Northam, Richmond Road Runners Club to host 5K race, kids run

Registration is open for the inaugural Governor’s Race 5K and First Lady’s Kids Run. The event is a collaboration between the Governor’s Office, the OnTheSquareVA employee engagement initiative, and the Richmond Road Runners Club (RRRC), with the goal of promoting healthy lifestyles for Virginia’s citizens, children and state employees.

The 5K race will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 23, 2018, at the Virginia Capitol Visitor’s Entrance on Bank Street in Richmond. It will be followed by the Kids Run at 8:45 a.m. for children ages 3 to 10. Both events are open to runners and walkers.

“We want all of our citizens, children and our state employees to make healthy choices, and a 5K is a good target whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting on your path to healthy living,” said Governor Northam.

Registration for the 5K is limited to the first 500 participants. To register, go to runsignup.com/Race/VA/Richmond/TheGovernorsRace. The entry fee is $25 until August 31. After that, it will be $30. Discounts will be given to state employees and RRRC members. Registration also is required for the Kids Run, but instead of an entry fee, participants are asked to donate a canned food item. The donated food will be delivered to FeedMore’s Central Virginia Food Bank.

All proceeds after expenses will be donated to FeedMore’s food bank and backpack program, Friends of James River Park, and Keep Virginia Beautiful.

The 5K will span a challenging 3.1-mile urban course featuring the James River, bridges, hills, and views of the city skyline. The Kids Run will cover a 0.35-mile course near the Capitol.

The Richmond Road Runners Club (RRRC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that, with more than 2,000 members, is one of the largest running clubs affiliated with the Road Runners Club of America. RRRC conducts 15 to 20 races per year, provides material and finish-line support for more than 20 other races throughout the Richmond metro area, organizes training teams for runners of all levels, supports elementary and middle school running clubs and provides a number of scholarships to graduating high school runners.

OnTheSquareVA is an employment engagement initiative created under the direction of Governor Northam to promote healthy, social activities for state employees. OnTheSquareVA encourages events not just on Richmond’s Capitol Square, but with state agencies across the Commonwealth.

For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/VA/Richmond/TheGovernorsRace.

For more information on the employee engagement initiative, visit OnTheSquareVA.virginia.gov.