Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k announces participant, course options for Sept. 25-Sept. 27; event’ won’t be held in person on Sept. 26

August 12, 2020

Four official 10k courses will be set up around Richmond region for participants to utilize

RICHMOND, VA – The 2020 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger, which was rescheduled from March to September 26, won’t be held in person due to public health guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sports Backers, the nonprofit event organizers, announced on August 10. The event will instead provide four official 10k courses around the region for registered participants to complete a 10k on their own from Friday, September 25-Sunday, September 27, and a virtual option remains in place for participants to take part on a route of their choosing as well.

The four official 10k courses will be located at Byrd Park in the City of Richmond, Henricus Park in Chesterfield County, and Dorey Park and Deep Run Park, both in Henrico County. The course locations and maps can be found online at https://www.sportsbackers.org/events/2020-ukrops-monument-avenue-10k/course-information/. Each course will have a start and finish line, mile markers, and directional signage, and can be accessed from dawn to dusk September 25-September 27. Traffic calming measures will also be put in place, and though the courses won’t be completely closed to vehicle traffic, there will be signage and cones throughout to help slow traffic for walkers, joggers, and runners.

With this format in place for 2020, Sports Backers aims to create a memorable event experience that resonates throughout the Richmond community. “We will be encouraging participants to wear a Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k shirt, put on their 10k number bib, dress up in a costume, support other participants on social media and bring their energy like they have always done in the past,” said Meghan Keogh, race director for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger. “While we will be much more spread out in both space and time than in years past, we are confident that we can create a celebration of wellness that has made this race an inspirational force for active living in our region.”

“As it has done with many things in our lives this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our original plans for the 2020 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, so we’ve worked hard and consulted with public health officials to provide the best experience possible for participants in a safe environment,” said Megan Schultz, Chief Operating Officer for Sports Backers. “It wasn’t possible to hold a large in-person event on Monument Avenue because we would have needed to close the road for more than a week, therefore we believe that setting up four courses over three days around the region is an innovative solution to provide people an opportunity to take part this year. We certainly look forward to getting back out on Monument Avenue with our participants, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators for the 10k in the future.”

Participants, whether taking part on a 10k course or virtually in their own neighborhood, can use the RaceJoy app to receive an official finish time and be included on the event leaderboard through the app. And, the result will count towards the event’s Six Point Two Crew loyalty program status.

Previously registered participants don’t have to alter their registration at all to participate in one of the official 10k courses and will no longer be required to switch to the virtual event to participate on their own. Those who are unable to take part from Sept. 25-27 can defer their entry to the 2021 event or opt to receive a credit to put towards registration for another Sports Backers event.

Participants will have the option to have their packets mailed for free by opting in to the packet mailing, or they can pick up their packet in person at the outdoor Expo in the Diamond parking lot on September 24 and September 25. The expo will feature contactless packet pick up and masks are required.

Though the event will look different in 2020, Sports Backers aims to show their appreciation to participants for their continued support during this difficult time by providing the best experience possible and offering added incentives to those who take part. Everyone who participates in any way in September will receive the following:

• 20% off coupon to the Sports Backers merchandise store
• $10 credit towards the 2021 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger

“While we know Richmonders will miss one of their favorite RVA traditions, we applaud the creative thinking from Sports Backers and we’re inspired by the positivity and determination from the Richmond community,” said Anne Jenkins with Kroger Mid-Atlantic. “We’re cheering everyone on from wherever they choose to run their 10k and we can’t wait to meet everyone at the finish line in 2021.”

“The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger is one of our favorite days of the year, as we share in the joy of seeing so many people cross the finish line, achieve a goal, and celebrate together. We want to keep participants engaged and connected with our active community through the 10k, and work together towards our nonprofit mission of inspiring active living,” said Jon Lugbill, Executive Director of Sports Backers. “We look forward to this year’s event on September 25-27 and hope that people throughout Richmond continue to keep moving and stay healthy.”

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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 our community to live actively. A nonprofit 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 www.sportsbackers.org.