Registration for the 2008 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade will open Wednesday, December 26. The 10K, which will be held on April 5th, is Richmond's number one participation event.

"Richmonders all know the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K brings out our city's best," says Jon Lugbill, executive director of the Sports Backers. "And with so many sharing that experience with their friends and family members near and far, we look forward to another dynamic day on Monument Avenue this spring."

With more than 25,000 people entered last year and registration closing out on March 7th, well ahead of schedule, the Sports Backers have upped the entry limit to 30,000. But even with the extra slots, the event's surging popularity could again bring on an early close. "I would encourage people to sign up as soon as possible," said Lugbill. "And for those who are undecided and seeking extra encouragement, the YMCA 10K Training Program works wonders at getting people off the couch and into action."

YMCA 10K Training Team - Registration for the YMCA 10K Training Team program also commences on December 26. The 10- week program, which begins on January 26, is a fun and sociable way for runners and walkers to ready themselves for the 10K. The registration fee of $50 includes entry in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K and participation in this highly regarded training program manned by dedicated coaches. Sign-up forms can be picked up at any metropolitan Richmond 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 runners or walkers can help fight this terrible disease by signing up for the Massey Fundraising Challenge. The VCU Massey Cancer Center raised $290,000 in donations through the 10K pledge program last year.

The Performance Food Group 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 middle schools. This is a great way for school clubs or organizations to raise funds for their organizations. 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 running in the First Market Mile that this year starts in a new location, on Cathedral Place in front of Monroe Park. The course 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 four 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 an "outside the box" corporate team building experience. The 9th annual Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade will begin accepting online entries for the April 5, 2008 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 2008 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K 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.