Join Team Bag: Your Guide to Running for Virginia Beach Youth Athletes in 2026

Every finish line feels better when you're crossing it for a cause.

If you've been looking for a charity running team in Virginia Beach that welcomes runners of all paces, connects you with a supportive community, and makes every mile meaningful, you've found it. Bag's Buddies Racing is our team of runners who believe that running alone is fine, but running for something bigger is better.

Whether you're training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PR, this guide covers everything you need to know about joining Team Bag in 2026: upcoming races, how to register, fundraising tips, and what makes running with us different.

Why Run with a Charity Running Team in Virginia Beach?

Most charity running programs focus on fundraising minimums and race logistics. Those matter. But what sets Bag's Buddies apart is the why behind every mile.

The Man Behind the Mission

Captain John "Bag" Hefti spent his life showing up for people. As a Navy Captain, youth sports coach, and community builder in Virginia Beach, he lived by three words: Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.

Bag coached basketball, mentored young athletes, and quietly helped families who couldn't afford registration fees or equipment. He understood that sports teach more than skills. They teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

When Bag passed away in 2021, his family and friends asked: how do we continue what he started? Bag's Buddies was born. Today, every runner who wears our gear carries his legacy.

Premier Charity Partner at Shamrock Marathon

Bag's Buddies is proud to serve as a Premier Charity Partner at the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend--one of the East Coast's premier spring races and Virginia's oldest continuously running road race.

That means when you run Shamrock with Team Bag, you're representing an organization the race itself recognizes for impact and community commitment.

Where Your Miles Go

Every dollar raised by Bag's Buddies runners directly supports Virginia Beach young people through our scholarship program:

• Scholarships for graduating high school student-athletes ($1,000-$2,500 each)
• Youth sports grants for families facing financial barriers
• Equipment and registration assistance so no kid sits out because of cost

According to the Aspen Institute's State of Play report, youth sports costs have risen 46% since 2019. Too many families are making impossible choices between groceries and registration fees. Your fundraising changes that.

Community Beyond Race Day

Running can be lonely. Training is hard. Motivation fades.

That's why Bag's Buddies Racing isn't just a race-day team. Our runners train together year-round through weekly group runs, virtual accountability, and genuine friendships that extend beyond the finish line.

When you join Team Bag, you get teammates--people who'll encourage you through tough training days and wait for you at the finish.

2026 Virginia Beach Race Calendar

Ready to pick your race? Here's where Team Bag will be running in 2026.

Shamrock Marathon Weekend | March 21-22, 2026

Our signature event. The 54th running of the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon brings thousands of runners to Virginia Beach for a flat, fast, scenic course that finishes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Race Options for Team Bag:

Challenge Options:

For runners who want to go the extra mile (literally):

• Dolphin Challenge -- Run the 8K and Half Marathon | $750 minimum
• Whale Challenge -- Run the 8K and Full Marathon | $1,000 minimum

The Shamrock Weekend is more than a race. It's a St. Patrick's Day celebration with live entertainment, a beer garden, and one of the best post-race party atmospheres on the East Coast.

Other 2026 Races with Bag's Buddies

Beyond Shamrock, our runners represent Team Bag at races throughout Hampton Roads:

Want to represent Bag's Buddies at a local 5K, fun run, or other event not listed here? Let us know. We're always looking for great races to run together.

How to Register for Team Bag

Joining Bag's Buddies Racing is simple. There's no membership fee, no pace requirement, and no complicated application. Just commitment to the cause and showing up.

Step 1: Express Interest

Send us an email at racing@bagsbuddies.org or fill out our contact form. Tell us:

• Which race(s) you're interested in
• Your running experience (don't worry--all levels welcome)
• Why you want to run for Bag's Buddies

We'll add you to our racing email list and send you next steps.

Step 2: Get Your Gear

Every Team Bag runner receives official Bag's Buddies racing gear--shirts, singlets, and more to wear on race day. There's no cost for gear; it's our gift to you for representing the mission.

When you cross that finish line in Bag's Buddies colors, you're visible proof that runners care about Virginia Beach youth.

Step 3: Choose Your Race

For first-time racers, we recommend starting with a 5K. There's no pressure to jump straight to a half marathon.

For experienced runners looking for a challenge, Shamrock's Dolphin and Whale Challenges are popular among Team Bag veterans.

Whatever distance you choose, we'll help you prepare.

Step 4: Set Up Fundraising

For Shamrock Marathon Weekend, fundraising is required (see minimums above). For other races, fundraising is optional but impactful.

Here's how it works:

1. 1
   We help you set up a personal fundraising page
2. 2
   Share your page with friends, family, and social networks
3. 3
   Update supporters on your training progress
4. 4
   Watch your impact grow as donations come in

One Team Bag marathoner's fundraising page covered an entire scholarship. Your miles have that power too.

Fundraising Tips That Actually Work

Asking for money feels awkward. We get it. Here's what works for Bag's Buddies runners:

Start with Your Inner Circle

Your first five donors should be people who already care about you--parents, siblings, close friends. Their early support creates momentum and makes asking others easier.

Share Your "Why"

Generic appeals don't work. Specific stories do.

Instead of: "I'm running a marathon for charity!"

Try: "I'm running 26.2 miles for Bag's Buddies because when I was a kid, my coach believed in me before I believed in myself. Now I want to help Virginia Beach student-athletes have that same experience."

Make it personal. Why do you care about youth sports? What does running mean to you?

Post Training Updates

Your donors want to see your journey. Share:

• Photos from training runs
• Milestone moments (first 10-mile run, new gear day)
• Struggles and breakthroughs
• How you're feeling as race day approaches

People who follow your training become emotionally invested. Emotionally invested people donate.

Celebrate Milestones Publicly

When you hit 50% of your goal, post about it. When someone makes a generous gift, thank them publicly (with permission). When you complete a tough training week, share the victory.

Celebration creates momentum. Momentum brings more donations.

Ask More Than Once

The biggest fundraising mistake is asking once and stopping. Not everyone sees your first post. Not everyone donates immediately.

Ask at least three times, spaced out over weeks. Each time, share something new--a training photo, an update on your miles, or a story about why this matters.

Training with Your Team

Running is more fun with teammates. Bag's Buddies Racing offers multiple ways to train together:

Weekly Group Runs

Our runners meet informally throughout the year at parks and trails across Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. These aren't intimidating speed sessions--they're social runs where all paces are welcome.

Race-Specific Training

Preparing for Shamrock or another big race? Connect with other Team Bag runners training for the same event. Shared long runs make 20 miles feel shorter.

Virtual Accountability

Can't make in-person runs? Join our virtual training community to share workouts, encouragement, and accountability from anywhere.

Training Plans for Every Level

Whether you're a beginner aiming for your first 5K or a veteran targeting a marathon PR, we can help you find training resources that fit your goals.

Training alone is hard. Training with teammates who share your purpose? That's different.

What to Expect on Race Day

Race day with Team Bag feels different from running alone. Here's what our runners experience:

Play Hard

Give your best effort. That doesn't mean running your fastest--it means running your hardest for where you are today.

Bag never measured people by their pace. He measured them by their effort and their heart. We do the same.

Have Fun

Races are supposed to be enjoyable. High-five the volunteers. Cheer for other runners. Smile for the photographers. Soak in the crowds and the energy.

Running 26.2 miles (or 3.1 miles) is an accomplishment. Enjoy every moment of it.

Same Team

When you see Bag's Buddies gear on the course, you've found a teammate. Encourage each other. If someone's struggling, offer a word of support.

After the race, we celebrate together. Wait at the finish line for your teammates. Swap stories over post-race food. Share the pride of running for something bigger than yourself.

Post-Race Celebrations

Team Bag gatherings after races are legendary. Good food, good people, and the satisfaction of knowing your miles made a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be fast to join?

Not at all. Bag's Buddies Racing welcomes walkers, joggers, and runners of every pace. We're not competing against each other. We're on the same team.

What if I've never run a race before?

Perfect. Many Team Bag runners have completed their first race with us. We'll help you choose an appropriate distance, connect you with training resources, and cheer you across that finish line.

How much do I need to fundraise?

For Shamrock Marathon Weekend, fundraising minimums are:

• 8K: $200
• Half Marathon: $250
• Marathon: $500
• Challenges: $750-$1,000

For other races throughout the year, fundraising is optional but encouraged.

Can I run without fundraising?

For Shamrock, fundraising is part of the charity team experience. For local 5Ks and other races, you can represent Team Bag just by wearing our gear and sharing our mission--no fundraising required.

What gear do I get?

All Team Bag runners receive official Bag's Buddies racing shirts or singlets at no cost. Wear them proudly!

How do I connect with other runners?

After you join, we'll add you to our racing email list and connect you with other Team Bag runners in your area. From there, you can join group runs, find training partners, and build friendships.

When do I need to register by?

For Shamrock Marathon Weekend, we recommend joining Team Bag at least 8-10 weeks before race day. This gives you time to train properly, set up your fundraising page, and reach your fundraising minimum. For other races, contact us at least 4 weeks ahead so we can get you your gear in time.

Can I bring my family to run with Team Bag?

Absolutely. Running as a family is one of the best ways to support the mission together. Kids can participate in youth races at many events, and having multiple family members fundraise multiplies your impact on Virginia Beach student-athletes.

Other Ways to Support

Not a runner? There are other ways to be part of the team:

• Donate -- Every dollar funds scholarships and youth sports grants
• Attend Bag's Big Bash -- Our annual celebration and fundraiser
• Volunteer -- Help with events, outreach, and more
• Cheer on race day -- Nothing motivates runners like supporters along the course

Ready to Join Team Bag?

Your miles can change a student-athlete's future.

Join Bag's Buddies Racing and be part of a community that runs with purpose. Whether you're training for your first 5K or your tenth marathon, you belong here.

Email: racing@bagsbuddies.org

Online: Contact us

We'll get you set up with gear, connected to the team, and ready for race day.

See you at the start line.

Every step supports Virginia Beach student-athletes. Every finish line brings us closer to our mission.

Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.

Related Articles:

• Remembering Captain John "Bag" Hefti
• The True Cost of Youth Sports in Virginia Beach
• What Makes a Bag's Buddies Scholar?