Event registration opens December 26; 20,000 entries to be accepted

The Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade has named the VCU Massey Cancer Center and the Fit For Life youth running program as the event's official charities for 2006.

"We're excited to partner with these two very important and worthwhile charities in our community," said the Sports Backers' Tracey Russell, recently named Race Director of the Year by Running Times magazine for her leadership of the race. "Both work to improve the health and quality of life for the region's residents and we know our participants will enthusiastically support them."

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. Its cutting-edge research is conducted in Richmond, making clinical trials and new treatment options readily available to cancer patients in the community. Event registrants will be encouraged to sign up for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K Pledge Program to benefit Massey to help advance the fight against cancer. Individuals, companies or groups participating in the Pledge Program will be encouraged to raise money through pledges from friends, relatives, co-workers, and neighbors. Prizes will be awarded based on attaining certain fundraising levels.

Partnering with this growing Richmond event is a great way to build community pride for our nationally recognized cancer research and treatment center," said Gordon D. Ginder, M.D., director of Massey. "We look forward to working with the thousands of event participants to help advance the fight against cancer."

The Fit For Life Program youth running program is designed to promote the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle to elementary and middle school-aged students. The Sports Backers have developed this free incentive-based exercise program that motivates youth to become more physically active and allows them to build their self-confidence. The 10-week program is flexible and allows for teachers, volunteers, and parents to take the initiative to get kids started in the program. Participants will track their progress on a Running Log (coloring sheet) and receive incentive prizes along the way. Those who complete the entire program will be invited to run their final mile at a special event to be held at Sports Backers Stadium.

The 7th annual Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade will begin accepting on-line entries for the April 1, 2006 event beginning December 26 at www.sportsbackers.org. Registration for the YMCA 10K Training Team, designed to prepare runners and walkers alike for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, will also open at that time, as will registration for the First Market Mile Kids Run.

The 2006 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K will now accept 20,000 participants. The registration fee is $25 through January 31, while the First Market Mile Kids Run entry fee is $10 through that same date. Anyone wishing to mail in their registration for either event may download an entry form off the Web site or pick one up at any Ukrop's Super Market beginning December 26.

The 10-week YMCA 10K Training Team program begins on January 29 and is limited to 3,000 participants. The registration fee is $50 and includes entry in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K. Anyone wishing to mail in their Training Team registration may download an entry form off the website or pick one up at any Richmond-area YMCA branch beginning December 26.

For more information www.sportsbackers.org.