Honor the past.
Run into the future.
Freedom Forward. Virginia’s Story Made Whole.
September 11–13, 2026
Freedom Forward is an invitation to honor the generations who carried liberty before it was fully recognized in law. From the African Landing to Emancipation — and the still-unfolding promise of a more perfect union — Richmond, Virginia, embodies the full arc of America’s freedom story like no other city.
This September, Run Richmond 16.19 brings that story to life through three days of movement, memory, culture, and community. Come for the run. Stay for the experience.
1) Opening Night | Fri, Sep 11: 7:00 –10:00 PM
The night before Run Richmond 16.19, runners and walkers arriving from across the nation — joined by community partners, collaborators, and neighbors from all walks of life — come together for a free evening of reflection, connection, and celebration. Whether you come with a passion for running, a desire to honor your ancestors, a commitment to history, a love of Black culture, or a search for your roots, you will find your people here. More than 40 community partners will come together to welcome you and walk with you into tomorrow. The evening opens with a welcome by the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, followed by live performances, a Black history pop-up exhibit, and food and drinks.
Location: Abner Clay Park
2) Run Richmond 16.19 | Sat, Sep 12: 8:00 –11:00 AM
Our ancestors walked these roads without choice. We run them in freedom — and in their honor. Join us for the 5-Year Anniversary of this immersive cultural run-or-walk through more than 400 years of Black history, along symbolic courses of 8K and 16.19K. Run Richmond 16.19 is more than a race. It is a living act of remembrance — a community in motion across the streets of a city still reckoning with its past and running toward its future.
The experience includes history markers and educational videos along the routes, and an audio narration by Djimon Hounsou available via our mobile app.
Location: Abner Clay Park
3) Finish Festival | Sat. Sep 12: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
The run ends. The celebration doesn’t. The Finish Festival fills Abner Clay Park with live performances, a Black history pop-up exhibit, a Living Museum Experience presented by the Richmond Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, a vendor village, and plenty of food and drink.
Location: Abner Clay Park
4) Movie Brunch & Dialogue | Sun, Sep 13: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
As America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, a vital question calls for an honest answer: what does that promise mean — and for whom?
Join fellow runners, community partners, and culture keepers for a community brunch, followed by a screening of Declarations of Independence — a feature documentary directed by Stacey L. Holman and produced by Virginia Public Media — and an open dialogue on belonging, identity, and what it means to be American.
Separate movie tickets go on sale closer to the event.
Location: Virginia Museum of History & Culture