This is a special edition of Leah LOVES Virginia, highlighting a LOVE sign that is only displayed during the annual Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k in Richmond.
As I stand in a crowd of thousands, I can feel the excitement rolling off of everyone as we wait our turn to start. The people around me are all smiles – some dressed in traditional running gear, others in creative costumes which adds to the fun energy swirling around me. And as our wave approaches the starting line, I look around and I’m in awe of all of the different people that have come together to participate in this event.
The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K is an annual run/ jog/ walk event located in Richmond that is organized by a non-profit called Sports Backers. Their mission – “To inspire people to live actively”. They accomplish this by providing the community with different events throughout the year, which are pretty much meant for anyone to participate in (regardless of age or athletic ability).
During this specific event, they have a LOVE sign on loan to add to the overall enjoyment of the race (so it is not there all year). While I’m not a runner per se, I have participated in this 10k multiple times, with this year being extra special given my hunt for LOVE signs.
In the week leading up to the race, they host a Health & Fitness Expo, where you pick-up your race packet and bib. The expo also provides a ton of racing swag for purchase to include shirts, shoes, and numerous other running items to support your needs. They also do a fabulous job with encouraging their participants and recognizing repeat racers. This was my 5th Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k, so my name was listed on a poster at the expo – I loved it.
This year the expo was located at the Richmond Raceway – which also has an official LOVE sign (I snagged a pic while there :). For all of you NASCAR racing fans…this is a place to check-out for sure.
The 10k is typically scheduled in April on a Saturday with the majority of the race taking place on Monument Avenue. On this course, you would experience a lovely street filled with trees and beautiful historic Richmond homes on both sides. Given the time of year the event happens, you would likely experience comfortable mid-spring weather that contributes to the ease of completing the course. It is truly a wonderful place to run, jog or walk a 10k.
In addition to the course, you will be amazed with how incredibly well-managed this 10k is. This event is currently the “14th largest race in the U.S.”; and while the size may intimidate some, don’t let it. The participants safety and experience is a top priority. My family participated this year and I felt comfortable having my two sons (both under the age of 16) run the course ahead of us alone (important to note, every family is different – do what is best for them). And the communications leading up to race-day have you feeling at ease with what to expect. The details are important, and they cover all of them so that you can focus on enjoying the race and having fun.
Speaking of fun, the people on the streets cheering for participants are some of the best I’ve experienced during a race. They are so happy you’re there that they feel more like friends than strangers, with their funny posters, cow bells and high-fives. Not to mention all of the entertainment and bands playing throughout the course – it’s literally like a party where the 10k participants are the star of the show. It’s amazing!
Once you cross the finish line, you receive a very nice medal and are also invited to a post-race festival, which includes food and beverages as you wind down from the race. They also have live music, vendor booths and an area to meet-up with friends or family that you need to find. It is a fun way to celebrate finishing the 10k before you head back home (or catch a celebratory brunch and afternoon nap :))
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k is a race to love…
No matter your athletic level, the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k is an event that is meant for anyone to enjoy. And how it brings so many wonderful people together (near and far) is inspiring. It’s no surprise it remains “one of the nation’s most popular 10ks.” If you’re thinking about trying your first 10k, or looking to run/jog/walk a new one, this event (and their special temporary LOVE sign) is a definite winner.
*Events like this are impossible without all of the volunteers that give their time and energy. This blog is dedicated to those volunteers, thank you!. Also, a special shout-out to two of my dear friends, Meghan and John, who are major contributors to this and other Sports Backers events – love everything you do 💕.
| VA ♥️ Signs Now Visited | Official VA ♥️ Signs |
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Other Sports Backers events for the remainder of 2024:
- Great American Ride
- Dominion Energy Riverrock
- Markel Corporate Run
- Great American 500
- Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival
- Ashland Half Marathon & 5k
- Run Richmond 16.19
- Richmond Marathon, Half & 8k
Is this your first Leah LOVES Virginia blog post read? Thank you for taking the time to visit. If you’re wondering how this adventure got started, check-out my first blog post and my about page. Want to stay connected? It’s super easy and you’ll only hear from me when a new blog gets posted. You can also follow along by friending me on my Leah LOVES Virginia Facebook page.
Important note: I always do my best to ensure anything I include in my blogs is factual and that I also give credit and use quotations when pulling information from sources. If you believe there is something included here that needs to be addressed, please email me directly as I want to be sure it is fixed. Thank you and happy LOVE sign hunting.
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