you for
the final stretch. This is strictly enforced.
• The post-race food area is for runners
only. Please do not bring family
members in with you.
FUN FOR THE
WHOLE FAMILY!
A Merry & Bright 6k
December 12 at 6:00pm
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See www.allianztravelinsurance.com for details.
Insurance benefits are underwritten by either BCS Insurance Company or Jefferson Insurance Company,
depending on insured’s state of residence. Plans may not be available to residents of all states. AGA Service
Company is the licensed producer and administrator of these plans.
©2015 AGA Service Company
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Post Race
Race Results - Available on our website by Saturday evening, Nov 14.
Post-Race Party
After crossing the Finish line, all race
participants will be greeted by helpful
volunteers who will provide plenty of
complimentary food and beverages
(including beer for anyone 21 &
over). Enjoy great live music and free
massages (Half and Marathon Only).
Bring your family to enjoy the variety of
post-race activities.
Sierra Nevada for All
Participants (21 & over)
After you cross
the Finish line,
simply head over
to the beer truck with your bib number
and celebrate your accomplishment with
a complimentary beer. Want another?
Additional beer tickets will be for sale on
Brown’s Island.
Shower facilities available for
out of town runners
The Downtown YMCA will provide shower
facilities to participants after the race.
The Downtown YMCA is located at the
corner of Foushee & Franklin Street, a
block off the marathon course and about
a half mile from the Finish line. Please
bring your race number with you on
race day and show it to the front desk.
Towels are not provided, so be sure to
bring your own.
16
www.richmondmarathon.org
Race Coverage on
Richmond’s NBC 12
Be sure to watch
for stories and
marathon coverage
on Richmond’s NBC12 News the week
leading up to the marathon. On race
morning, there will be live coverage of the
marathon Start and Finish. And on Sunday,
November 15, at 12pm, tune in for a half
hour race recap show that will capture
all the sights and sounds of America’s
Friendliest Marathon…only on NBC12.
Pick up the Richmond TimesDispatch Marathon Edition
On Sunday,
November 15, The
Times-Dispatch will
feature a special section with stories,
photos, top results, and more from the
marathon, half marathon, and 8k. Pick
up your keepsake copy of this edition on
newsstands the morning after the event.
Post-Race Massages
Complimentary massages will be provided
on a first-come, first-served basis for
marathoners and half marathoners on race
day on Brown’s Island, site of the Post-Race
Party. Over 20 different massage therapists
will be available to provide a helping
hand for those tired muscles. Massages
will be available from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Race Photos
Marathonfoto professional
photographers will take participant
photos along the course for the
Anthem Richmond Marathon,
American Family Fitness Half
Marathon, and HCA Virginia 8k. Be
sure to wear your bib number where
it can be seen, and smile when you
see the Marathonfoto team. Then,
visit their website in the days after
the race to see your photos.
Finisher Certificates
Free finisher certificates will be
available on your official results page
after the race. Just click and print!
Lost & Found
• If you lose or find valuables
on race day, please go to the
Volunteer Check-in tent on Brown’s
Island near the Finish Line.
•L
ost and found items will be
taken to the Sports Backers office
on Monday, November 16. If
you lose something, you can call
804-285-9495 or email
marathon@sportsbackers.org.
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Team in Training
Sports Backers Training Teams
Information & Volunteers
Race Merchandise
Saucony/Road Runner Running Store
Anthem
American Family Fitness
HCA Virginia
Call Federal Credit Union
GEICO
Fond Memories Graphics
ID Check & Beer Ticket Sales
Sierra Nevada
Run Richmond Premium Package Tent
Massage Tent
West Broad Honda
Richmond Region Mobile Visitor Center
Food Vendors
Pedestrian Access Only
Medical
S. 10
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www.richmondmarathon.org
17
Party Zones
Party Zones Cater to Spectators
Friends and relatives are invited to
cheer on participants from our special
Party Zones. Each location will feature
music, refreshments, and an on-air
personality. These Party Zones will serve
as a hub for spectators to show their
support and enthusiasm.
Marathon supporters may follow the
recommended routes to catch the action
at the Start, Finish, and three Party
Zones. Half Marathon friends and family
may catch the Start, Finish, and Mile 7
Party Zone.
Anthem Richmond Marathon Party Zones
Recommended Directions
Start (Broad Street & 5th Street)
It is recommended that you park north of
Broad Street for the start of the race. There is
a large surface parking lot just off 9th street
north of Marshall. After watching the start of
the race you will want to go to the first party
zone at River Road Shopping Center.
Starbucks River Road Shopping Center (Mile 7)
Take 7th street north to Interstate 95 North.
Once on 95 North take 64 West. Get off at
the Glenside Drive Exit (heading south). Make
a right turn on Forest Avenue. Follow Forest
for several miles, and it will cross Patterson
Avenue. Continue on Forest, and it will
eventually turn into Ridge. Stay straight on
Ridge until River Road. Go left on River Road
for ½ mile. River Road Shopping Center is
on your right. Park in the shopping center lot
and the party spot will be across Huguenot
Road in front of Starbucks. Do not park on
the Starbucks side of the road. You will get
trapped by the runners.
CVS on Forest Hill Avenue (Mile 12)
From River Road Shopping Center turn left on
River Road going west. Continue until Parham
Road (150). You will make a right turn off of
River Road to get on the exit ramp and at the
light at the end of the ramp, make a left, and go
south and east on Parham Road (150). Parham
Road turns into Chippenham Parkway once
you cross the James River. Take Chippenham
18
www.richmondmarathon.org
Parkway east until Jahnke Road. Make a right
turn onto Jahnke Road and go back under
Chippenham Parkway. Make a right turn onto
Forest Hill Avenue. Park in the parking lot on
the right hand side of the road and cross the
street by foot to the party in the CVS lot.
The Diamond on the Boulevard (Mile 20)
Turn right out of the parking lot back onto
Forest Hill Avenue. Make the first right onto
Westover Hills Blvd. Stay right onto W. 49th
Street. Make the first right onto Clarence
Street. Turn left onto Jahnke Road and proceed
to Chippenham Parkway. Get on Chippenham
Parkway heading north. Take the first exit onto
the Powhite Parkway heading north. Have 70
cents ready for the toll booth. Stay on Powhite
Parkway across the river. Stay in the left lane
and continue on 195 North. In two miles you
will see an exit onto 95 South. Take 95 South,
and at the first exit after ¼ mile get off on
the Boulevard. At the bottom of the exit ramp
make a right hand turn. The party spot is on
your left in front of The Diamond baseball
stadium. Park on the right hand side of the
road. (Do not drive across the runners’ path, or
you will get trapped by the runners.)
Post-Race Party (5th & Tredegar Street) (Mile 26.2)
Take the Boulevard heading south and turn
right (west) onto Broad Street. Go 7/10 mile
and turn left onto Hamilton Street. Stay left
and merge onto I-195 South. After 1 mile
stay right onto the Downtown Expressway
(70 cent toll). Get off of the Downtown
Expressway at the 7th and 9th Street exit.
Stay right on the exit ramp and this puts you
onto Byrd Street. Park on the street or in
parking lots in this area.
American Family Fitness Half
Marathon Party Zone
Recommended Directions
Start (Broad Street & 7th Street)
It is recommended that you park north of
Broad Street for the start of the race. There
is a large surface parking lot just off 9th
street north of Marshall. After watching the
start of the race you will want to go to the
Party Zone in Bryan Park.
Bryan Park Party Zone (Mile 7)
Take 7th street north to Interstate 95 North.
Once on 95 North take the Hermitage Road
exit (Exit 80). At the end of the exit ramp
stay to the right onto Westbrook Avenue.
Make a right turn at the light onto Hermitage
Road. Go past the entrance to Bryan Park
and make a left turn at the bottom of the hill
on Bryan Park Avenue. Park on Bryan Park
Avenue or in the surrounding neighborhood.
Walk across the 2nd bridge over the lake to
the Bryan Park Party Zone.
Finish Line Festival (5th & Tredegar Street)
(Mile 13.1)
Take Bryan Park Drive back to Hermitage
Road and make a right, Get onto Interstate
95 heading south. After 5 miles take Exit
74A onto the Downtown Expressway. Stay in
the right lane and get off at the first exit onto
Canal Street. You will need to pay a 30-cent toll.
The exit ramp puts you on Canal Street at 10th
Street. You are within walking distance of the
Finish line. There is on street parking as well
as parking garages in this area.
Profile
Friends Ready
for Reunion in
Richmond
By Pete Woody
(Left to Right) Natalie Pendleton, Lauren Bailey, Katinka Hakuta, and Hilary Cook
Support. Encouragement. Advice.
Sharing in successes and setbacks. These
are all things you’d expect from a group
of close friends as they prepare for a
marathon or half marathon. But what
if that group is spread out across the
U.S., separated by thousands of miles?
And hasn’t been together since 2013?
Might be kind of a challenge, right? Not
for Natalie Pendleton, Lauren Bailey,
Hilary Cook, and Katinka Hakuta
- good friends who live in different
cities but are preparing for a reunion
in Richmond during the Anthem
Richmond Marathon and American
Family Fitness Half Marathon.
“I can’t tell you how much we look
forward to getting together,” said
Katinka as she described the group
mindset. “I know we’d be excited to
see each other in any circumstance,
but having a shared goal, encouraging
each other to complete a great
accomplishment and cross the finish
line together makes it even better.”
Though they live in Nashville and
Dallas, respectively, Natalie and Hilary
are Richmond natives and both have
wanted to participate in Richmond since
they began running. “It’s going to be an
epic and memorable race,” Hilary said.
“To be coming home to run my first
marathon with these amazing ladies…I
am counting down the days and looking
forward to it!”
The location and reputation – especially
the electric atmosphere and great crowd
support on the course - made running
Richmond a no-brainer for all in the
group. “One thing that appealed to
everyone was that it’s easy for us all
to get there,” Natalie said, and that’s
an important aspect since, in addition
to Nashville and Dallas, Katinka will
travel from Boston and Lauren will
come from Maryland. “And it’s a race
my friends in Richmond always want to
do every year,” she explained. “It’s very
enticing because it seems like everyone
that does it just loves it, and I wanted to
have that experience.”
Though several of them had previously
known each other, the group wasn’t
formally introduced until 2013, when
they ran their first race together at the
Disney Princess Half Marathon – hence
the group name, Team Princess 1983
(don’t worry, they’ve got team shirts
prepared). Three of the four were
experienced runners, but the Disney
race ended up being Katinka’s first, as
she wasn’t initially planning to run. The
consensus is that she was either tricked
or guilted into running, depending on
who you ask, but it was well worth it.
“I had only started running about six
months before, so I had no idea what
to expect or if I was prepared,” Katinka
explained. “We stuck together the whole
race, and each time we crossed a mile
marker they would cheer and celebrate
with me for running my longest race
yet! It was so fun, and I still get that
feeling when I run with them.”
Talk to any of the four and the themes
that come up over and over are
encouragement and communication.
They all believe that their friendship
helps them get through ups and
downs in training as well as in work,
relationships, and health. “Any group
of women is empowering, and it can be
hard to make good friends as you get
older,” said Lauren. “So when you meet
people like them it’s rare, and I feel very
fortunate that I can call on them for
anything, running and beyond.”
Each has had their own setbacks over
the past year, including injuries (one
almost forced Natalie to stop training
in July), illness (Hilary woke up with
a 102-degree fever on the day of her
first attempted marathon and couldn’t
run), or tough races and training runs,
but that’s where they’ve really stepped
in to offer support. “Times like those
are when the group really comes
together, and it’s happened for all four
of us. Communication is always open
through group emails and text message
threads,” said Lauren. Added Natalie:
“Group encouragement has been huge,
which is so funny because none of us
live anywhere near each other in the
country!”
That support will be in full force on
race day in Richmond, where in addition
to their reunion, they’ll have plenty of
other friends and family in attendance.
“The race is exciting, and it’s fun to be
around all those people,” said Lauren.
“But running can be solitary so it’s
much more fulfilling to support each
other through training, get through the
race, and take a victory lap together.
You can’t beat it.”
And then she offered a perfect
explanation of why the trip will mean
so much to everyone in the group:
“We love each other, we love running,
and we love Richmond.”
www.richmondmarathon.org
19
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Different goals. Same finish line. #FindYourPlace on April 9th
Find your place in this year’s Ukrop’s Monument
Avenue 10k presented by MARTIN’S! Making a
resolution to be more active? Looking to break a personal
record? Wanting to do something for yourself? Hoping to
start a new tradition with friends and family? This is the
event for you!
Join the thousands of others who will take to the Avenue
on April 9th for the 10k. Enjoy block after block of great
local bands and spirit groups. Revel in the crazy costumes
or dress up yourself. Celebrate spring, and experience
everything you love about RVA. However you participate,
do it your way!
Block
Registration
Opens
December 1!
sportsbackers.org
A
Past Winners
PAST MARATHON WINNERS
PAST HALF MARATHON WINNERS
YEAR MALE
TIME
FEMALE
TIME
YEAR MALE
TIME
FEMALE
TIME
2014
Benjamin Zywicki
2:18:35
Waynishet Abebe
2:39:26
2014
Habtamu Wegi
1:05:38
Lilian Mariita
1:14:29
2013
Sammy Too
2:16:09
Desta Girma Tadesse 2:37:55
2013
Kimutai Cheruiyot 1:02:59 Pauline Muchiri
1:12:47
2012
Kipkoech Ruto
2:15:14
Aziza Aliyu
2:40:21
2012
Mengstu Nebsi
1:03:21
1:14:39
2011
Kennedy Kemei
2:13:45
Mekides Bekele
2:47:50
2011
George Towett
1:04:34 Bekelech Bedada
1:13:33
2010
Mark Chepses
2:19:13
Tezeta Dengersa
2:49:10
2010
George Towett
1:03:44
1:16:05
2009
Jynocel Basweti
2:18:28
Salome Kosgei
2:40:51
2009
Nicholas Kurgat
1:06:02 Alemtsehay Misganaw 1:16:34
2008
Jynocel Basweti
2:22:22
Kristin Price
2:45:02
2008
Derese Deniboba
1:06:50 Alemtsehay Misganaw 1:18:34
2007
Mohamed Awol
2:22:20
Casey Smith
2:44:57
2006
Asnake Fekadu
2:20:23
Maureen Ackerly
2:53:14
2005
Andrei Gordeev
2:14:32
Marina Bychkova
2:42:40
2004
Elly Rono
2:17:55
Tammy Slusser
2:56:40
2003
Elly Rono
2:15:36
Dorota Gruca
2:44:22
2002
Elly Rono
2:16:02
Maggie Chan-Roper 2:37:53
2001
Reuben Chesang
2:17:49
Dorota Gruca
2:36:16
2000
Michael Harrison
2:31:00
Irina Suvorova
2:31:25
1999
Davis Kamau
2:24:48
Mindy Sawtelle
1998
Tim Covington
2:23:51
1997
Mike Fitch
1996
Hirut Beyene
Maria Elena Calle
PAST 8K WINNERS
YEAR MALE
TIME
FEMALE
TIME
2014
Sean Keveren
22:41
Alice Kamunya
25:30
2013
Emmanuel Bor
22:41
Alice Kamunya
24:53
2012
Ryan Hill
22:37
Neely Spence
25:22
2011
Donnie Cowart
22:57
Alemtsehay Misganaw 26:17
2010
Daniel Kipkoech
23:07
Samia Akbar
27:00
2:46:13
2009
Elkanah Kibet
22:47
Teyba Naser
26:31
Senoria Clarke
2:48:51
2008
Robert Letting
22:42
Jane Murage
25:48
2:30:13
Shelia Gallop
3:17:43
2007
Rod Koborsi
22:41
Caroline Chepkorir
26:20
Tim Covington
2:33:31
Bee Andrews
3:02:06
2006
Samuel Ndereba
22:20 Magdalene Mukunzi
1995
Michael Harrison
2:33:20
Patty Valadka
2:55:21
2005
Vyacheslav Shabunin 23:03
Tetyana Hladyr
26:00
1994
Tim Covington
2:26:41
Patty Valadka
3:01:32
2004
Ian Connor
23:24
Teresa Wanjiku
26:22
1993
Michael Harrison
2:35:18
Bee Andrews
2:59:07
2003
Joseph Mwai
23:21
Jou Lia Gromova
25:47
1992
Michael Harrison
2:28:15
Shelia Gallop
3:02:14
2002
Shadrack Kosgei
22:39
Lyupmila Biktrsheva
26:44
1991
Thad Jones
2:30:15
Cecil Astrop
3:04:47
2001
Shadrack Kosgei
22:36
Caroline Zajac-Tynan
26:16
1990
James Coleman
2:35:31
Albina Galiamova
2:42:50
2000
Leonard Mucheru
22:58
Svetlana Zakharova
25:36
1989
Walt Adams
2:30:17
Cecil Astrop
3:11:40
1999
Leonard Mucheru
22:50
Tania Jones
26:53
1988
Walt Adams
2:24:14
Bee Andrews
2:54:18
1998
Terrence Herrington
23:05
Irina Bogacheva
26:45
1987
Walt Adams
2:27:51
Deborah Snagg
2:57:18
1997
Walt Adams
25:42
Cristi Ferran
30:11
1986
Walt Adams
2:22:10
Marge Rosasco
2:58:25
1996
Paul Vandegrift
24:37
Kate Dolan
30:19
1985
Sean O'Flynn
2:21:50
Patty Croasdale
3:06:17
1995
Bruce Berger
25:48
Kristi Lynch
32:27
1984
Sean O'Flynn
2:29:55
Carolyn Harrison
3:13:56
1994
Jeffrey Hough
24:52
Terry Bruner
30:26
1983
Robbie Perkins
2:20:12
Kathy Thomas
3:04:40
1993
Jeffrey Hough
25:00
Terry Bruner
31:15
1982
Sean O'Flynn
2:22:54
Kathy Heckman
2:54:43
1992
Des Proctor
24:35
Lynn MacDougall
27:54
1981
Robbie Pecht
2:19:16
Jennifer Amyx
3:05:04
1991
Larry Cluff
25:12
Inna Pushkariova
27:03
1980
Ben Wilson
2:23:22
Kathy Thomas
3:06:18
1990
Mikhail Dasko
23:46
Olga Markova
27:47
1979
Hillary Tuwei
2:22:26
Susan Crowe
3:09:31
1978
David Ruggles
2:28:49
Bobbie Allen
3:15:40
25:24
BOLD indicates race record
www.richmondmarathon.org
21
Profile
A Marathon Run Decades in the Making
By Pete Woody
ended up at the starting line of the first
Richmond Marathon in 1978, despite the
fact that he’d never run more than eight
miles. But it must have gone pretty well
because he came back the next year. In
fact, he ran 12 of the first 16 years of the
race. Now, as he prepares for the 2015
Anthem Richmond Marathon, he looks
back at the first, and the long running
career that has followed, with positive
memories.
“I heard Richmond was having a
marathon, so I decided to give it a try.”
This, as Roy Saettel explains, is how he
“There is nothing like that first marathon.
I ran it in 3:25:20 and could hear the
announcer calling my name as I got close
to the finish,” Saettel said. “It was just
awesome, one of the highlights of my life.
Though before I ran I didn’t have a clue
about how far 26.2 miles would be!”
Even though he’s an experienced runner,
with 27 marathons and numerous other
road races under his belt, Saettel has
realized the importance of a good training
group. He is participating in the Sports
Backers’ Marathon Training Team for
the second time to prepare for marathon
number 28. Saettel isn’t the only one
relying on the Training Team as he gets
ready to run – all together, the Marathon,
Half Marathon, and 8k Training Teams
have more than 2,600 participants taking
part this year.
“The camaraderie is great. No matter
how you feel, there’s always someone to
run with,” Saettel said of the Marathon
Training Team atmosphere. And as a
resident of Louisa County, he enjoys the
experience so much that he’s willing to
drive an hour each way for the weekend
group runs in Richmond. “It’s definitely
worth it; you just can’t beat the experience.
You meet new people every week, and
there’s someone there for any pace that
you want to run. I really wish they’d been
Continued on next page
22
www.richmondmarathon.org
Profile
around when I was younger, I probably
could have broken three hours!”
One of the keys to the success of the
Training Teams, according to Saettel and
many others, is the time and energy put in
by the volunteer coaches. “What they do
as volunteer coaches and SAG workers is
just so awesome, putting their time in to
get everything ready for group runs. It’s
amazing,” Saettel said. He gave special
praise to his Training Team coach, Lynn
Anderson: “She is my new hero. She
always offers great encouragement and is
very supportive.”
In describing the role that she and her
fellow coaches play, Anderson says it’s
all about creating an environment that
is fun and supportive. “As coaches, we
encourage the family atmosphere and
team bonding that helps everyone with
goals,” she explained. “Our main goal is
to mentally and physically prepare our
runners for their race journey.”
Because of Saettel’s experience and
success, both he and Anderson say he
serves as something of a mentor and
sounding board for fellow team members,
particularly those who are training for
their first marathon. “It’s pretty neat…
but also humbling. A lot of my teammates
are on their first or second race and I’m
on number 28,” Saettel said. “And a lot
of teammates ask questions about my
experiences.” He says his main message is
that “I don’t look like your typical runner,
but I’ve always been good at it and always
loved it.”
Anderson says sharing the experiences
of runners like Saettel helps encourage
others to feel focused and determined.
“When you hear the stories of Roy Saettel
and many others like him, there is no way
you are going to give up your goal. It will
always be right foot, left foot, right foot to
the finish line.”
Saettel’s journey has included more
than just numerous races, though. He’s
BUILT FOR THE
LONG RUN.
forged lasting relationships through his
involvement with the Training Team and
the Richmond Road Runners Club, and he
even met his wife at a Road Runners race.
So when he says, “running has been very
important to me,” it’s easy to understand
why.
Saettel also continues to look forward to
new achievements. “My main goal is to
continue to run, though it’s getting harder
as I get older. But if I had one more goal,
I’d love to run the 40th edition of the
Richmond Marathon. It would be great to
lace ‘em up in 2017 for that,” Saettel said.
And how would he get ready for that? “I
would definitely keep doing the Marathon
Training Team to prepare.”
“To see so many people and how it’s
grown, it’s one of the best events in
Richmond,” Saettel concluded about the
overall Anthem Richmond Marathon
experience. “To have been there at the
beginning of the Richmond Marathon
and to be there now is incredible.”
At Call Federal, we applaud you for
your commitment. We bring a similar
commitment to helping you win the
financial race with quality products,
consumer education, and always
friendly service. There is no finish
line in personal finances, but there
is a right way to run the race.
Let Call Federal show you how.
Visit www.callfederal.org
or call 804.274.1200.
Federally insured by NCUA.
www.richmondmarathon.org
23
Parham Doctors’ & Retreat Doctors’ are campuses of Henrico Doctors’ Hospital / Chippenham & Johnston-Willis Hospitals are campuses of CJW Medical Center
PERFORMANCE / ACHIEVE IT WITH
OUR SPORTS MEDICINE TEAM.
HCA Virginia Sports Medicine has the education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs to help you maximize
your athletic potential. With three convenient locations, our board-certified physicians have been helping area high school,
collegiate and professional sports teams excel since 1988. We offer an outdoor field for testing athletes in simulated
conditions, an indoor pool and advanced training room for assessment by our certified strength and conditioning specialists
and athletic trainers. Let us help you achieve your personal best.
TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH
ONE OF OUR SPORTS MEDICINE EXPERTS,
CALL 804-323-TEAM (8326).
HCAVIRGINIA.COM
CHIPPENHAM / HENRICO DOCTORS’ / JOHN RANDOLPH / JOHNSTON – WILLIS
PARHAM DOCTORS’ / RETREAT DOCTORS’ / SPOTSYLVANIA REGIONAL
SPORTS BACKERS - YOUR ANTHEM RICHMOND MARATHON RACE ORGANIZER SINCE 1998
THANK YOU
FOR HELPING
US ACHIEVE
OUR MISSION!
TOGETHER, WE ARE BUILDING A MORE ACTIVE COMMUNITY.
Sports Backers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is committed to making people from all corners of our
community more active. We achieve our mission by supporting youth running, advocating for safe
places to bike and walk, celebrating triumphs at our events, and encouraging folks to live actively. Your
participation in the Anthem Richmond Marathon, American Family Fitness Half Marathon, or HCA
Virginia 8k is inspiring to others and to us. Thank you.
To learn more about Sports Backers or to further support our mission, visit sportsbackers.org.
For more information about any of these events, visit sportsbackers.org
Sports Backers 2016 Event Schedule
Be a part of Richmond’s active community, commit
to an active lifestyle, or celebrate your hard work by
taking part in our sporting events.
Jan 30
YMCA 10k Training Team Begins
Apr 9Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k
presented by MARTIN’S
Apr 29-30
Ragnar Trail Richmond May 20-22
Dominion Riverrock
June 4/5
Marathon Training Team Begins
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k | April 9
June 9Connects Federal Credit Union
Corporate 4 Miler
June 18
RVA Streets Alive!
Aug 6Walgreens Richmond International
Dragon Boat Festival
Aug 6
Half Marathon Training Team Begins
Aug 6
Anthem Moonlight Ride
Aug 27
Patrick Henry Half Marathon
Sept 17
8k Training Team Begins
Sept 24
Trails & Ales
Oct 1
MARTIN’S Tour of Richmond
Oct 29
Call Federal Marathon Jr
Nov 12
Anthem Richmond Marathon
American Family Fitness Half Marathon
HCA Virginia 8k
Dec 10
CarMax Tacky Light Run
Dominion Riverrock
| May 20-22
Connects Federal Credit Union
Corporate 4 Miler | June 9
Trails & Ales | September 24
www.richmondmarathon.org
27
Sponsors
Special thanks to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and participants
who make the Anthem Richmond Marathon possible.
WEST BROAD
HONDA
AN EVENT OF
Race Committee
Bill Berry
Finish Line
Turner Broughton
Signage
Alison Burleson
Sports Backers Store
Billy Burleson
SAG Wagon Coordinator
Alison Burnette
Sports Backers Store
Margo Catalano HCA Virginia
Brenna Creech
Training Team Coordinator
Doug Cutter
Medical Director
Cindy DiCello
Sports Backers Booth
Will Dixon
Sponsorship
Nancy Elfino
Finish Area/Blankets and Hats
Jay Fournier
Course Marshals
Meghan Gaffney
PR Intern
Ro Gammon
Half Marathon Training Team Head Coach
Betsy Garber
Registration
Don Garber
Marathon Training Team Head Coach
Marcy George
Finish Area/Medals, Walk-up Registration
Michael George
Start/Finish Line
Ashley Gibbs
American Family Fitness
Mary Marshall Graeber
Volunteer Coordinator
Faith Hecht
Kids Run RVA
Max Hepp-Buchanan
Bag Check Coordinator
Meghan Keogh
Expo Director
Hugh Kerr
Party Stops
Curtis Johnson
Set-up/Break-down team
Molly Johnson
Finish Festival
Andrew Kennedy
Sponsorship
28
www.richmondmarathon.org
Stephanie Kirksey
Awards
Dona Lawson
Accounting
Jay Lenzi
Water Stops
Mike Levins
Registration/Half Marathon Start
Jon Lugbill
Sports Backers Executive Director
Jeff McIntyre
Medical Liason
Johnny Minor
SAG Wagon Assistant
Ruthie Morrison
Command Center
Sarah Parsons
Operations Intern
Ray Patterson
Community Affairs
Jacki Quinlan
Kids Run RVA
J.M. Ramey
Water Stops
John Raigins
Operations Director
Robbie Rusbuldt
Course Entertainment and Announcers
Rick Salamida
Water Stops
Scott Schricker
Marketing
Megan Schultz
Event Director
Ashlee Snider Start and Finish Line Support/Graphic Design
Alison Spencer
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Thom Suddeth
Elite Athletes
Nan Turner
Registration/Social Media
Brantley Tyndall
Start Support and Set-up/Break-down
Amy Waters
Finish Line Support
Shihan Wikeyeratne
Start Area set-up/breakdown
Carl Wilson
Start Area
Pete Woody
PR and Media Relations
Molly Wright
Online Marketing/Social Media
Profile
Kids Run RVA and Call
Federal Marathon, Jr.
Inspires Love of
Physical Activity
By Pete Woody
On Saturday, October 24, almost
1,000 kids from all over the Richmond
region achieved a goal they’d been
looking forward to for weeks and
months. That goal? Complete the Call
Federal Marathon, Jr., the annual youth
running event that’s part of the Anthem
Richmond Marathon but held several
weeks earlier. Many of the participants
take part in Kids Run RVA programs
in their schools, communities, and
neighborhoods throughout the year,
not only to help prepare for events like
Marathon, Jr. but also to encourage
them to get moving more often and to
instill healthy habits that will continue
to flourish into adolescence and
adulthood.
With 0.5 mile and 1 mile distance
options, the Call Federal Marathon,
Jr. is a great way to cap off the fall
programs for many run clubs and to
celebrate an active community. “The
kids are so excited on race day,” said
Gail Kingrey, P.E. teacher and run club
coach at A.M. Davis Elementary School
in Chesterfield County. “We’ve done it
every year, and the kids look forward
to it every year. It’s a really big school
event, and our principal and other
teachers are really supportive of the run
club programs.” Proof of that support,
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29
Profile
Kingrey said, is that the number of run
club participants has grown every year,
and the 145 that took part this year.
“It’s great that Marathon, Jr. is a festival
for the whole family in a wonderful
location at Byrd Park,” Kingrey added.
“It’s just a wonderful event.”
LaShawn Moore, P.E. teacher and
run club coach at Richmond’s E.D.
Redd Elementary School, echoed
those sentiments when talking about
Marathon, Jr. and the overall positive
impact of Kids Run RVA programs.
“Marathon, Jr. is amazing for the kids.
They really enjoy it,” Moore said.
“They are so proud after completing it,
and they all come back with stories the
next week at school.”
While her students all love participating
in events like Marathon, Jr., Moore says
Kids Run RVA programs also help them
get excited about physical activity. “The
idea of lifelong activity really sets in
with the kids, and now they want to run
more than they want to do any other
class lessons!”
Moore added that it’s also beneficial
for the kids to see adults participating
in events like the Anthem Richmond
30
www.richmondmarathon.org
Marathon, as that gives them something
to aspire to as they get older. “The kids
are excited about the run clubs, and they
do work hard for it, both in the classroom
and during the activity sessions.”
While schools like A.M. Davis and E.D.
Redd have established running clubs
and activity programs, Kids Run RVA
continues to support schools in the
region that are starting new programs,
including several in Hopewell. One
school there that set up a new run
club in 2015 is Patrick Copeland
Elementary, and coaches have already
experienced good community support.
“We’ve gotten incredible turnout, with
50 kids every session so far,” said run
club coach Cynthia Piazza. “It’s been
a great way to get parent involvement,
especially with kindergarten and firstgrade students.”
“We’ve had parents and grandparents
walking while their kids are running, so
it’s getting them active as well,” added
Piazza. “They’re coming ready to go,
with their sneakers and water bottles…
it’s beautiful. I love it!”
Like many run club coaches, Piazza sees
the excitement in her kids every day.
They are always asking when the next
run club session or event will be, and
that enthusiasm often carries over into
other aspects of their lives. “We always
try to integrate other lessons into the
“We’ve gotten incredible
turnout, with 50 kids every
session so far. It’s been a great
way to get parent involvement,
especially with kindergarten
and first-grade students...”
sessions, like counting exercises during
warm-ups or tips on pacing while
running,” said Piazza. “Running is the
fun part, but they’re also embracing
academic components.”
With run clubs in 40 schools and
communities and over 12,000 schoolaged youth participating in programs
throughout the year, Kids Run RVA and
associated events like the Call Federal
Marathon, Jr. are helping to positively
impact the lives of children – and their
schools and neighborhoods – all over
the Richmond region. And, perhaps
most importantly, the kids are having a
ton of fun along the way.