17 Years of Training for the Richmond Half Marathon!
2025 Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team

It turns out one really is the loneliest number…
especially when you’re training for a half marathon. So join up with other motivated runners as you embark on a 14-week program that prepares you for the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, a companion race of the Allianz Richmond Marathon. Our training teams have an incredible corps of experienced coaches, as well as dedicated SAG support for those long weekend runs, and we even offer informational clinics to keep you up-to-date on the latest in gear, nutrition, injury prevention and more. Did we mention this might be the coolest way to meet people in Richmond? Okay, so we don’t have proof, but we can guarantee you’ll end up with a few more pals than you had before.
HMTT Registration Includes:
- 14-week training program starting on Saturday, August 9, or Sunday, August 10 (you choose the day), with a detailed schedule for you to follow
- Personal guidance from our veteran team of experienced coaches
- Organized and supported weekly group Saturday or Sunday morning runs
- A special Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team shirt and technical race shirt
- FREE entry in the 2025 CarMax Richmond Half Marathon and all associated race benefits
- Special Race Day support from coaches along the course
- Clinics on subjects like nutrition, running attire, and other related topics
HMTT Meeting Location
City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave, Richmond, VA 23221
Any questions? Contact us today!
Questions or Feedback please reach out below

HMTT Policies
Minimum Fitness Level
There is a four-hour time limit to complete the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, so you need to hold a 18 min/mile pace.
The Grizzles (the Walking Team) is back! They meet on Saturdays.
Age Limit
You must be at least 14 years of age to participate. If you are under the age of 16, you must have a parent/guardian registered for training team and present for all training runs.
Cup-less
All SAG/water stops are cup-less so you must be prepared with your own hydration device.
Not Allowed at Training and Race Day
Strollers/Baby joggers and/or ANIMALS are not permitted at group runs or in the Allianz Richmond Marathon.
Please reach out to info@sportsbackers.org if your animal is a certified service animal
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Training Team entry fees are non-refundable and entries are non-transferable, even in the case of training/race cancellation, postponement, and/or if you are unable to participate, no exceptions. Once we receive your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate or are unable to complete the program and you will not be able to transfer your registration to another person.
Deferral Policy
You may defer your 2025 Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team entry to the 2026 Half Marathon Training Team through September 7 for $25. After that date, there will be no more deferrals.
Free Race Entry
Your free entry in the 2025 CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, by itself, may not be deferred. It is a benefit of HMTT and cannot be separated.
Distance Switch
If you choose to run the VCU Health Richmond 8k or a virtual event, rather than the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, on November 15 you may transfers at no additional cost and as long as the cap has not been reached.
Richmond Challenge
To participate in the Richmond Challenge, register for the Virtual Marathon & 8k. Then email info@sportsbackers.org to let us know that have registered for all three events. We will mark your registrations as part of The Challenge on our end.
Event Charity: Sports Backers Youth Programs
Sports Backers invests in the future of active living in our region through our youth programs – Kids On The Move and the Active Living Leadership ALL Stars. From the youngest kids getting an opportunity to be a part of a running or fitness club, reaping the socio-emotional benefits while moving more, to those on their way to adulthood and applying to college, Sports Backers is passionate about supporting Richmond region youth. We do this by providing the resources they need to be successful, whether that be a pair of athletic shoes for a child in need, covering the cost of bus transportation for a Kids On The Move club to attend one of our signature events, or providing leadership training and scholarships to promising student-athletes. Your donation makes it possible for us to support the most important part of our community – our kids. They are the future and we know that by investing in them and instilling healthy habits now, it benefits us all.
Donation Discounts: A donation of at least $50 will automatically result in $20 off your in-person registration fee.
Sports Backers’ mission is to inspire people to live actively. Since 1991, Sports Backers has fostered a culture of active living in Central Virginia through its participatory sporting events and community-based programs that have inspired hundreds of thousands of people in the region to set fitness goals and pursue an active lifestyle. In everything that we do, we strive to promote health equity and create accessible opportunities for active living throughout our region.
We fulfill our mission by: (1) advocating for bike and pedestrian infrastructure; (2) energizing the community through events; and (3) building a network of community-led group fitness programs in schools and neighborhoods. With your support, we can make this region a more vibrant place to live where safe opportunities to walk, run, bike, or workout abound and where access to these activities are available to all. Thank you for considering an investment in our region’s future!