Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k: A Family Tradition
Brad Armstrong and his two daughters make the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k an annual tradition, and it continues to be a great bonding experience.
By: McKenzie Vergara
Brad Armstrong has been running for over 40 years. Like most, running was just a way to stay fit, but it quickly turned into something special he shared with his two daughters, Erin Bishop and Ann Armstrong.
“I think we went for my first run at age 4 or 5, around the block,” Erin recalled. “As I grew up, our runs together were sacred – what was said on a run stayed on a run.”
“We use it as a bonding time and you would not believe the topics that have been covered through shortness of breath!” added Ann.
Brad and Erin have participated in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K since the first year of the event. Despite living in different parts of the country and abroad, Ann has managed to make it back for the 10K almost every single year, as well. The race is something they all look forward to, and they cherish the memories and moments they’ve experienced together because of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K.
(Courtesy: Brad Armstrong)
“The 10K has always been special for us because it is a milestone ‘reunion’ of sorts,” said Ann. “Since starting the tradition, I’ve lived in Washington, D.C., Australia, Richmond, New York City and now San Francisco. It is one of the first things on the yearly calendar and provides a cornerstone for a visit home.”
Erin echoed that feeling and has even started her own running traditions with her young family. “It has taught me how valuable parent-child physical activity is to a cherished bonding experience,” she said. “And I love that I am now starting the tradition of running with my own son, Miles, who is five years old.”
After their first race, Brad, Erin, and Ann decided the race would be something they always did together. The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K proved to be a beautiful, scenic race that was perfect for the three to talk with each other about life and all its excitement.
“It became an annual event for us, and we promised each other to do it together,” said Brad. “We will keep doing it, running, walking, limping, as long as we are upright.”
“Our motto is ‘the slowest runner sets the pace’ – we walked the course during pregnancies, illness or injuries, but we mostly run and finish in sweaty elation, holding hands and having solved the problems of our respective worlds,” Erin added.
(Courtesy: Brad Armstrong)
With 40,000 participants, the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K has proven to be a special occasion for many. Armstrong and his daughters have been supporters since the beginning and know it will be a long-lasting relationship.
“It is the best of Richmond,” Brad said. “Welcoming, beautiful, expertly managed, full of positive energy, a rite of spring, a community celebration …. it just makes me happy!”
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.