Lace up. Show up. Run with purpose.
Bag's Buddies Racing is our running community—a group of runners who believe that crossing finish lines feels even better when you're doing it for a cause.
"Whether you're racing for a PR or just want to support the cause, you're part of Team Bag."
What Is Bag's Buddies Racing?
Bag's Buddies Racing is our team of runners who represent the foundation at local races throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. We run 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and everything in between—all while raising awareness and funds for youth sports scholarships.
This isn't about pace. It's about purpose.
When you wear the Bag's Buddies gear and cross a finish line, you're part of something bigger: a community committed to helping young athletes stay in the game.
Why We Run
Captain John "Bag" Hefti was all about showing up. He believed that effort matters, that teams lift each other up, and that the journey is as important as the finish.
That's what Bag's Buddies Racing embodies.
We run because:
- Movement builds community — Racing together creates bonds that last
- Every mile raises awareness — Conversations at races spread our mission
- Fundraising fuels scholarships — Runners raise funds that directly support student-athletes
- It's fun — And Bag was all about fun
Whether you're chasing a personal best or walking your first 5K, you belong on this team.
Join the Team
Becoming a Bag's Buddies Racing team member is simple:
What You Get:
- Official Bag's Buddies Racing gear — Shirts, singlets, and more to wear on race day
- A community of runners — Teammates who'll cheer you on at the start line and the finish
- Race discounts — We negotiate group rates when possible
- The best reason to run — Knowing every step supports Virginia Beach youth
What We Ask:
- Run at least one race per year wearing Bag's Buddies gear
- Share our mission — Tell people why you run
- Consider fundraising — Set up a personal fundraising page for your race (optional but impactful)
- Have fun — It's in our motto for a reason
How to Join:
- Contact us to express interest
- We'll add you to our racing email list
- Get your gear and pick your races
- Show up, run hard, have fun
There's no fee to join. Just commitment to the cause.
Shamrock Marathon Weekend
Our signature event is Shamrock Marathon Weekend in Virginia Beach. Join Team Bag and represent our mission while running one of the East Coast's premier spring races.
Race Options & Fundraising Minimums
| Race | Fundraising Minimum |
|---|---|
| TowneBank Shamrock 8K | $200 |
| Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon | $250 |
| Yuengling Shamrock Marathon | $500 |
Challenge Options
Ready to go the extra mile? Take on one of our challenges:
- Dolphin Challenge — Run the 8K and Half Marathon for $750 minimum
- Whale Challenge — Run the 8K and the full Marathon for $1,000 minimum
How to Join
- Contact us to express interest in Team Bag
- Register for your race through our team links
- Set up your fundraising page
- Train, fundraise, and represent Bag's Buddies on race day
Every dollar you raise supports youth sports and student scholarships throughout Hampton Roads.
Other Races Throughout the Year
Beyond Shamrock, our runners participate in races across Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. Want to represent Bag's Buddies at a local 5K, 10K, or other event? Let us know—we're always looking for great events to run together.
Fundraising Through Racing
Many of our runners set up personal fundraising pages tied to their races. It's a powerful way to multiply your impact:
How it works:
- Sign up for a race
- Create a fundraising page (we'll help you set it up)
- Share with friends and family
- Run your race knowing every dollar supports a student-athlete
Past results:
Our racing community has raised thousands of dollars for scholarships. One runner's marathon fundraiser covered an entire scholarship award.
When you combine miles with mission, amazing things happen.
Race Day Tips from Team Bag
Whether you're new to racing or a seasoned veteran, a few principles guide how we show up:
Play Hard
Give your best effort. That doesn't mean running your fastest—it means running your hardest for where you are today.
Have Fun
Race day is supposed to be enjoyable. High-five the volunteers. Cheer for other runners. Smile for the camera.
Same Team
We're not competing against each other. When you see Bag's Buddies gear on the course, you've found a teammate. Encourage each other. Wait at the finish line. Celebrate together.
Training Together
Looking for running partners? Many of our racing team members train together throughout the year:
- Weekly group runs — Informal meetups at local parks and trails
- Race-specific training — Preparing for upcoming events together
- Virtual accountability — Stay connected between in-person runs
Training is more fun with teammates. Contact us to connect with other Bag's Buddies runners in your area.
For Businesses and Sponsors
Want to sponsor Bag's Buddies Racing? Corporate sponsors help us provide gear, cover race entries, and increase our fundraising impact.
Sponsorship benefits:
- Logo placement on team gear
- Recognition at Bag's Big Bash
- Association with a beloved Virginia Beach nonprofit
- The satisfaction of supporting youth sports
Contact us about sponsorship opportunities
Why Running Matters
The connection between running and our mission runs deep:
Running teaches discipline. So does youth sports.
Running builds mental toughness. So does competing as a student-athlete.
Running creates community. So does every team sport.
When we run for Bag's Buddies, we're demonstrating the same values we want to instill in young athletes: show up, work hard, support each other, and enjoy the journey.
Ready to Run?
Join Bag's Buddies Racing and make your miles matter.
Email: racing@bagsbuddies.org
Online: Contact us
We'll get you set up with gear and connected to the team. See you at the start line.
Other Ways to Support
Not a runner? There are many ways to support Virginia Beach student-athletes:
- 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
Every step supports Virginia Beach student-athletes. Every finish line brings us closer to our mission.
Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.