2021 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k Announces New Event Dates: June 3-6

February 3, 2021

Event to be held in socially-distanced manner at two locations

RICHMOND, VA – In accordance with ongoing public health and safety guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger won’t be held as a traditional single-day event on Saturday, March 27, and instead will take place June 3-6, 2021. The rescheduled event will be held in a socially-distanced manner over four days at two locations: Byrd Park in the City of Richmond and Dorey Park and the Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County. Registration is now open, and a virtual option remains in place for participantsto take part at a time and location of their choosing as well.

In the reimagined event, 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 for participants. 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 Kids Run throughout the event weekend.

“While we are utilizing an event format very similar to the 2020 10k last September with new additions and improvements to enhance the participant experience, we are confident that we can create a celebration of wellness and active living that has made this race one of Richmond’s favorite traditions for more than 20 years,” said Meghan Keogh, Event Director for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger. “We feel that having the 10k in a socially-distanced manner over four days at multiple locations is the best way to host the event in 2021 while adhering to health and safety guidelines, and we look forward to returning to the traditional single-day format on Monument Avenue with participants, volunteers, sponsors, and spectatorsin the future.”

“We are excited about Sports Backers’ plans to hold the 22nd annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k on June 3-June 6. While the event this year will be different, the timing seems right to bring people of all ages together in our region to benefit from this healthy outdoor activity,” said Bobby Ukrop, Chief Executive Officer of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods. “The Sports Backers’ staff will be doing its best to enable this RVA tradition to provide participants with a safe and enjoyable experience.”

Registration for both the June 3-6 event and the virtual option is now available at www.sportsbackers.org, and those who were previously registered for the 2021 event have three options: claim their spot in the rescheduled event, defer their entry into the 2022 event, or opt to receive a credit for another Sports Backers event that will be good through June 30, 2022. The deadline to defer to 2022 or claim a credit for a future event isFebruary 28, and participants can review and select their options at https://www.sportsbackers.org/events/ukrops-monument-avenue-10k/participant-race-options/. Results in the 2021 10k will count towards the event’s Six Point Two Crew loyalty program status.

“We applaud the creative approach to this year’s Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k from Sports Backers and we’re inspired by the continued positivity and determination from the Richmond community,” said Anne Jenkins with Kroger Mid-Atlantic. “Along with all Richmonders, we look forward to celebrating together again in 2022, and until then we’re cheering everyone on from wherever they choose to run their race.”

The YMCA 10k Training Team will once again help participants prepare for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger, and the training will begin on Saturday, March 27 at five area YMCA branch locations. 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.

The 2021 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger will also feature the 10k Challenge, which encourages participants to complete a 10k at both official courses between June 3-June 6. Participants who complete the challenge will earn an exclusive finisher medal and a unique participant item.

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. 10k Challenge registration is $45 for adults and $25 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 Kids Run is also available for $15, with a price increase set for May 1.

Additional details from Sports Backers regarding the details of the postponement can be found on our social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as through email and at 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.