Nike has signed on as the running shoe and sports apparel sponsor of the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K the Sports Backers announced today.

"The Nike swoosh is recognized the world over as being affiliated with athletes and sporting events of the highest caliber," said Sports Backers Executive Director Jon Lugbill. "We are thrilled to have Nike part of one of the fastest growing running races in America--the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K." The Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K began in 2000 with a field of 2,462 and has grown every year to have 31,158 participants in 2008.

This year as part of the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K 10th anniversary celebration all participants have the option of upgrading to a Nike technical shirt. Race committee members will be outfitted with Nike running shoes and apparel. And Nike representatives will also be conducting shoe and apparel clinics with the 3,500 members of the YMCA 10K Training Team in conjunction with Road Runner Running Store.

"Richmond has such a strong running community and this is a great partnership for this event," says Thom Suddeth, owner of the Road Runner Running Store and elite athlete coordinate for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K. He adds, "The Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K provides a perfect way for Nike to show tens of thousands of runners why they are still be best shoe and apparel company in the industry."

The 10K Healthy School Challenge promotes youth health by motivating high school and middle school students to run the 10K. The competition rewards the middle schools and high schools who sign up the most students to run in the 10K as a percentage of their overall school enrollment. Cash prizes are awarded to the top five high schools and top five middle schools. This is a great way for school clubs or organizations to raise funds.

Details can be found at www.sportsbackers.org.

The First Market Mile Kids Run Presented by Minute Maid - - Kids 5 to 12 and their parents can experience the excitement of the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K by participating as runners or walkers in the First Market Mile, which once again starts on Cathedral Place in front of Monroe Park and proceeds up Park Avenue to Lombardy Street, around Stuart Circle and back down Franklin Street to Monroe Park where 2,000 youngsters will cross the same finish line as the 10K.

Put Cancer on the Run: Join Anthem's Massey Fundraising Challenge -- 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. 10K participants and their friends and family members can help fight this terrible disease by signing up for the Massey Fundraising Challenge or by contributing through the pledge program. The VCU Massey Cancer Center raised more than $560,000 in donations last year.