Description
The RRRC Sweetheart 8K is an annual Richmond Road Runners Club event that for 2025 offers two options for Valentine's Day running or walking.
The Sweetheart 8K will be an in-person race on Sunday, February 16 featuring a scenic 8K (5 mile) course through The Grove and Walton Park communities, historic Midlothian Coal Mine Park, and the surrounding roads and trails. The race starts and finishes at the Urban Farmhouse in The Millworks in Midlothian.
The Virtual Sweetheart 8K will allow you to run when, where, and with whom you please from Friday, Feb. 14 to Monday, Feb. 17. You may post your results between Friday, Feb. 14 and Monday, Feb. 17.
Both events are RRRC Grand Prix (GP) events for 2025. RRRC GP participants receive a race point for posting a time for either event. RRRC GP participants in the in-person race will receive place points based on overall and/or age group finish times.
NOTE: Details provided below about packet pick up and race day activities are tentative and subject to change. Registered participants will receive updated information a few days before the race.
Bib & Shirt Pick Up
Registrants for the virtual and in-person Sweetheart 8K may pick up their bibs and race shirts (if you registered by January 26th):
- At Lucky Road Run Shop - Midlothian (13265 Rittenhouse Dr, Midlothian, VA 23112)
- Saturday, Feb. 15 from 1:00p-4:00p
- At the race site from 7:30AM - 8:15AM
Couples Challenge
Join the Couples Challenge and run the 8K with your Sweetheart!
Run with your sweetheart, friend, or best running buddy as a couple.
During registration, click "Yes" for the question "Would you like to join a Couple?" and follow the directions to "Create a New Couple." Your partner can register during the same transaction or in a separate transaction--just make sure he/she knows the right couple/team name.
There will be awards for the top "couple" finisher at the in-person Sweetheart 8K.
Best couple's photo at the end of the race will receive a gift certificate to Lucky Road Run Shop.
Race Fees & Rules
Runners must be 5 years old or older to participate in the 8K road race.
8K Registration
Pricing
- 8K in-person race:
- On-line registration prices until Sunday, February 16 @ 12:00 AM are: RRRC members - $23 plus processing fee; non-members - $30 plus processing fee
- 8K virtual race:
- On-line registration prices until Monday, February 16 @ 11:59 PM are: RRRC members - $23 plus processing fee; non-members - $30 plus processing fee
Youth Pricing: For all 8K runners 5-12 years of age, the price is $10 plus processing fee. Youth runners have the option to add on an adult-sized race shirt for $12.
Any discounts will be applied at check out.
Refund Policy: All entry fees and processing fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, no exceptions. Registrations cannot be deferred to a later race. Bib numbers are not transferrable. In the event of postponements or cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, there will be no refunds.
Place
Midlothian, VA US 23114
Urban Farmhouse
Urban Farmhouse again is helping to host the Sweetheart 8K - and available for some post-race treats. (https://www.theurbanfarmhouse.net/)
Parking
Ample parking will be available at the Millworks near the Midlothian Library. Please be courteous to fellow runners and our hosts and do not block the parking lot at Urban Farmhouse.
Race Shirts & Awards
Race Shirts (in-person and virtual races)
- Race shirts are guaranteed to runners who register before January 26 at 11:59 PM, but we can’t guarantee that you will get the perfect size, color or fit of shirt.
- A runner who registers after January 26 will not get a shirt at packet pick up. You may be able to get an unclaimed race shirt after the conclusion of the in-person race, while the supply of different size shirts lasts.
- Registrants for the virtual 8K may pick up their race shirts at packet pick up on Saturday, February 15 or may pay to have their shirt mailed to them.
Awards, sponsored by Lucky Road Run Shop (in-person race only)
- There will be awards for top finishers: first, second and third place male and female overall; and top masters male and female.
- There will be awards for the top "couple" finishers.
- All awards will be based on chip time.
- There will be an awards ceremony at the conclusion of the race.
- New this year - an award for best couple's photo at the end of the race.
Course & Course Rules
The 8K (5 mile) course, which starts and finishes at The Millworks, runs through The Grove and Walton Park communities and the historic Midlothian Coal Mine Park. The course primarily is on roads and paved pathways, but there are small sections of trail.
One water stop will support runners at the intersection of Glenpark Lane and Glenmeadow Road, just before mile 3 on the course. The water stop will be hands-free and cup-less. Bring your own cup or bottle.
This is a road race conducted under the rules of USATF and RRCA. In consideration of the safety of all participants, the following are not allowed on the course during the race: baby joggers, baby strollers, animals on or off leash, skateboards, inline or roller skates, or bicycles. The use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, RRRC encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of the Sweetheart 8K.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY. BE ALERT, WATCH FOR TRAFFIC & PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR FELLOW RUNNERS, COURSE MARSHALS, AND POLICE.
Race Director
Nancy Rachlis
RRRC Race Director Sweetheart 8k sweetheart8k@rrrc.org
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
