Upward Spirals of Happiness Swirl at the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k
by Jon Lugbill
I’ve often marveled how year after year the participants in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k turn the event into a huge street party. The positive, happy environment sweeps up and down the course, and the atmosphere is difficult to describe in words.
Despite this difficulty, we’ve still tried to capture the magical feeling that’s unique to race day. A couple of years ago, we had Brandon Montijo put together this awesome video that shows how fun it is on Monument Avenue during the 10k. We recently asked for input on our 10k Facebook page on what makes this event monumental. The 182 comments provided great insight into why the emotions on race day create such an unbelievable atmosphere. But, as good as the video and Facebook pages are, it is still difficult to explain the positive vibe that brings everyone into such a great mood.
I wanted to understand this at a deeper level and did a little research into group psychology and happiness to see if there was any scholarly reason for this 10k fervor. I found this great article on the PBS website about happiness that stated, “…happiness is surprisingly infectious. There is much we can do to create an “upward spiral” of happiness for ourselves and those around us.”
In the article, psychologist Martin Seligman describes three components of happiness: pleasure, meaning and engagement, and he says that of the three, meaning and engagement are the most important. Meaningful goals are common place at the 10k as this Facebook post from Daphne MacDougall illustrates: “I’m a monument to my daughter – striving to show my 9 year old positive body image, the satisfaction of accomplishing something difficult, and that being active is fun!”
Another psychologist, Ryan Howell, found in his research that people felt “more alive” when reflecting on experiences compared to things—and that experiences led to more happiness in those around them than their purchases did. The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k is certainly an experience with all of the bands, cheering spectators, crazy costumes, and spirit groups. Suzi Silverstein sums it up nicely in her Facebook post saying, “I’m a monument to running a fun race and getting a personal best in an awesome event!”
This next statement from PBS needs no explanation on how it relates to the 10k. “It turns out exercise can be a powerful influence on our mental outlook and emotions as well. Exercise also boosts “feel good” chemicals like endorphins. Some research has found that exercise can lower the risk of depression and help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. So exercise reduces negative emotions and increases positive emotions; sounds like a recipe for happiness.”
The research verifies what tens of thousands of Richmonders already know, which is that happiness is increased when we take part in meaningful experiences that include exercise. With thousands of participants in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, I can’t wait to get that upward spiral of happiness on March 28th!