The eighth annual Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade has set an event record for the number of participants registered. As of Wednesday morning, February 21, a total of more than 20,400 were registered, breaking last year's mark of 20,119. Another 1,030 have registered for the First Market Mile Kids Run, which is on pace to surpass the record 1,223 who entered last year.

Registration is still open for the 2007 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, to be held March 31. A total of 24,000 registrants will be accepted. The registration fee is $30 through February 28. The First Market Mile Kids Run costs $15 through February 28. Anyone wishing to mail in their registration for either event may download an entry form off the race Web site or pick one up at any Ukrop's Super Market.

The entry fees for both the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K and the First Market Mile Kids Run will increase $5 beginning Wednesday, March 1. The new registration fee for the 10K will be $35 and for the Kids Run will be $20.

Cingular Dash for the Cash entry deadline approaching
Thursday, March 1, also marks the entry deadline for anyone wishing to be eligible to take part in the Cingular Dash for the Cash contest in which one lucky participant in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K March 31 will be given a head start to race against the rest of the field for $2,500.

The contest will draw one random winner from among everyone who has registered by March 1. That person will be given a pre-determined head start on the course based on their ability. When the race begins at 8:30 AM, the contestant will try to out- run the rest of the field to the finish line. The person who crosses the finish line first will win the $2,500 Cingular Dash for the Cash prize.

Photo: Larry Comstock won the Dash for Cash in 2005.