Sports Backers’ winter training team coach prepares runners for River City Half Marathon

RICHMOND, Va. -- If you're on the fence about running a half marathon, Michele Plouffe can help you cross the finish line. Plouffe is passionate about helping both first-time and long-term marathoners reach their goals.

Plouffe has coached the Richmond Road Runners Club winter training team for three years. When Sports Backers announced the inaugural River City Half Marathon and 5K, the Road Runners Club became the official training team for the race.

Now in its third year, the 5K race is completely sold out and the half marathon is 90% full just two weeks away from race day.

The training team begins running in December and continues through the River City Half Marathon on March 7, 2026. It lasts between 10 and 13 weeks for a half marathon, starting by running three to four miles. Coaches then gradually increase miles until runners are reaching 11 to 12 miles a couple weeks before the race.

The training team also includes a full marathon option which includes runners gearing up for a variety of races, including the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach.

Plouffe said she has a background in running, competing in cross-country and track in high school, but in her adult life, she was unaware of how to properly train for half marathons. When she moved to Virginia, Plouffe found Sports Backers and was able to train with other runners and find support from coaches.

"It's been great now getting to step into the role of a coach and be able to do that for others," Plouffe said.

The River City Half Marathon draws runners in for its scenic views of Richmond, but Plouffe warns the course can be a challenge.

"It is a beautiful course. You get to run right down on Riverside [Dr.] by the river. You get to run under that beautiful train trestle, even though it's a little bit of a climb but it is such a beautiful view running across Nickel Bridge and in the middle of it and running through U of R," Plouffe said.

Plouffe warns runners about some intense inclines on the course. Her advice, though, is to simply, "enjoy the views, but also have fun."

Plouffe recommends runners train for this course by running on hills and doing hill repeats, which are loops building up distance and incline.