PHOTOS: Va. Credit Union River City Half Marathon, 5K take off running in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Both the new Virginia Credit Union River City Half Marathon and 5K hit the ground running Saturday morning in a first-ever partnership between Sportsbackers and the University of Richmond.

Running enthusiasts didn’t let the dreary, rainy conditions on Saturday, March 9, keep them from participating.

Bethany Davis, who participated in the half-marathon, said the incredible energy of the runners around her was the reason she came out that morning.

“The energy, the great spirits — just being in an atmosphere that’s pumped up, ready to run and ready to accomplish something great,” Davis said, adding that she loved the “euphoric high” that hits her once she’s crossed the finish line.

Announced in April of last year, these races mark the first time Sportsbackers has partnered with the University of Richmond as a location for an event.

The Virginia Credit Union River City Half Marathon began at 8 a.m. and the River City 5k at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. A post-race festival will be held until 1 p.m. at the Lakeview Lane finish line to celebrate.

The half marathon course was a 13-mile course taking runners along the James River, across the Huguenot and Nickel bridges, alongside many more beautiful Richmond sights. The 5k course led runners through the University of Richmond’s campus, over the Huguenot Bridge and to the Westhampton Lake.