Abdi Abdirahman of Tucson, AZ (in photo) successfully defended his national championship title in the USA 10K Men's Championships at today's Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, finishing in 28 minutes, 32 seconds.

Registration for the 2009 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade opens on Friday, December 26, 2008. The 10K, which will be held on March 28, 2009, will celebrate its 10th anniversary guaranteeing a festive party atmosphere. Special 10th anniversary activities have already been planned including honoring those participants that have run all 10 events. Special 10th anniversary shirts will be provided to each participant.

"Since the first event on April 1, 2000, the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K has been celebration of fitness that brings the entire community together in a fun and festive environment," says Jon Lugbill, executive director of the Sports Backers. "And with so many folks out sharing this positive experience with their friends, family members and workmates, it is no wonder that so many people want to be part of the action every spring."

With more than 31,000 people entered last year, and registration closing in early March, the Sports Backers have again upped the entry limit, this time to 35,000. But even with the extra slots, the event's surging popularity could again leave latecomers out of the fun. "I would encourage people to sign up as soon as possible," said Lugbill. "With over six miles of fun, music, exercise, and excitement, this is one of the best entertainment bargains around. And for those who are undecided and seeking extra encouragement, the YMCA 10K Training Team works wonders at getting people ready to complete the 6.2 miles."

Registration for the YMCA 10K Training Team, designed to prepare runners and walkers alike for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, as will registration for the First Market Mile Kids Run.

The 2009 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K registration fee is $25 through January 31, 2009, while the First Market Mile Kids Run entry fee is $10 through that same date. Entry forms will also be available at all Ukrop's Super Markets and Richmond-area YMCA branches.

YMCA 10K Training Team - Registration for the YMCA 10K Training Team program also opens on December 26, 2008. The 10-week program, which begins on January 17, 2009, is a fun and sociable way for folks to ready themselves to run or walk the 6.2-mile course. The registration fee of $50 includes entry in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, a YMCA 10K Training Team T-shirt, and participation in this highly successful training program manned by dedicated coaches. Entry forms can be picked up at any Richmond-area YMCA or online at www.sportsbackers.org .

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 $500,000 in donations last year.

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 for their organizations. 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 youngsters will cross the same finish line as the 10K.

Jump Start! Presented by Anthem offers area companies large and small different ways to use the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K to promote corporate wellness: pay for employees to participate through bulk registration, encourage employees to get active and participate, to support Anthem's Massey Fundraising Challenge as a corporate team, or to make the 10K a corporate team building experience.

The 10th anniversary Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade will begin accepting online entries for the March 28th, 2009 event beginning December 26, 2008 at www.sportsbackers.org .