The 10th annual Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade topped the 15,000-mark in total entries received today, meaning the event is already close to halfway towards its entry limit at the earliest date in its 10-year history. The Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, to be held on March 28th, will accept 35,000 entries.

"The Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K is Virginia's number one participation event," says Sports Backers executive director Jon Lugbill. "People from all over the state are signing up to join us here in Richmond on March 28, 2009 to celebrate personal fitness goals and have a great time with family and friends."

The brisk entry rate has been helped by the popularity of the YMCA 10K Training Team which has reached a record number of YMCA outlets this year with the addition of the Richmond County YMCA in Warsaw, VA; the Middlesex Family YMCA in Hatfield, VA and the West Point YMCA in West Point to the 14 branches of the YMCA of Greater Richmond. The popular program, which closed entries on Sunday, January 25, 2009, started with thousands braving the cold on Saturday January 17, 2009.

The registration fee for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K is $25 through Sunday, January 31, 2009. The First Market Mile Kids Run costs $10 through January 31, 2009. The fee for both events increases $5 beginning February 1, 2009. 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.

Registration is available at www.sportsbackers.org.