20,000 participants have signed up to take part in seventh annual event on April 1

The seventh annual Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade closed registration at 3:00 p.m. today after reaching its limit of 20,000 participants. The limit was imposed to help manage the dramatic increase in participants seen since this event began in 2000. In just seven years, the race has grown to be the fourth largest 10K in the country and the 22nd largest race of any distance. It has also been recognized in the past by USA Track & Field as the fastest-growing race in the United States.

"The overwhelming response is a testament to the way in which the residents of the Richmond region embrace this event as a badge of fitness for our community. We are excited to be able to inspire thousands of area residents to run or walk on a regular basis to get ready for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue10K again this year," said race director Tracey Russell. Registration for the First Market Mile Kids Run presented by Minute Maid, which allows kids 6-12 years of age to compete in a first class running event, remains open. The First Market Mile Kids Run currently boasts over 975 entrants. The registration fee is currently $20 and online registration remains open until March 28.

Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K Entry History

Year    10K entrants	Kids Run entrants
2006    20,000               975+            
2005    16,511             1,070
2004    14,163	        1,001
2003     9,318	          669
2002     6,531	           NA
2001     4,680	           NA
2000     2,462	           NA