The 10-week YMCA 10K Training Team program gets underway this Saturday, January 26 at YMCA branches throughout the Richmond region. The program is renowned for preparing runners and walkers to successfully complete the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K on April 5, 2008.

"The YMCA 10K Training Team is a fantastic way for folks to achieve their fitness goals," says Sports Backers Executive Director Jon Lugbill. "It's social, it's encouraging and it's fun. Over the past seven years, more than 12,000 Richmonders of all fitness levels have found it to be just the push they needed to complete the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K."

The program emphasizes the group approach to training. Participants will meet at their local YMCA branch every Saturday morning for a group run or walk, during which they will also receive advice from the program's coaches. Then during the week, participants follow a written training schedule on their own that will prepare them gradually and safely to be able to complete 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) on April 5, 2008. The program costs $50 to register and includes:

1. 10-week training program (starts January 26) with a detailed written schedule


2. Organized weekly group runs/walks on Saturday mornings


3. Guidance from experienced coaches


4. A special YMCA 10K Training Team t-shirt


5. Entry in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, along with its great benefits


6. Special clinics on subjects like nutrition, running shoes and other related topics

Registration for the YMCA 10K Training Team is open through February 2 online at www.sportsbackers.org Entry forms can also be downloaded off the Web site or picked up at any Ukrop's Super Market or Richmond region YMCA.

Anyone looking to bypass the training program and simply register for the 9th annual Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade may do so at www.sportsbackers.org. Entry brochures are also available at area Ukrop's Super Market stores. The registration fee is $25 through January 31, 2008. Registration for the First Market Mile Kids Run is also open and features an entry fee of $10 through January 3, 2008.

"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 7, 2007, 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 advise people to sign up very soon," said Lugbill. "And for those who need extra encouragement to exercise, the YMCA 10K Training Program works wonders at getting people off the couch and into action."

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 and their supporters 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 is 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.

Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K