Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k Presented by Kroger Nears 26,000 Registrants Ahead of Race Weekend

Health & Fitness Expo Set At New Location April 15-17

RICHMOND, VA – The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger returns April 16–17, and is on pace to approach 26,000 runners and walkers with registration still open at www.sportsbackers.org.

Since 2000, the event has welcomed more than half a million participants and grown into the largest race in Virginia and one of the premier 10ks in the country. With more than 90 percent of participants coming from the Richmond region, the race remains a true hometown celebration, complete with porch parties, spirited cheer zones, and the unmistakable energy that defines Richmond in the spring.

The weekend will once again feature the Collegiate Running Association 10k Road Race National Championship, bringing more than 1,800 collegiate athletes to compete for national titles and $3,500 in prize money. The Atlantic Union Bank 10k Mini will also return, with more than 1,400 young runners taking part in the one-mile kids run.

With warmer temperatures currently in the forecast, weather has been a common topic of conversation leading into race week. Sports Backers has been in regular contact with meteorologists and medical professionals to provide a safe and enjoyable race-day experience for all participants. Participants are encouraged to begin hydrating in the days leading up to the event and to listen to their bodies on race day, adjusting their pace if needed.

Event organizers are prepared to enhance on-course support, with the addition of two misting stations on course, if conditions warrant, and participants are encouraged to review the Event Alert System, a flag system which will be used to communicate course conditions. Flags will be displayed at the expo, start line, medical tents, and water stops along the course. At this time, no significant changes to event operations are anticipated.

The Health & Fitness Expo will be held at the Main Expo Hall of the Richmond Raceway on Thursday, April 16, from 3 p.m.-7 p.m., and Friday, April 17 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The expo is free and open to the public and will feature over 70 vendors and sponsor booths, live music, sponsor giveaways, and food trucks. It also serves as the official packet pick-up location for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and the Atlantic Union Bank 10k Mini. Registration will be available online up until 9:30am on race morning. Participants that register online must pick up their packet. Expo attendees should enter the Richmond Raceway using Gate 4 off Laburnum Avenue. Free parking is available at the Expo.

All participants are required to present a photo ID or registration QR code to collect their packet. Expo attendees may pick up a packet on behalf of another registered participant, but they must provide a photo of that participant’s photo ID or registrant QR code.

Pre-purchased race-day Packet Pick-Up, and race-day registration will be available on Saturday, April 18, from 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. It will take place in the lobby of the Siegel Center, adjacent to the start line at Broad St. and Harrison St. A full schedule of events for the 2026 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger can be found below, or at https://www.sportsbackers.org/event/ukrops-monument-avenue-10k/event-schedule/.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Thursday, April 16

3 p.m. – 7 p.m.                 Health & Fitness Expo/Packet Pick-Up at Richmond Raceway

Friday, April 17

11 a.m. – 7 p.m.                Health & Fitness Expo/Packet Pick-Up at Richmond Raceway

Saturday, April 18                           

7 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.            Pre-purchased race-day Packet Pick-Up, and race-day registration at the Siegel Center                                             

7 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.            Dress Up & Run Contest presented by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture check- in near 10k Start Line at the Information Tent (Broad and Laurel)

7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.   Bike Valet service available in Monroe Park

7:30 a.m.                           Blessing of the Runners at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

For more info, contact the Office of Vocations, Catholic Diocese of Richmond (804-359-5661)

7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.            Chick-fil-A Bag Check available in Monroe Park

8:00 a.m.                          Atlantic Union Bank 10k Mini starts on Park Avenue near Harrison Street

8:30 a.m.                          Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k START – in waves at Broad & Harrison

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.                  Sheehy Post Race Festival in Monroe Park

10:00 a.m.                        Collegiate Running Association 10k Awards Ceremony on main stage in Sheehy Post Race Festival, near West Main & Laurel