Event Overview: Runners - Run Richmond 16.19

We Run History!

A warm welcome to the 4th edition of RUN RICHMOND 16.19, the scenic running event that lets you experience more than 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.

I never lose. I either win or learn. – Nelson Mandela

Location & Date:

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

Distances & Prices:

16.19K Run: currently $80 – price increases over time.
6.19K Run/Walk: currently $47.50 – 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.

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

⛰️ Conquer the Elevation: With 289 feet (88m) of elevation gain—including a challenging climb in the final 5K—our signature course of 16.19K rewards preparation. Train for the hills or walk and enjoy the view! Our shorter distance has an elevation gain of 259 feet (79m).

💧 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 12-week training program, hosted by We Off the Couch, and build strength, endurance, and community alongside fellow Richmond-area runners.

🔥 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.

📱 Interactive Mobile App: Immerse yourself in more than 400 years of Black history, narrated by Djimon Hounsou.

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

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.

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

Learn more >> Register >>

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.