The Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k closed registration at midnight last night after surpassing a record limit of 30,000 participants, the largest in the event's nine-year history. 

"We have record entries in our 10k, our Training Team, and our First Market Kids Run," notes Sports Backers' Executive Director Jon Lugbill of the April 5 event.  "We are thrilled that over 31,000 people have made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle and have signed up for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k.  Since 2005, we have almost doubled in size."

And in a final effort to help those people who waited too long to register for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k, the VCU Massey Cancer Center is offering 10 special entry slots after the official close. To qualify, donate or raise a minimum of $500 - checks payable to the Massey Cancer Center - and deliver to the Sports Backers office.  Spaces will be awarded on a first come basis.

With over 31,000 people registered for the 2008 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k, the event is now on the cusp of being one of the 25 largest road races of any distance in the entire world and one of the 10 largest in the United States.  In 2007, the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k was the 16th largest U.S. race of any distance.

Since races are ranked based on the official number of timed finishers, all participants in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k, whether they are a runner or walker, are encouraged to wear the timing chip they receive at packet pick up.