RVA Runner: Richmond Has a Race for Every Runner

The spring race season has begun, and if you live in the Richmond area, or have plans to be here any time soon, you could run a race almost every single weekend between now and the middle of May (probably beyond then, actually).

Here are some upcoming events you might consider if you want...

To Raise Money for a Good Cause

The Richmond SPCA Dog Jog 5k and 1-mile Walk
This race in downtown Richmond next Saturday, March 15, raises money for the Richmond SPCA. The event is also dog-friendly, and features a one-mile dog walk that takes place following the 5k run. For more information, click here.

Participants in the 2012 Richmond SPCA Dog Jog 5k and 1-mile walk did not let a drenching rain dampen their spirits.

The Instant Classic Marathon and Half Trail Race
This trail run, which features both a half- and full-marathon, takes place on the wooded trails in scenic Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield. Funds raised go to the Fisher House Foundation, which supports military members and their families. For more information, click here.

The Instant Classic Trail Race takes place in scenic Pocahontas State Park, south of Richmond. Shown above is a portion of Beaver Lake Trail, a 2.5-mile loop that circles Beaver Lake.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k
This event raises funds for breast cancer research and takes place this year on May 10 in downtown Richmond, on Brown's Island. Click here to learn more.

A Decent Chance of Placing

The Chester Kiwanis 5k
If you want to run a small race for a better chance at medaling, try the Chester Kiwanis 5k this Saturday, March 8.  Click here for more information.

The White Bank Classic 5-Miler
This race is relatively small and takes place in Colonial Heights, with the start and finish in White Bank Park. For more information, click here.

OB Gates 30th Anniversary 5k Run/Walk Celebration
This event takes place on Saturday, April 5. Click here to learn more.

To Have a Big Party

The Monument Avenue 10k 
With over 30,000 participants each year, this event is a Richmond tradition. The start is near the Siegel Center of VCU in downtown Richmond. This year's 10k is on March 29. As of today, it is already 75% full, so if you are considering participating, click here right now!

The starting line of the Monument Avenue 10k

The finish line of the Monument Avenue 10k

Dominion Riverrock
This is one of my all-time favorite Richmond events! It runs (no pun intended!) all weekend and features a 5k mud run, a 10k trail run, rock-climbing, a mountain bike race, paddle boarding, dog dock jumping, live music, and more! Another perk of this event is the that the 5k is dog friendly. It includes a dog wave sponsored by Ruffwear, so your furry friend can complete the 5k trail run with you! In addition, there is at least one other dog competition--dock jumping. You have GOT to click here!

My brother's dog and I cross the finish line of a past 5k Mud Run at Dominion Riverrock. In order to finish this trail run, participants have to crawl through a mud pit.

Baxter and I after a past 5k Mud Run at Dominion Riverrock. In the background is Brown's Island, where the race starts and finishes, and where many other festivities, such as live music, rock climbing, and dock jumping take place.

To Run in the Woods

Run On 4 Build On 5k
This race takes place on Sunday, April 6, on the dirt trails of Battlefield Park in Petersburg. Click here.

See also The Instant Classic Marathon and Half Trail Race and Dominion Riverrock above.

To Push your Limits

Rugged Maniac 5k Obstacle Race
If running isn't enough--if you want to add jumping, crawling, climbing, fire, mud, and water--then try a rugged maniac race. The series is coming to Richmond on May 3. Click here.

To Include your Canine Companion

See Dominion Riverrock and The Richmond SPCA Dog Jog 5k and 1-mile Walk above.