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On the Move

Sports Backers
92 episodes   Last Updated: Apr 24, 25

Sports Backers is a nonprofit active living organization based in Richmond, Virginia. Our mission is to get people moving and this podcast will focus on keeping people active and moving, mostly through the lens of running. We put on outdoor endurance events, host training teams year round, and have programs aimed at bringing fitness opportunities to all corners of our area. All this brings us in contact with stories and ideas that are interesting and inspiring, and we’ll share them on this podcast.

Episodes

If you were at the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger you might've seen Sophie King whizzing by the competition. The Richmond native completed the 10k in 33:36.34 and was the first female finisher. Nan, Kam & Sophie chat all about her win, her transition from swimmer to runner, and growing up as a quadruplet. 
This April marked Jon Lugbill's last Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k at the helm of Sports Backers. To celebrate he got to run the event he created in 2000...so really it was his first 10k as a participant! Jeff Kelley, of Kelley & Co., was at the start and finish lines to interview him as he celebrated 26 years of the event.
VCU Athletics participated in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k and the Massey Challenge with Team Ram Nation. Nan & Kam talk with Robby Robinson, the voice of the Rams, about his 10k experience (spoiler - he killed it), and why running has been a constant in his life. 
You might know Richmonder Keya Wingfield, from the Food Network, Candy Valley Cake Company, and most recently Keya's Snacks. But what you might not know about Keya is that physical activity, and walking the 10k have been huge in her weight loss journey. Check out her motivations, how her businesses started, and why you're going to want to see her on the course!
This fall, Sports Backers announced that Jon Lugbill, our Executive Director of the last 32 years, was planning to retire. After a nation-wide search, we now know who will be taking over in June and it's none other than Sports Backers' own Will Dixon! Nan & Kam sat down with Will to talk about what it feels like to be the new Executive Director, and what he's excited about for the future!
Nan & Kam reveal their new podcast room and chat with Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k Race Director, Meghan Keogh. Meghan has led the charge on the 10k for the last 10 years, so she's basically an expert! Hear some of her favorite race day memories and what you can look forward to this year.
Sports Backers officially made our move to Lakeside Avenue this week and we're now located at our active living hub! Nan & Kam give you a tour of the space, and show off some of the features they're most excited about. We recommend watching this one!
Richmond's biggest block party was once just an idea of Jon Lugbill! Sports Backers' Executive Director played a huge role in the creation of the popular event, and has been at every 10k since. This year will be Jon's final 10k at the helm, so Nan & Kam sat down to chat with him about the evolution of the event and what he's looking forward to.
It's almost event week here at Sports Backers, so Nan & Kam talked with Virginia Credit Union River City Half & 5k Race Director, Molly Johnson. Molly fills us in on everything participants can expect from the event, her favorite course highlights, and her preferred taste in bagels!
This week Nan & Kam sit down with 11-year-old River Hale and talk about his training journey with the YMCA 10k Training Team. River's mom, Alison, works at Sports Backers and is training with him. River tells us about his hardest training run, race day goals, and his thoughts on popular sitcoms.