Posted: December 16, 2005

Athletics: Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K Names Event Charities

Event registration opens on December 26; 20,000 entries to be accepted

RICHMOND, Va. - (December 13, 2005) - The Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade has named the VCU Massey Cancer Center and the Fit for Life youth running program as the event's official charities for 2006.

"We're excited to partner with these two very important and worthwhile charities in our community," said the Sports Backers' Tracey Russell, recently named Race Director of the Year by Running Times magazine for her leadership of the race. "Both work to improve the health and quality of life for the region's residents and we know our participants will enthusiastically support them."

The VCU Massey Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute designated cancer center, is on the forefront of research and discoveries to help cure and control cancer. Its cutting-edge research is conducted in Richmond, making clinical trials and new treatment options readily available to cancer patients in the community. Event registrants will be encouraged to sign-up for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K Pledge Program to benefit Massey to help advance the fight against cancer. Individuals, companies or groups participating in the Pledge Program will be encouraged to raise money through pledges from friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbors. Prizes will be awarded based on attaining certain fundraising levels.

The Fit for Life Program youth running program is designed to promote the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle to elementary and middle school-aged students. The Sports Backers have developed this free incentive-based exercise program that motivates youth to become more physically active and allows them to build their self-confidence. The 10-week program is flexible and allows for teachers, volunteers and parents to take the initiative to get kids started in the program. Participants will track their progress on a Running Log (coloring sheet) and receive incentive prizes along the way. Those who complete the entire program will be invited to run their final mile at a special event to be held at Sports Backers Stadium.

The 7th annual Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade will begin accepting online entries for the April 1, 2006 event beginning December 26 at SportsBackers.org.. Registration for the YMCA 10K Training Team, designed to prepare runners and walkers alike for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, will also open at that time, as will registration for the First Market Mile Kids Run.

The 2006 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K will now accept 20,000 participants. Anyone wishing to mail in their registration for either event may download an entry form off the website or pick one up at any Ukrop's Super Market beginning December 26.

The 10-week YMCA 10K Training Team program begins on January 29 and is limited to 3,000 participants. The registration fee is $50 and includes entry in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K. Anyone wishing to mail in their Training Team registration may download an entry form off the website or pick one up at any Richmond-area YMCA branch beginning December 26.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.