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NASCAR races (below) deliver drama at Richmond International Raceway. Photo courtesy RIR
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The James River Scramble (left) takes runners through the city’s riverside park system. Rich Cruse photo courtesy Dominion Riverrock
Whether or not they do the racing themselves, folks in Central Virginia seem to like things in motion. This year and next, major cycling events will put a spotlight on Richmond, and Dominion Riverrock's James River Scramble 10K offers a rugged alternative to road racing. Here's what's not to miss.
Horse Racing: Virginia Derby, July 12
The heart-pounding euphoria of Colonial Downs' Virginia Derby — thoroughbred horses thundering around a turf-covered oval in New Kent County — barely lasts two minutes. But spectacle and anticipation rule the better part of the day. Approximately 10,000 people, many tailgating and hobnobbing in their finery and overstated derby hats, attend the July event. "You'll see thoroughbred racing's top trainers, top jockeys and top owners [and their horses] that you would see in the Preakness [Stakes] and the Belmont Stakes," says Darrell Wood, Colonial Downs' marketing director. colonialdowns.com
NASCAR: Federated Auto Parts 400, Sept. 6
Even die-hard fans joke about the "drive fast, turn left" simplicity of professional stock-car racing, but NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, which comes to Richmond International Raceway in the spring and fall (April 25-26 and Sept. 5-6 this year), delivers more action than the pithy observation conveys. The Sept. 6 race, in particular, promises more hype and drama — it's the last chance for top-ranked drivers to qualify for "The Chase," the 10-race series "post-season" that eventually determines the year's champion. Last year's Federated Auto Parts 400 stirred controversy, and even a NASCAR investigation. Almost as good as a Shakespearean history play, but a lot louder. rir.com
Road Running: Anthem Richmond Marathon, Nov. 15
Many Richmonders have set out to climb their own personal Mount Everest — and succeeded — by completing this 26.2-mile race, which will have its 37th annual running in November. Several years ago, it earned the distinction as "America's Friendliest Marathon" from Runner's World magazine, which is great news for people who need some encouragement along the way. With its support stations, parties along the route, stunning riverside scenery and throngs of cheering bystanders, the meandering run may deliver you to your very own metaphorical mountaintop before you know it. richmondmarathon.com
Cycling: 2014 USA Cycling Collegiate Nationals, May 2-4
When 400-plus college athletes from about 100 schools hit the region's streets this spring, Richmonders will get a reminder about what elite-level cycling looks like up close and personal. The last major cycling event to hit the region was the 1996 Tour DuPont, a multi-stage race that brought the likes of Greg LeMond, Frankie Andreu and (the now-disgraced) Lance Armstrong through Richmond during the event's six-year run. Local organizers Richmond 2015 are using the collegiate event as a test run for the international professional race a year later, the UCI Road World Cycling Championships. usacycling.org
Trail Running: James River Scramble 10K Trail Run, May 17
See that ramble of rocks in middle of the river? You're gonna cross that. See that steep, steep hill with the skyline at your back? You're going up and over. That meandering trail rising and falling through the woods? Keep running, and watch out for the roots and rocks. It is all yours to conquer in one of the only races that takes running off the street and through the city's rugged riverside park system. As a part of the three-day Dominion Riverrock festival, this may be the hardest blast of fun you've ever earned. dominionriverrock.com
