The fourth annual Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade had all of the elements of a perfect race--fast runners, large crowds, an early spring day, and a magnificent course. The record 8,500 entrants were treated to a great show with 30 different musical acts, 15 cheering groups, and throngs of spectators supporting the multitude of runners.

With a look back over his shoulder, Kenyan Gilbert Koech (photo left) pulled away from countryman David Kipngetich at mile 5 and led a pack of five Kenyans who all broke the existing course record. The 22- year-old Koech, who trains in Royersford, PA, finished in a time of 28 minutes, 34 seconds, smashing the old mark of 29:27 set by Jared Segera during the inaugural event in 2000. Kipngetich finished four seconds back, followed by Moses Mwangi (28:45), Francis Komei (29:11), and Kephat Kinyanjui (29:27).

On the women's side, 23-year-old Kenyan Edna Kiplagat (photo left) was equal to Keoch's task, shaving 54 seconds off the old course record. Kiplagat's time of 32:28 not only broke Lynbov Demisova's year- old record, but it was also enough to easily beat runner-up Gladys Asiba's time of 34:13. Tatyana Maslova was third (35:51), followed by Silver Spring's Naoko Ishibe (36:20), and 2000 SunTrust Richmond Marathon winner Irina Suvorova (36:55).

Robert S. Ukrop, president of Ukrop's Super Markets said, "We are thrilled so many people are out here enjoying Monument Avenue and making a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. And, since this was my first 10K, I'm very proud of setting a personal best."

A total of 8,500 participants registered for the race, which filled to capacity six weeks before race day. That number represents an increase of 2,000 participants from last year's record field of 6,531. With over 8,400 runners and walkers finishing the race, the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K is now the fifth largest 10K in the country (based on 2001 figures, the last year available).

Thousands of non-runners joined in the fun by attending the Minute Maid Race Festival in Monroe Park. Parents listened to the rock sounds of Mid-Life Crises. Everyone tasted healthy foods provided courtesy of Ukrop's. Kids played interactive games featuring the Powerade Rock Climbing Wall, Coca-Cola Bear Moon Bounce, and Minute Maid Basketball Throw. Local mascots Diamond Duck and Kickeroo were on hand to entertain the little ones.

The Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K raised more than $70,000 for the Association for the Support of Children with Cancer (ASK), the event's official beneficiary. "Through the generosity of the runners and walkers in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, ASK will receive much needed funds for the support of children being treated for cancer at the newly renovated ASK Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at MCV Hospitals," said Steve McCoy, ASK board member. "The money raised today will principally support the cost of renovation and funding of staff positions at the new ASK Clinic."

The morning began with 669 children ages 14 and under participating in the inaugural First Market Mile Kids Race presented by Minute Maid. The kids raced in front of nearly 5,000 runners who had shown up early to prepare for the 10K and support the youngsters. Walker Lawson summed up his experience with a huge smile as he was awarded a finishers medal--"Mom, look I got a medal!"

"The success of today's event was the result of more than 500 dedicated volunteers, thousands of spectators, the City of Richmond, and the support of sponsors like Ukrop's and POWERade," stated Tracey Russell, race director. Next year the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K will take place on Saturday March 27, 2004.

Top Finishers

Men
         Name	        Home	                Age	Time
1.	Gilbert Koech	Kenya (Royersford, Pa.)	 22	28:34*
2.	David KipngetichKenya (Chapel Hill, N.C.)27	28:38
3.	Moses Mwangi	Kenya (Royersford, Pa)	 29	28:45
4.	Francis Komei	Kenya (West Chester, Pa.)26	29:11
5.	Kephat KinyanjuiKenya (Royersford, Pa.)	 25	29:27 


Women
        Name	        Home	                  Age	Time
1.	Edna Kiplagat	Kenya (Royersford, Pa.)	  23	32:28*
2.	Gladys Asiba	Kenya (Royersford, Pa.)	  25	34:13
3.	Tatyana Maslova	Russia (Gaithersburg, Md.)36	35:51
4.	Naoko Ishibe	Silver Spring, Md.	  34	36:20
5.	Irina Suvorova	Russia (Gaithersburg, Md.)32	36:55
*Course record

See complete results of the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, including teams.