The second annual VCU Broad Street Mile introduces new races and other features to its lineup

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The VCU Broad Street Mile returns for its second running on Sept. 20, combining a series of races with a bustling free festival to raise money for dozens of local charities.

This year’s event will feature six races and a festival that includes live music, food trucks, local vendors, kids’ activities and a new RVA Sports Zone, which will showcase the Richmond Flying Squirrels and other local professional sports teams. Broad Street, between Belvidere Street and Hermitage Road, will be closed to traffic and transformed for the event. VCU expects approximately 2,000 runners and others to participate in this year’s races, plus thousands more who will attend to cheer contestants and enjoy the festival.

In addition to the themed 1-mile fun runs that are similar to the inaugural event’s offerings in 2013, this year’s Broad Street Mile will introduce a 5K run that offers runners a chance to stretch out their legs and compete in a challenging and competitive atmosphere, while still emphasizing a spirit of fun, community and charity. Among the 1-mile races, the Fido Fest Doggie Dash will be a new entry to the lineup, introducing four-legged friends to the festivities.

For many participants, the Broad Street Mile offers an invaluable way to raise money for causes that they passionately support. So far, almost 50 charities have signed up to participate in the event. Participants who wish to fundraise for a charity can simply opt to make a donation during the registration process. A list of participating charities can be found at http://www.vcubroadstreetmile.com/fundraise/.

As part of the Broad Street Mile, both budding and seasoned runners will have the opportunity to access top-flight training from experts who apply science to the practice of running. The VCU Run Lab, a collection of sport biomechanists, exercise physiologists and coaches, will hold free seminars for runners of all skill and experience levels. The seminars will feature instruction on a variety of topics related to running fitness.

Seminars begin at 6 p.m. at the VCU Globe Lecture Hall, 830 W. Grace St., Room 1030J. To register, visit https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=lMxpL4sl-BUqtAxUvVhCDw#. Seminars include:

  • Sept. 3: Basics of Running and Training
  • Sept. 10: Stretching for Runners
  • Sept. 15: Injuries and Prevention


Broad Street Mile races include:

  • VCU 5K – Sponsored by Nationwide Insurance. Start time: 10 a.m.
  • Spirit Mile – Dress to represent your school, sports team, youth group or other passion. Start time: 11:20 a.m.
  • Military and First Responders Mile – Run or walk a mile in support of military families, veterans, police, firefighters, EMTs and all first responders. Start time: 11:40 a.m.
  • No Limits Mile – Run to support individuals that have overcome obstacles such as major illnesses, disabilities and other life challenges. Start time: noon.
  • Window World Kids Mile – Children run with Rodney the Ram and other area mascots in support of children’s charities. Start time: 12:20 p.m.
  • Fido Fest Doggie Dash – Sponsored by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Run or walk a mile with man’s best friend to support animal-related charities. Start time: 12:40 p.m.


For more information about the Broad Street Mile, including registration, visit http://www.vcubroadstreetmile.com/.

 

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