CarMax Tacky Light Run Celebrates Richmond’s love of tacky lights and active living

December 24, 2019

Over 4,700 participants take part in Sports Backers event

 Over 4,700 participants take part in Sports Backers event

RICHMOND, VA – On December 14, over 4,700 people took to the streets of Midlothian, Virginia, just outside Richmond, in the CarMax Tacky Light Run to celebrate two local traditions: tacky holiday lights and active living. The seventh annual event took place in Chesterfield County’s Walton Park neighborhood, which features one of the best collections of holiday lights and decorations in central Virginia, with many of the participants in the fun run decked out in their most festive holiday gear as well.

The Sports Backers event also included neighborhood block parties, seasonal music from live bands and DJs, and a holiday cookie stop halfway through the course for an extra burst of energy. All registrants also received a unique participant stocking cap along with a finisher medal that doubles as a holiday ornament. The CarMax Tacky Light Run serves as a creative way to encourage physical activity while celebrating tacky lights, a staple of the holiday season in Richmond.

“The CarMax Tacky Light Run has become a Richmond tradition that draws participants and spectators from all over the region and beyond, and this was another exciting year for the event,” said Leslie Parpart, Director of Community Relations for CarMax. “We’re honored to be the lead sponsor and it was great to share in the fun and active holiday spirit with so many festive participants!”

Kids Run RVA serves as the official event charity for the CarMax Tacky Light Run. Kids Run RVA is an initiative of Sports Backers that reaches thousands of young people across the Richmond region and has run clubs in 70 schools and neighborhoods, including many underserved communities. Kids Run RVA gets thousands of kids moving throughout the Richmond area on a daily basis, with the goal of establishing healthy habits early in life. Kids Run RVA works to break down barriers and provide all kids the opportunity to participate in daily physical activity.

“Our mission at Sports Backers is to inspire active living for people of all ages and the CarMax Tacky Light Run is a great way to put that into action,” said Molly Johnson, event director for Sports Backers. “It’s a great way for groups and families to celebrate the holidays together and helps make Richmond a vibrant and active place to live and visit.”

For a photo gallery and slideshow of this year’s CarMax Tacky Light Run, please visit https://backlight.zenfolio.com/p229364970. More information on Sports Backers events is available at www.sportsbackers.org.

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