Event Overview: Black History - Run Richmond 16.19

Run Through Time. Reflect in Motion.

A warm welcome to the 4th edition 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 30+ 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

Location & Date:

Richmond, Virginia | Sat, Sep 27, 2025 (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

Distances & Prices:

6.19K Run/Walk: currently $47.50 – price increases over time.
16.19K Run: currently $80 – price increases over time.
Runner & walkers welcome!

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: Emancipation & Freedom Monument, Tredegar Ironworks, Henry ‘Box’ Brown Memorial, the James River, Tobacco Row, Ancarrow’s Landing, Devil’s Half Acre, Historic Jackson Ward (“Black Wall Street”), and vibrant street art celebrating unity and reconciliation.

📱 Outdoor Museum Guide: Download our free audio-visual app and immerse yourself in over 400 years of Black history—narrated by Djimon Hounsou.

🚴‍♂️ 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 259 feet (79 meters), while the 16.19K Run climbs 289 feet (88 meters).

Ticket Prices Include:

Finisher medal, race t-shirt, race bib.
Free attendance to our post-race festival—featuring live music, a vendor village, a Black history pop-up exhibit, and Living Museum experience.
Free ticket to The Valentine museum for the entire weekend.

Packet Pickup:

Fri, Sep 26: 3:00-6:00 pm, Kanawha Plaza, East Canal Street
Sat, Sep 27: 7:00-8:00 am (16.19K Run), Kanawha Plaza, East Canal Street
Sat, Sep 27: 7:00-8:45 am (6.19K Run/Walk), Kanawha Plaza, East Canal Street

RUN RICHMOND 16.19 honors the courageous journey of African Americans and celebrates the transformative power of Unity in Diversity.

Djimon Hounsou Foundation presents

6.19K Run/Walk

6.19 kilometers | 3.85 miles

Our short distance of 6.19 kilometers (3.85 miles) is the ideal distance to run or walk with family and friends, taking you through over 400 years of Black history. With generous cut-off times, the course is very walker-friendly. Unless you’re on crutches, you’ll make it to the finish line just fine. Move with purpose. Finish transformed.

Event Date: Sat, Sep 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Start/Finish: Kanawha Plaza, Richmond, VA

Learn more >> Register >>

Djimon Hounsou Foundation presents

16.19K Run

16.19 kilometers | 10.06 miles

Our signature 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. Run with purpose. Finish transformed.