Registration record broken in only one month; Event nearing capacity
The fifth annual Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade has already set an event record for the number of participants registered, crossing the 10,000-mark this week. It took less than 31 days since registration opened on December 26 to eclipse last year's record of 8,500 participants. The 2004 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, to be held on March 27, will accept 12,500 entries, a mark that is expected to be reached in the next few weeks. In addition, the First Market Mile Kids Run for children ages 6 to 12 is now over 500 entries and will close when it reaches 1,000.

The registration fee for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K is $25 through January 31 and online registrants save $3. The First Market Mile Kids Run costs $15 through January 31 ($12 online). The fee for both events increases $5 beginning February 1. 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.

The Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K was recognized by USA Track & Field as the fastest-growing running race in the nation in their recently released 2002 rankings of the top 100 running races in the United States. Based on the number of finishers, the race's growth from 3,848 to 5,360 from 2001 to 2002 made it the largest percentage growth of any race in the top 100. The data was compiled by USA Track & Field's Road Running Information Center.

Media seeking more information may contact Scott Schricker at (804) 285-9495.