Richmond Is Built to Move: How Sports Backers Shaped RVA's Active Lifestyle #042

Got thoughts? Throw them at us by sending a text hereThe Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger is RVA’s favorite spring tradition! Since 2000, people from around the Richmond region and beyond have gathered to share in the journey of crossing the 10k finish line, sign up now:https://www.sportsbackers.org/event/ukrops-monument-avenue-10kLearn more about Sports Backers: https://www.sportsbackers.orgFollow on Social:https://www.instagram.com/sportsbackersRichmond is a city where being active isn’t something you have to think about — it’s just part of how we live.Between the river, the trails, the parks, and the constant flow of events happening across RVA, movement feels built into the culture here. But a lot of that didn’t happen by accident.In this episode, we sit down with the brand behind some of Richmond’s biggest and most recognizable events — Sports Backers.We chat with Will Dixon, Executive Director who’s been with the organization for nearly 20 years and now leads the vision of the organization into 2026 and beyond…And Nan Callahan, who leads PR and communications and helps bring all of these killer events and initiatives to life.If you’ve ever experienced the Richmond Marathon, River City Half, Dominion Riverrock, or the Monument Avenue 10K, you’ve already seen their impact. But what most people don’t realize is how much goes on behind the scenes — and how deeply their work has shaped the way this city moves, connects, and shows up for one another.We talk about why Richmond has become such an active city, how these events come together, and why they matter far beyond race day.In this episode, we cover:Why Richmond is such a uniquely active cityThe hidden mental and social benefits of movementWhat Sports Backers actually does beyond eventsHow major events like the Monument Avenue 10K come togetherThe rise of run clubs and community-driven fitness in RichmondMaking movement accessible for all experience levelsYouth programs, Fitness Warriors, and local impactThe role of volunteers in powering these eventsThe Fall Line Trail and the future of active living in RVAWhy you should run/walk the Monument 10K with your communityQuick interjection to invite you to Vera House Studios. If you are a local Richmond business, entrepreneur, brand owner, or service provider—and you know you need to create better content to get your products and services in front of the right people—we can help.Support the showGet more info about our studio here.This podcast is produced by Vera House — a creative club and premium media studio based in Richmond, Virginia. Our studio exists to champion local brands, creative expression, rva culture, and produce high-impact content for founders, makers, and modern businesses.Follow the movement:instagram.com/verahouse.coyoutube.com/@verahousepodverahouse.coHosted by Myke Metzger & Perri Young:instagram.com/mykemetzgerinstagram.com/planetperri