Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k registration opens
Registration opens for the 2023 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger
RICHMOND, VA– The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger will have its 24th running on April 22, 2023. Sports Backers is announcing that registration will be open on 11/28 at www.sportsbackers.org. After a successful return to Monument Avenue in 2022, event organizers are looking forward to bringing more people together on race day and hope to attract over 20,000 participants. 10k participants can take advantage of the lowest registration rate from Nov. 28th – Jan. 3rd. The Atlantic Union Bank 10k Mini, a one mile run for kids aged 4-12, will also take place on April 22 and registration is open for that event as well. Sports Backers will once again offer a virtual option for both the 10k and 10k Mini.
“The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k has always been a community celebration of wellness and active living that brings the Richmond region together in a day full of energy and fun. We’re so excited to open registration for the 2023 event,” said Meghan Keogh, race director for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger. “We’re hoping to make this year even more impactful on our community with over 20,000 participants, all of which wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors, community partners, or volunteers.”
The 6.2-mile road race returns to Broad Street, Monument Avenue, and Franklin Street. The 2022 event marked the first year the event was back in its traditional format following the pandemic. Sports Backers is excited 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 540,000 participants taking part in that time.
“Ukrop’s is excited to be an integral part of the 2023 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger. If you’ve been on Monument Avenue on race day you know the enthusiasm is palpable, and it’s one of the events that makes our community unique and vibrant,” said Bobby Ukrop, CEO of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods. “We can’t wait for April 22nd and are looking forward to making more memories with all of you on Monument Avenue!”
“Last year Kroger was elated to be a part of 10k participants’ journeys leading up to race day, and onsite,” and Anne Jenkins with Kroger Mid-Atlantic. “We’re happy to be back for 2023 and look forward to helping make this race day better than ever!”
“Atlantic Union Bank is excited to be the title sponsor of the 10k Mini for the second year in a row,” said Kat Costello, VP, Director of Brand Advertising and Corporate Sponsorships at Atlantic Union Bank. “Being a part of race day is an amazing way to connect with the Richmond community. We love having the opportunity to encourage kids to be physically active across the region and making it fun!”
YMCA 10k Training Team Kicks Off on February 11
Registration is also open for the YMCA 10k Training Team, and the team is set to hold its first in-person training session on Saturday, February 11, 2023. The 10-week program emphasizes the group approach to training as it prepares participants to successfully cover 6.2 miles on April 22. Whether you are looking to jumpstart your fitness journey or are ready to add more intense workouts into your training schedule, the motivational coaches and supportive teammates on the YMCA 10k Training Team will have you ready for race day.
The YMCA 10k Training Team will take place at 18 host sites around the Richmond region, including YMCA branches and select community locations. 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/.
VCU Massey Cancer Center, Sports Backers Youth Programs to Serve as Official Event Charity Partners
The VCU Massey Cancer Center and Sports Backers Youth Programs will once again serve as the official event charity partners of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger. 2023 marks the 18th year of the partnership between Massey and the 10k, allowing participants to take action in the fight against cancer and help raise crucial funds for Massey Cancer Center’s life-saving mission. 10k participants can make their miles matter on April 22 by creating their own personalized fundraising page at www.masseychallenge.com.
Sports Backers Youth Programs are an initiative of Sports Backers to motivate thousands of young people across our region to run and be active on a regular basis. Sports Backers is committed to improving the health of children in the Richmond region by encouraging routine physical activity, which is critical to their long-term growth and wellbeing.
As an official charity of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, donations to Sports Backers Youth Programs helps provide free training opportunities for youth of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds as well as funding to support school-based run clubs and events. For schools with fewer resources, Sports Backers Youth Programs grants can additionally cover transportation and entry fees to Sports Backers events, including the Atlantic Union Bank 10k Mini on April 22. These events serve as celebrations of the students’ discipline, hard work, and achievements.
For more information and registration for the 2023 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger, please visit www.sportsbackers.org.