How Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K Works

Every spring, thousands of people descend upon Richmond, Va., for the annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, presented by Martin’s. Runners from around the world arrive with different goals — some to win the race, some to run their personal-best time and some to vie for first place in the costume contest.

Monument Avenue 10K — sponsored through 2013 in partnership by Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods and Martin’s Food Markets — got its start in 2000 with a field of almost 2,500 runners. The original idea was to create a community event for local runners while encouraging those who thought they couldn’t run a block — much less 6.2 miles — to join the fun. With Richmond’s mild spring temperatures, a relatively flat course and the race’s festive atmosphere (think costumes, roadside bands and hundreds of cheering spectators), the popularity of the Monument Avenue 10K has increased dramatically. It attracts people of all ages and abilities, from the elite athlete to the casual runner. In 2010, the number of participants topped 37,000. It was the 10th largest race in the United States and the 26th largest race in the world. [source: Miles & Minutes].

Sports Backers, the organizers behind the race, have kept the Monument Avenue 10K rooted in the Richmond community. They partner with local organizations to promote fitness and well-being. There are two official race charities. VCU Massey Cancer Center offers a fundraising program for individual runners and teams to raise money for cancer research. They also recruit volunteers to help organize materials and information for runners and to man water stations. Fit For Life fights childhood obesity and promotes healthy lifestyles for children and teens; they sponsor the First Market Mile Kids Run for ages 5 to 12.

Other important information about the Monument Avenue 10K:

[source: Sports Backers]

Has your interest to run what USA Today named one of the top races in the United States been piqued?

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