Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k unveils medal design featuring artwork by Doug Orleski, local artist known as ‘RVA Coffee Stain’

RICHMOND, VA – The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger today unveiled the finisher medal for this year’s event, a custom-designed Ukrop’s Rainbow Cookie-themed drawing created by Doug Orleski, a local artist known as RVA Coffee Stain. Participants will receive the medal as part of this year’s event, which takes place June 3-6 in a socially-distanced manner at two official course locations, Byrd Park in the City of Richmond and Dorey Park and the Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County. Registration is now open at www.sportsbackers.org.

The medal features an abstract representation of the Ukrop’s Rainbow Cookie and was inspired by one of Orleski’s drawings, called ‘The REAL ONES Know the Cookie,’ as well as by the cookies themselves. “I really enjoy celebrating Richmond through art, and that work has helped me form a strong bond with the area since moving here in 2012, so I was definitely excited to have my artwork featured on the design of the finisher medal for this year’s race,” said Orleski. “The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k is one of the highlights of the year and I can’t wait to see so many people proudly wearing the medal to mark their achievement.”

In the 2021 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger, the two official 10k courses will have a start and finish line, mile markers, directional signage, on-site packet pick up, and a finisher zone, and can be accessed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Thursday, June 3-Sunday, June 6. Timing will be available at both course locations to provide official results. Participants can expect minimal traffic in Byrd Park where roads will be closed at the start and finish lines. Likewise, Dorey Park and the Virginia Capital Trail provide a course free of vehicular traffic. Each course will also have markings for the one-mile 10k Mini for kids age 4-12 throughout the event weekend. A virtual option remains in place for participants to take part at a time and location of their choosing as well.

“Getting a first glimpse of the finisher medal is always one of the most enjoyable aspects of the lead up to the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger. We are super excited for this year’s medal to pay tribute to more than one Richmond tradition, as both the 10k and Ukrop’s Rainbow Cookies have been bringing cheer to Richmonders for years,” said Meghan Keogh, Race Director for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger. “This year, we believe the 10k will serve as a bright spot on the horizon of a challenging winter season, and we’re thrilled to feature the artwork of Doug Orleski on the medal. We appreciate Doug’s involvement and creativity and it’s another sign of the great community support that exists for the event.”

The medal reveal took place at Ukrop’s Market Hall, and Sports Backers, the event organizers, also announced several new elements for this year’s race, including the CoStar Group 10k Challenge and Sheehy Auto Stores 10k Hero Award.

Conquer Both Official Courses in the New CoStar Group 10k Challenge

With two official courses in the 2021 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger, participants now have the option of taking on the new CoStar Group 10k Challenge and completing 6.2 miles at both locations during the event weekend. Participants who commit to the challenge and run or walk the courses at Byrd Park and Dorey Park will receive a special CoStar Group 10k Challenge medal, in addition to the 10k participant medal, to mark their achievement of conquering a combined 12.4 miles at two beautiful parks.

“CoStar Group is thrilled to be a partnering sponsor of this year’s Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger. At a time when organizations have needed to find safe and creative ways for people to stay active, this event is a great opportunity to come together as a community, enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces that Richmond and Henrico County have to offer and usher in the summer season with hope, pride and celebration,” said Lisa Ruggles, CoStar Group Senior Vice President of Global Research, Analytics and News. “We hope to see familiar faces – both in person and virtually – and challenge all participants to complete the new CoStar Group 10k Challenge, which encourages participants to complete the two courses available throughout the four-day, socially-distanced event.”

New ‘Sheehy Auto Stores 10k Hero Award’ Recognizes Community Impact Makers in Active Living

New in 2021, Sports Backers has created the ‘Sheehy Auto Stores 10k Hero Award’ to recognize individuals who are dedicated to improving their communities through health, wellness, and active living. Each week for 10 weeks leading up to the race, Sports Backers will recognize a 10k Hero who has gone above and beyond to support their community over the last year. Each weekly winner will receive a Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger Prize Pack, including an event entry, Brooks technical running shirt, a free pair of shoes from Fleet Feet Richmond, $25 Kroger gift card, and more. Individuals throughout the Richmond region are encouraged to submit a nomination for a 10k Hero, and the nominating form can be found online at www.tfaforms.com/4893045. The first Sheehy Auto Stores 10k Hero will be announced on Friday, April 2, on Sports Backers’ social media platforms.

“Sheehy Auto Stores is proud to support the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger and all the heroes committed to the betterment and welfare of our community,” said Vince Sheehy, President of Sheehy Auto Stores and an avid runner himself. “We strive to encourage a healthy workplace for our employees and applaud those who help others live their best lives.”

YMCA 10k Training Team Kicks Off Saturday, March 27

Whether participants are excited to jumpstart their fitness journey or ready to add some more intense workouts into their training schedule, the YMCA 10k Training Team has a plan for everyone. Participants will train with motivational coaches and teammates every Saturday morning at one of six locations throughout the Richmond Region, and the experienced coaches will get runners and walkers ready to cross the finish line on June 3-6.

To promote health and safety, each location will offer staggered starting times for participants to choose from, with a limit of 25 people per time. Face coverings will be required, and distancing guidelines will be followed during each session. YMCA 10k Training Team locations include the Downtown YMCA, Midlothian YMCA, Patrick Henry YMCA in Ashland, Petersburg YMCA, Powhatan Community Center, and Shady Grove YMCA in Henrico. A virtual 10k Training Team option is available as well.

Registration for the 2021 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger is currently $30 for adults and $20 for youth ages 14 and under, with a price increase set for May 1. CoStar Group 10k Challenge registration is $45 for adults and $35 for youth, also with a May 1 price increase. Those who participated in the 2020 event will receive $10 off their registration, and details on redemption have been emailed to all 2020 participants. YMCA 10k Training Team registration is $55, with a $10 income-based rate available for anyone who qualifies (https://www.sportsbackers.org/training-team/ymca-10k-training-team/pricing/). Registration for the 10k Mini is also available for $15, with a price increase set for May 1. Visit www.sportsbackers.org for more information.

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