Event Overview - Run Richmond 16.19

We Run History!

A warm welcome to the 5-year anniversary of RUN RICHMOND 16.19—a vibrant celebration of movement, culture, and community. Our run-or-walk event is open to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, taking you on an inspiring journey through over 400 years of Black history. From the rolling start to “The Hill We Climb”, every step carries the weight of history and the promise of progress.

The Djimon Hounsou Foundation is organizing this moving event in close collaboration with the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, Sports Backers, and 35+ community partners.

RUN RICHMOND 16.19 was recently featured on CNN International in a 30-minute episode on African Voices Changemakers.

Freedom is never really won; you earn it and win it in every generation. – Coretta Scott King

You are the one we have been waiting for!

Location & Date:

Abner Clay Park, Richmond, Virginia | Sat, Sep 12, 2026 (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

Distances & Prices:

16.19K Run: Early Bird: $70
8K Run/Walk: Early Bird: $40
Runner & walkers welcome!

Ticket Prices Include:

Finisher medal, race t-shirt, race bib.
Free use of educational mobile app.
Free attendance to our post-race festival—featuring live music, a vendor village, a Black history pop-up exhibit, and Living Museum experience.

Stronger Together!

Race Courses Highlights:

🏁 Wave Start: Runners will be grouped by pace to ensure a smooth, safe, and motivating experience—for seasoned racers and casual participants alike.

🔥 Route Highlights: Historic Jackson Ward (“Black Wall Street”), the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, Tredegar Ironworks, T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge, Mayo Bridge, the Henry ‘Box’ Brown Memorial, 1619 Commemoration Point, Tobacco Row, Ancarrow’s Landing, Devil’s Half Acre, the Amanda Gorman sound installation, and vibrant street art celebrating unity and reconciliation.

📱Interactive Mobile App: A GPS-enabled, audio-visual outdoor museum guide narrated by Djimon Hounsou, bringing 400+ years of Black history to life through audio, video, and images as you move along the route.

🚴‍♂️ Lead Bicycle + Pace Runners: Stay on track with a lead cyclist and pace runners helping you reach your goals.

💧 On-Course Water Stations: Evenly spaced to help you power through the course.

🧭 Plan Your Race: Preview our preliminary routes and elevation profiles on our race course pages. Final course subject to minor updates.

🏃 Train with Locals: Join our free training program, hosted by We Off the Couch, and build strength, endurance, and community alongside fellow Richmond-area runners.

⛰️ Conquer the Elevation: Train for the hills or walk and enjoy the view! Our 6.19K Run/Walk features an elevation gain of 220 feet (67 meters), while the 16.19K Run climbs 272 feet (83 meters).

Packet Pickup:

Fri, Sep 11: 3:00-6:00 pm, Location TBD
Sat, Sep 12: 7:00-8:00 am (16.19K Run), Abner Clay Park
Sat, Sep 12: 7:00-8:45 am (6.19K Run/Walk), Abner Clay Park

History has its eye on us!

Djimon Hounsou Foundation presents

16.19K Run

16.19 kilometers | 10.1 miles

This unique race course of 16.19 kilometers allows you to embark on a journey of more than 400 years of Black history. You will be transported back in time to experience the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the American Civil War, the Jim Crow Era, the Civil Rights Movement, as well as present-day reflections on Black history, culture and community.

Event Date: Sat, Sep 12, 2026
Start/Finish: Abner Clay Park, Richmond, VA
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Minimum Pace: 18 min/mile (3.3 mi/h | 5.4 km/h)

Learn more >> Register >>

Djimon Hounsou Foundation presents

8K Run/Walk

8.1 kilometers | 5.0 miles

Our short distance of 8.1 kilometers (5.0 miles) is the ideal choice to run or walk with your entire family through more than 400 years of Black history. Our cut-off-times are very walker-friendly. Unless you’re on crutches, you’ll make it to the finish line on time.