Influencers and groups travel to Richmond to experience America’s Friendliest Marathon
RICHMOND, VA – The Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon celebrates its 46th running on November 11. While race day is seen as the catalyst of all the excitement, this year participants will have the chance to interact with multiple podcasters and influencers in the running community across various platforms leading up to race weekend and beyond. With a large roster of well-known runners coming to experience America’s Friendliest Marathon, Richmond will be highlighted as a race destination.
We’re excited to welcome the following individuals and groups to Richmond, and even more thrilled to be partnering with them prior to the event and throughout the weekend of November 11. Runners can look to these influencers and groups on social media to see how they’re preparing for the race and to learn more about their individual experiences at the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon.
Martinus Evans – In July 2012, Martinus Evans weighed 360lbs. After experiencing pain, he went to his doctor, who disparaged him because of his weight and suggested he trying walking. Martinus decided to take it one step further with the goal to complete a marathon. He bought a pair of running shoes, started training, and began his blog, 300 Pounds and Running. Since then Martinus has become an Adidas spokesperson, modeled on the cover of Runner’s World, finished the Boston Marathon, and has run over 100 races including eight marathons. He used his story to create a community that celebrates and supports runners at the back of the pack called Slow AF Run Club. Martinus now has a podcast called 300 Pounds and Running and he just released his first book, Slow AF Run Club The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run. He’s encouraging members of his run club to run Richmond and will be participating in a Q&A at the Walmart Health & Fitness Expo.
Marathon Training Academy – Trevor and Angie Spencer started ‘Marathon Training Academy (MTA)’ in 2010 to empower everyday people to run a marathon and change their lives. They train and support runners through their online community. From their successful coaching business, to their widely listened to podcast, the Marathon Training Academy brand has become a trusted source for runners. Trevor will be at the Walmart Health & Fitness Expo doing a live podcast, participating in a Q&A, and MTA will host a post-race meet up.
Another Mother Runner Podcast – Another Mother Runner is a large, vibrant, inclusive community of female runners worldwide that connects from in-person retreats to online discussions—and pretty much every other way in between. Their social media pages provide a supportive online community for women runners of all paces to gather and their podcasts and newsletters deliver fresh and engaging content about all things running. You can catch their brand ambassadors at the Walmart Health & Fitness Expo to get race inspiration and shop their exclusive sassy and spirited merchandise, including limited-edition Richmond merch!
November Project – November Project is a free fitness movement that was born in Boston as a way to stay in shape during cold New England months. They are now present in over 50 cities around the world, averaging 4,500 members per week. The program uses a simple sense of accountability to motivate and encourage people of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels to get out of their beds and get moving. Due to the success of the Richmond chapter, they have selected RVA as the location for their annual summit, NPSummit11. November Project has held down one of our crowd-favorite cheer-stations located along the route for the past few years and has taken home the prestigious Community Spirit Challenge award multiple times. This year the spirit group will be manned by NP members from around the nation. NPSummit11 attendees are being encouraged to run one of the distances of the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon and join the November Project team. They’ll have several meet ups and NPSummit11 activities throughout the weekend, more info can be found at https://november-project.com/npsummit-11/.
I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein – Lindsey is a podcaster, running coach, and speaker. She’s been featured in Women’s Running and Runner’s World, and has completed 17 marathons and a half Ironman. Her podcast I’ll Have Another features casual conversations with Olympians, everyday runners, and everyone in between. Lindsey’s conversational interview style leaves listeners and her guests feeling inspired and refreshed. We’re excited for her to bring her zest and energy to our Q&A at the Walmart Health & Fitness Expo. She’ll also be making Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon history as our first female announcer! We’re excited for our start and finish line crew to better reflect the more diverse running audience that Richmond represents. Lindsey lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband and four children.
Virginia War Memorial – This year race day takes place on Veteran’s Day. To honor those that have served our country we will have special bibs available at the expo where runners can detail who they are running in honor of. We’re excited to be working with the Virginia War Memorial to have over 100 active duty Army representatives from Fort Gregg-Adams staffing the spirit station, junk food station, and water station as runners cross the Belvidere Bridge. The Virginia War Memorial is located near Mile 16 of the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon route, and within walking distance of the finish line. They are looking forward to expanding their involvement with the event to honor veterans and the holiday.
We will continue to update the event schedule with additional information as programming details are finalized. For all information about the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, VCU Health Richmond 8k and the Walmart Health & Fitness Expo visit www.richmondmarathon.com.
About Sports Backers
With a key message of Let’s Go, RVA, the mission of Sports Backers is to inspire people to live actively. A nonprofit organization, Sports Backers is dedicated to producing nationally recognized quality sporting events and programs that motivate residents and visitors alike to be more active, supporting youth running and fitness programs, and advocating for safe and connected networks of bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Learn more at sportsbackers.org.
