Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k Reveals Finisher Medal for 2022 Event
Medal includes elements from participant shirt design created by Hamilton Glass
RICHMOND, VA – The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger today unveiled the finisher medal for this year’s event during its annual ‘10k Reveal Day,’ which took place at Ukrop’s Market Hall. This year’s medal, which all participants will receive after crossing the finish line on April 23, celebrates the vibrant colors of spring along the 10k course and features elements of the 10k participant shirt which was designed by Hamilton Glass, a renowned public artist based in Richmond.
Both the medal and shirt feature architectural elements and multiple patterns characteristic of Glass’ style, while also symbolic of the Richmond region coming together for a shared experience in crossing the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k finish line. The 2022 10k takes place on April 23, 2022, and marks the 23rd running of the event. Registration for this year’s event is open at www.sportsbackers.org, with a price increase set for February 1. Registrations for the 2022 10k will be capped at 20,000 participants.
The 6.2-mile road race returns to its traditional format on Broad Street, Monument Avenue, and Franklin Street for the first time since 2019. The 2020 and 2021 events took place in a hybrid formats on multiple courses over several days to continue the tradition of one of Richmond’s favorite community events. Since its creation in 2000, the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k has become one of the largest 10k road races in America, with over 525,000 participants taking part in that time.
“The finisher medal is always one of the most anticipated items for 10k participants, and getting a first glimpse is a great way to keep the excitement going as we prepare to bring the 10k back and better on April 23,” said Meghan Keogh, Race Director for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. “We are very excited to partner with Hamilton Glass as part of this year’s event. He is dedicated to using his creative vision to bring people together through art, and we share a goal of bringing people together through active living. The 10k is a great celebration of our active, vibrant community and we can’t wait to see everyone wearing their medals and participant shirts on April 23.”
Atlantic Union Bank Announced as New Title Sponsor of 10k Mini Kids Run
The Atlantic Union Bank 10k Mini kids run will take place immediately before the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k on April 23, with finishers utilizing the same finish line as the 10k. The one-mile fun run for kids ages 4-12 introduces participants to the benefits of active living at an early age, and is an exciting culmination of the spring running season for many Kids Run RVA run clubs in schools and communities around the Richmond region.
“We are thrilled to support one of Richmond’s favorite traditions and its return to Monument Avenue,” said Duane Smith, Chief Marketing Officer of Atlantic Union Bank. “We are committed to playing an active role in serving and enriching our communities and youth. Through our sponsorship of the 10k Mini and community-based partnerships like this, Atlantic Union Bank can help foster a spirit of togetherness right here in our back yard. We are excited to join our friends, families and neighbors in a cause that centers on health and wellness, especially during a time when it’s needed most.”
YMCA 10k Training Team Kicks Off on February 12
Registration is also open for the YMCA 10k Training Team, with a price increase on February 1, and the team is set to hold its first training session on Saturday, February 12. Jennifer Perrin is the new Head Coach for the team, and, along with experienced and motivational coaches at each location, is ready to prepare runners, joggers, and walkers to meet their goals on race day.
The YMCA 10k Training Team will take place at 19 host sites around the Richmond region, including YMCA branches and select community locations. In addition to entry in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and weekend group runs, participants will receive 10 free trips to the YMCA, a YMCA 10k Training Team shirt, a detailed program with daily running activities, cross-training exercises, and advice on gear and nutrition. More details and registration for the YMCA 10k Training Team can be found at https://www.sportsbackers.org/training-team/ymca-10k-training-team/.
Both the YMCA 10k Training Team and Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k will offer income-based registration rates for anyone who qualifies and would otherwise not be able to participate. More details can be found at https://www.sportsbackers.org/events/monument-ave-10k/10k-pricing-registration/.
Sheehy Auto Stores Set to Sponsor Post Race Festival
The return of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger to its traditional in-person format and course location also means the return of the Sheehy Post Race Festival. The festival, with a new partnership with Sheehy Auto Stores, provides participants a chance to catch their breath and celebrate their accomplishments after crossing the finish line. Features of the Sheehy Post Race Festival include:
- Live Music
- Food and beverages for participants
- Vendor, sponsor, and charity booths
- 10k Family Meeting Area
- Collegiate Running Association 10k Road Race National Championship Awards Ceremony
“Sheehy Auto Stores is proud to support the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger and help participants celebrate their achievements on race day,” said Vince Sheehy, President of Sheehy Auto Stores and an avid runner himself. “We strive to encourage healthy communities and applaud everyone taking part in the 10k for their commitment to living their best lives.”
For more information and registration for the 2022 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger, please visit www.sportsbackers.org.
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About Sports Backers
With a key message of Let’s Go, RVA, the mission of Sports Backers is to inspire people from all corners of the Richmond community to live actively. A non-profit organization, Sports Backers is dedicated to producing nationally recognized quality sporting events and programs that motivate residents and visitors alike to be more active, supporting youth running and fitness programs, and advocating for safe and connected networks of bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Learn more at sportsbackers.org.