10K entry fee increase set for February 1

The seventh annual Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade is nearing the 11,000-mark in total entries received, just two days after surging past 10,000 and 35 days since registration opened on December 26. The 2006 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, to be held on April 1, will accept 20,000 entries.

The brisk entry rate has been helped by the record number of registrants in the YMCA 10K Training Team. Over 2,800 runners and walkers have signed up for the 10-week program, which got underway on January 21 and closed to registration over the weekend. That eclipses the old mark of 2,790 set in 2003.

The registration fee for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K is $25 through tomorrow, January 31. The First Market Mile Kids Run costs $10 through January 31. The fee for both events increases $5 beginning February 1. Registration is available at www.sportsbackers.org. 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.