More than 24,000 participants to take part in eighth annual event on March 31.

The eighth annual Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K presented by POWERade closed registration at midnight last night after far surpassing a record limit of 24,000 participants, the largest in the event's eight-year history.

"We have record entries in our 10K, our Training Team, and our First Market Kids Run," notes Sports Backers' Executive Director Jon Lugbill. "We are thrilled that almost 25,000 people have made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle and have signed up for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K and First Market Mile. Since 2004, we have almost doubled in size."

Although entries for the First Market Mile Kid's Run presented by Minute Maid well exceed last year's totals, they will continue to be accepted until the conclusion of the Dasani Health and Fitness Expo at 9:00 p.m. Friday, March 30 at the Arthur Ashe Athletic Center.

And in a final effort to prevent a drastic case of Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K withdrawal, the VCU Massey Cancer Center is offering several special entry slots after the official close. To qualify, donate or raise a minimum of $500 - check payable to the Massey Cancer Center - and deliver to the Sports Backers office. Spaces will be awarded on a first come basis. The Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K and Sports Backers are proud to help the Massey Cancer Center "put cancer on the run."

Cingular Dash for the Cash Runner Chosen
Dr. Kimberly Taylor, an assistant professor in Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Gerontology will be out in front of the pack at the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K with a chance to win $2,500 in the Cingular Dash for the Cash.

Taylor, an accomplished local runner, is brimming with confidence at the prospect of having a head start and then holding off the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K's fastest runners. "I ran six miles this morning," she said upon learning of her selection. "And I'm looking forward to the coaching I'll get from Bart Yasso of Runner's World. I love his workout tips."

The Cingular Dash for the Cash begins at 8:30 a.m. with Taylor positioned at her pre-determined starting position. When the starting gun goes off, she will dash for the finish line, followed closely by the elite runners, who will be motivated to catch and pass her so they can add the $2,500 prize Cingular Dash for the Cash prize to the $2,000 first prize, thus doubling their winnings. It will be dramatic chase that will be cheered by the throngs watching the JumboTron at the Minute Maid Race Festival at Monroe Park.

Ukrops 10K Web site