Sports Backers Marathon Training Team

Sports Backers Marathon Training Team

25 Years of Training for the Richmond Marathon!

Includes a Free Entry into the Allianz Richmond Marathon 2026.

Price: $185 (Price increases after November 21, 2025 at 12:10am EST)

Open to ages 16+.

Need help preparing to run a marathon? Looking to make new friends while you train? Then look no further than the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team, designed to motivate and train individuals to run the Allianz Richmond Marathon. You’ll find yourself not just equipped with a detailed 23-week program, but a great crew of experienced coaches & inspirational teammates as well. One of our favorite perks, dedicated SAG team to support the weekend group runs. That’s right... water, Nuun, gels, & snacks while you TRAIN. Let Richmond’s running community carry you to 26.2; when you hit that final stretch, you’ll be glad you didn’t go it alone!

MTT Registration Includes:

• 23-week training program. Training begins Saturday, June 6 or Sunday, June 7 (you choose the day), with a detailed schedule for you to follow
• Organized and supported weekly group runs on your choice of weekend mornings
• Personal guidance from our veteran team of experienced coaches
• A special Sports Backers Marathon Training Team shirt and a technical race shirt
• FREE entry in the 49th Allianz Richmond Marathon on November 14 and all associated race benefits
• Special Race Day support along the course from coaches
• Clinics on subjects like nutrition, running attire, and other related topics

MTT Start Times:

• Saturday Early: 6:30 AM
• Saturday Late: 6:45 AM
• Sunday: 6:30 AM

MTT Policies:

• Minimum Fitness Level: There is a 7-hour time limit for the Allianz Richmond Marathon, that requires maintaining an average pace of about 16 minutes/mile. Based on the industry standard pace calculators, comparable times would be about 3:20 half marathon (a little over 15 minutes/mile) or 1:30 10k (about 14 ½ minutes/mile).
• Age Limit: You must be at least 16 years of age to participate. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent/guardian registered for the training team and present for all group training sessions.
• 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 [email protected] 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 2026 Sports Backers Marathon Training Team entry to the 2027 Marathon Training Team through July 13 for $25. After that date, there will be no more deferrals.

Free Race Entry: Your free entry in the 2026 Allianz Richmond Marathon, by itself, may not be deferred. It is a benefit of MTT and cannot be separated.

Distance Switch:

If you choose to run the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, VCU Health Richmond 8k or a virtual event, rather than the Allianz Richmond Marathon, on November 14 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 8k & Half. Then email [email protected] 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.

Fundraising: If you would like to fundraise for Sports Backers Youth Programs please email Jacki ([email protected])

Donation Discounts: A donation of at least $50 will automatically result in $20 off your in-person registration fee.

Sports Backers Mission:

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!

Contact Us: [email protected] 804.285.9495

Mailing address: 4921 Lakeside Avenue Henrico, VA 23228