How Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K Works

If you've ever raced long distances, then you know the beauty of a course with few hills. A flat terrain gives you a serious shot at running your personal-best time. There is a slight incline at the beginning of the course, but with your adrenaline pumping and the cheers from the crowds, you probably won't give it a second thought.

With the exception of the start and finish, the race is run almost entirely on Monument Avenue. It begins at Broad Street, located in the Fan Historic District. After several blocks, the race makes a left turn onto Monument Avenue. Lined with trees and sporting a wide, grassy median, it is the only street in the United States to be designated a National Historic Landmark [source: City-Data]. You will see a total of six monuments during your run, mostly set in the middle of traffic circles; five of the six pay tribute to leaders of the Confederacy. The monument to Arthur Ashe, humanitarian and tennis star, was the last to be added.

Be sure to take a look at the mansions as you run along the avenue. They're no less stately than the monuments. Beginning in 1903, the street gave rise to beautiful homes, many inspired by the Beaux Arts style of architecture.

After 3 miles (4.8 kilometers), the course makes a U-turn. You'll head back down Monument Avenue for approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometers). After running through the Virginia Commonwealth University campus, the race ends on Franklin Street at the entrance to Monroe Park -- Richmond's oldest, built in 1851 [source: Monroe Park]. Once you cross the finish line, you'll be greeted by a postrace festival with free food, beverages and music -- the perfect place to relax after a long run.

On top of a great course and a fabulous atmosphere, there are plenty of other highlights to the Monument Avenue 10K.

The Monument Avenue 10K packs more into its race than a course steeped in history. The culture of the event embraces all athletes, from the sub-5-minute milers to those who meander at a slower pace. Cash prizes are awarded to the top seven male and top seven female runners. If you place among them, you'll receive your award at the finish line. There are also cash prizes for the top five runners in each age category. If you place in your age category, your award will be mailed to you.

The AT&T Dash for the Cash contest chooses one registered participant at random, gives them a head start and pits them against the entire Monument Avenue 10K field. If you're chosen as the "dasher" you'll be placed on the course at a predetermined spot based upon your running time. If you cross the finish line before anyone else, you'll receive $2,500. To help you win, you'll receive prerace advice from honorary coach, Bart Yasso, the promotion director for the Monument Avenue 10K, contributing writer for Runner's World magazine and veteran of more than 150 marathons.

If you're feeling creative and enjoy running 6.2 miles in costume then the Richmond-Times Dispatch Dress Up & Run Contest is tailor-made for you. There are two categories: individual/duo and group. Cash prizes are given to the top three participants in each category. Judges will be on the course taking notes on your costume's cleverness and originality. First place takes home $500. If you win, you'll be notified once you've crossed the finish line.

Kids aren't left on the sidelines on race day. The First Market Mile Kids Run, sponsored by Fit For Life Kids Challenge, begins before the 10K event. Kids ages 5 to 12 start in waves grouped by age. All participants receive a T-shirt, race number and a commerative medal.

The Monument Avenue 10K isn't just about the runners -- spectators get a crack at the action. Impromptu cheering sections and rock 'n' roll bands abound over the course of the race. For those who are more organizationally inclined, there is the Hirschler and Fleischer Spirit Contest. Each "Spirit Group," must have 10 or more people to participate. The more enthusiastic and original your group, the more likely it is you'll win the "Grand Spirit Award" cash prize of $300. Ten other cash prizes will be awarded to runner-up Spirit Groups. To qualify you must register with Sports Backers.

Next Up: Monument Avenue 10K Race Results.

The Monument Avenue 10K attracts serious runners from around the world. While the prize money is not as large as races like the ING New York City Marathon or the Boston Marathon, placing as the 10th biggest road race in the United States is quite an accomplishment.

The current standing race record for the top women's finisher was set in 2007 by Magdalene Makunzi. Her time was 32:24. The men's record was set in 2004 by Reuben Chebii with a time of 28:07. In 2010, 27-year-old Alene Reta from Ethiopia took home the men's title and a prize of $2,000. With a time of 28:26, he beat his 2009 finish by 7 seconds. Monument Avenue newcomer Megan Wright from Canada placed first in the women's category with a time of 33:06. She also took home an award of $2,000. [source: Sports Backers].

The runners who participate in the Richmond-Times Dispatch Dress Up & Run contest deserve to be mentioned here. The energy it takes to run a 10K dressed as a pirate with a paper boat strapped around your waist shouldn't be taken too lightly. In 2010, Leonard Tengco ran as "The Squirrel." His costume included holding a pole with a giant acorn attached to keep him motivated. He took home first prize in the individual/duo category. First place for the group category went to "Rub-A-Dub-Dub," led by Kenneth Mason and friends [source: Sports Backers].

Want to know more? Visit the links and sources on the next page for additional information on the Monument Avenue 10K, as well as information on related topics.