Training and Merchandise Options for the Allianz Richmond Marathon

The Allianz Richmond Marathon weekend offers two official support channels beyond race registration: group training teams organized by Sports Backers for each event, and an online store selling official marathon merchandise while supplies last. Both are accessible through richmondmarathon.org. If you are running the full marathon, half marathon, or 8K on November 14, 2026, and want structured training or official gear, these are the official routes to get them.

Group Training Teams

Sports Backers, the nonprofit that organizes the Allianz Richmond Marathon, offers group training solutions for each running event that is part of marathon weekend. According to the race website, the stated goal is to help participants "do your best in whichever race you choose."

What this means in practice

• One program per event: Training options are organized by race, so you choose the team that matches your distance (full marathon, half marathon, or 8K).
• Official source: These are Sports Backers programs, not third-party coaching services, so scheduling and logistics align with race weekend.
• Entry point: The site's "Choose Your Training Team" link is the starting point for comparing and selecting a program.

How to choose a training team

1. Decide which race you are running (full, half, or 8K).
2. Go to richmondmarathon.org and follow the "Training Teams" section.
3. Select the training team listed for your specific event.
4. Confirm the program details before committing, since the site presents training as event-specific rather than one-size-fits-all.

The marathon course itself is described as great for first-timers with some rolling hills, which is useful context when deciding how much structure you want from a training team.

Official Marathon Merchandise

Official marathon merchandise is sold through the race's online store. The website notes that items are available "while supplies last," so availability is not guaranteed and there is no indication of restocking timelines.

What to know before buying

• Where: The online store is linked from richmondmarathon.org ("Marathon Merchandise" / "Shop Now").
• Availability: Stock is limited; the site explicitly frames purchases as first-come, while supplies last.
• Timing: Because supply is finite, buying earlier in the season reduces the risk of missing specific items.

The site does not publish a merchandise catalog, price list, or shipping details in the available content, so check the store directly for current items and terms.

The Organization Behind Both

Sports Backers is described on the site as a nationally recognized nonprofit committed to making all corners of the Richmond community more active. Its mission includes advocating for safe places to bike and walk, supporting youth running, celebrating triumphs at events, and inspiring active living. Youth programs are a separate offering that gives kids access to running and fitness clubs.

This matters for two practical reasons: training fees and merchandise purchases support a nonprofit's community mission, and the same organization runs the race, the training teams, and the youth programs, so information from the official site is the most reliable source for all three.

Quick Reference

For the 2026 event, capacity is described as limited and the 2025 edition sold out across all three races, so aligning your training team and merchandise purchases with your registration timeline is the practical approach.