Newly designated as a Road Runners Club of America Championship race

The Elizabeth River Run 10K has the distinction this year of being a designated Road Runners Club of America (RCAA) Championship race bringing the fastest runners in Virginia to the Elizabeth River Trail on Sept. 3. The 44th Annual Elizabeth River Run 10k kicks off at 7:15 am at Powhattan Ave. and 43^rd Street with a one-mile kid’s run. At 7:45 am, the 10K starts with a race to the Port of Virginia.

This year brings a large group of out-of-state elite runners vying for the first place finish, while others are racing to the after-party at the private park at Port of Virginia. The party includes live music by TA Gatling and the Guns, pizza, beer and vendors including Ready Nutrition, on a stop on its national tour.

More than 700 runners of all levels will begin at the starting line on the Old Dominion University campus, weave through tree-lined historic neighborhoods, take in sweeping views of the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers on the Hampton Boulevard Bridge, and cross the finish line in a private park located at the Port of Virginia. This is the only race to be exclusively held on the Elizabeth River Trail, a 10.5 mile multi-modal trail with award-winning amenities.

The first Elizabeth River Run was conceived and developed by the Tidewater Striders run club in May 1979 in conjunction with the Armed Forces Staff College and The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star. The entry fee was $4, and awards were presented in nine male age groups and five female age groups. The race started at the Armed Forces Staff College on Hampton Boulevard and finished in Downtown Norfolk on Waterside Drive. Registered runners exceeded the expected 2,000 and later reports indicate that in its first year, the Elizabeth River Run was the 47th largest race in the United States.

Prize money will be awarded to the top three male and female overall and male and female masters winners. The first place overall prize is $250. Race proceeds will benefit Tidewater Striders and the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation. For more information and a race map, visit: https://elizabethrivertrail.org/elizabeth-river-run/

The Start line sponsor is HeadWaters Resort and Casino, and the finish line sponsor is TowneBank. The race route is anchored by key community partnerships with Old Dominion University and the Port of Virginia. Additional sponsors include Kid’s Mile Sponsor: Creed Realty Group, General Sponsors: Metronet, The Birch Bar,  Four Eleven York, Water’s Edge Winery, Norfolk Plumbing, Smartmouth Brewing Co., The Port of Virginia, AT&T, CVI,RG Electric, Shapiro & Associates and Orapax.

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation’s mission is to create an inclusive and resilient urban riverfront trail that connects and inspires people and businesses in the Hampton Roads region. The Elizabeth River Trail runs 10.5 miles through businesses, historic attractions and 28 neighborhoods within a five-minute walk. The multi-use trail is designed for walking, running and biking. It comprises 11 sections from Norfolk State University, through Downtown Norfolk and Old Dominion University to NIT Terminals along the Elizabeth River. The Foundation has completed multiple new unique and award-winning amenities, including kayak launches, play sculpture and double turbo challenge course in Plum Point Park and most recently, The Glowline. Major sponsors include Sentara and the City of Norfolk.

The Tidewater Striders has hosted the Elizabeth River Run annually since 1979. Formed in 1972, it is the largest running club in Virginia and one of the ten largest in the United States. It serves to promote fitness-related activities such as running, walking and multi-sport events in our community. For more information, visit https://www.tidewaterstriders.com.