What if a city could turn movement into its superpower? We sat down with Will, executive director of Sports Backers, to unpack how Richmond’s biggest runs, boldest trails, and friendliest training teams all connect to one mission: make active living easy, joyful, and safe for everyone. You know the finish lines—the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, the Richmond Marathon, Riverrock—but the real magic is what happens before and after: beginner-friendly coaching, injury-prevention and nutrition clinics, and a culture that helps first-timers turn a 10-minute walk into a lifelong habit.
We dive into Bike Walk RVA’s push for protected lanes, safer crossings, and traffic-calming that saves lives and invites more people outside. Will shares the vision for the 43-mile Fall Line Trail linking Ashland to Petersburg—connecting neighborhoods, two HBCUs, schools, and parks with equitable access to recreation and transportation. We talk practical safety, why bikes belong on the road, and how design reduces human error. The throughline is simple: better streets build healthier people and stronger communities.
Behind the scenes, Sports Backers runs a lean, mission-driven team that still shows up at 4 a.m. to set barricades and welcome thousands to shared rituals that define Richmond. Will’s path—from unloading trucks to the ED seat—highlights a culture of gratitude, collaboration, and growth. We get honest about nonprofit careers, fulfillment and pay, and why investing in people builds decade-long tenures. Plus, clear on-ramps to get involved: volunteer on a course, coach a youth run club, advocate for safer design, or join a training team and find your pace.
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