Richmond Running Club Founder Killed in Crash
Jack Oppenheim, 27, founder of Capital Run Club, and Alexander Lloyd Chaplin, 38, died in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 Sunday morning.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Running
Jack Oppenheim, 27, founder of Capital Run Club, died in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 around 6 a.m. Sunday. Alexander Lloyd Chaplin, 38, also died in the crash, and both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Why it matters
Oppenheim's death has drawn a large response from the local running community, with the club planning a memorial walk and a cheer zone at this weekend's races. The loss of a young club founder leaves many runners in the Richmond area mourning a central figure in local running life.
The 2016 Nissan Rogue ran off the roadway and down an embankment before overturning and catching fire near the Parham Road Exit (Exit 181B). State Police have not publicly identified the cause of the crash, and the investigation details remain unreported.
The players
Capital Run Club
A Richmond-area running club founded by Jack Oppenheim that organizes group runs and community events in the city.
Virginia State Police
The state law enforcement agency that responded to the crash on Interstate 64 and identified the two victims.
The details
The 2016 Nissan Rogue ran off Interstate 64 and down an embankment around 6 a.m. Sunday, then overturned and caught fire, according to Virginia State Police. Capital Run Club posted news of Oppenheim's death on Instagram Monday and plans a cheer zone during the 49th annual Allianz Richmond Marathon in his honor.
Timeline
Sunday, November 8, 2026, around 6 a.m.: Single-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 near the Parham Road Exit.
Monday, November 9, 2026: Capital Run Club announced Oppenheim's death and State Police identified both victims.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 6 p.m.: Walk For Jack at Cochiloco in Scott's Addition.
Saturday, November 14, 2026: Allianz Richmond Marathon, CarMax Half Marathon and Capital One 8k, with the club's cheer zone.
Season Trajectory
The death comes ahead of the 49th annual Allianz Richmond Marathon, a long-running fixture of the Richmond racing calendar. Clubs such as Capital Run Club often organize cheer zones and group events that become central to the race-weekend experience.
Runners planning to attend the Walk For Jack can gather at Cochiloco in Scott's Addition on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Those racing Saturday's Richmond Marathon, CarMax Half or Capital One 8k may see Capital Run Club's dedicated cheer zone along the course.
The takeaway
Local running communities often rely on founders who organize group runs and events, and tributes like the Walk For Jack show how clubs can come together after a loss. Those wishing to honor Oppenheim can attend the Wednesday walk or look for the club's cheer zone at the weekend races.
What happens next
The Walk For Jack is set for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Cochiloco, and Capital Run Club's cheer zone will appear at the Allianz Richmond Marathon on Saturday.
Further reading
Find more coverage of local races and clubs in the Running section.
