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Sports Backers Blog

No Such Thing as Having TuTu Much Fun for These Runners

For the 'TuTu Many Races' running group, the goal is to stay healthy and active while having as much fun as possible – and their next stop is the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k.

By: McKenzie Vergara


After hitting a weight loss goal of 10 percent of her body weight, Megan Caton celebrated in a different way than most. Gathering some of her best friends, she decided to run a race to celebrate her newfound healthy lifestyle and love for running. Afterwards, they all agreed it was something they had to keep doing.

“At the finish line we were all so excited we couldn’t wait to do another race,” said Caton. 

Caton knew she wanted to participate in more races and wanted to have fun while doing so. After researching races in the Richmond area, she called her friend Noelle with an idea:

“Since there are too many races to choose from and we like tutus, let's be ‘TuTu Many Races',” Caton said.

With a creative name and a positive attitude, TuTu Many Races made their debut at the 2013 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. The group consists of friends and family members who share a love of tutus and running. Heather Nees, a TuTu Many Races member, joined in on the fun because of the bond she had with Caton over their weight-loss journeys. 

“I volunteered my dining room (to make the tutus) and we have been racing ever since!” said Nees. 

The Tutu Many Races crew at the 2013 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k

TuTu Many Races has over 30 members on their Facebook page, and crew members participate in all sorts of races throughout the area. Sometimes they are racing to beat a specific time, but when the tutus are on, they stress one main point – it’s all about fun!

“When we are in full tutu, we are laughing and cheering for everyone,” said Caton. “We try and let people know it isn't about how fast you go, but that you are going.” 

“We aren't racing to place, we race to finish,” Nees added. “We are across a lot of ages and stages of life and just enjoy racing together and supporting each other.” 

During races, Caton wears a black and yellow tutu to represent the VCU Massey Cancer Center in honor of her dad and his battle with cancer. As the official charitable partner of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, the VCU Massey Cancer Center helps participants promote cancer awareness and raise money for cancer research through the Massey Challenge. 

“I lost my dad when I was 19 to colon cancer so I chose to do the Massey Challenge last year to honor him,” said Caton. “This year most of us are raising money for Massey as well as doing the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k.” 

Weight loss journeys, a love for running, and a love for tutus has brought the TuTu Many Races crew together. Debuting their tutus at the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k seemed fitting because it is a race that everyone can enjoy no matter their ability level. The 40,000 participants, thousands of spectators, and festive atmosphere make this race a TuTu Many Races favorite.

“The 10k is like a giant music festival, tons of people cheering and bands, the only difference is, the walkers and runners are the rockstars,” said Caton. “It is a totally awesome and rewarding experience.”

Registration for the March 29 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and Virginia 529 Kids Run is available at www.sportsbackers.org. The 2014 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k will accept the first 40,000 entries. 

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