Written by Dianna Stiles
Some run against the clock, others simply for the fun of it
The reasons for participating in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K are as varied as the individuals running the race. Some are driven to crush the course record; others are committed to improving their individual performance; still others, new to the sport of running, simply want to finish. And then there’s Becca Hankins and her friends who don’t particularly care about any of that. What they’re most concerned about is having a good time.
For the last three years Hankins and her friends have entered the Richmond Times-Dispatch Dress Up & Run Contest—a popular costume contest where contestants design and wear their own creations for a $500 grand prize.
The team’s inaugural effort in 2009, an interpretation of the popular 1980s video game Ms. Pac-Man, won first place and solidified the groups’ passion for the event. Hankins explains, “You’re just bringing joy to the people…You run by and everyone’s laughing or smiling.”
In 2010 the group decided to “go big or go home.” Inspired by the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, the group created a fictitious curling team called RVA Curling. Launching a Facebook page and a web site the team used social media to build fan support and create the illusion of an actual curling club. Running as a group, Hankins wore a three-foot diameter target strapped to her back, Benji Tull donned an elaborate curling stone costume and the other group members carried mops decorated to resemble curling brooms. Their efforts were awarded with a second place finish.
While Hankins and her friends were merely having fun with the curling idea—no one in the group participates in the sport—the publicity they received from the 10k spawned an actual curling team. Thanks to Hankins and her friends, Richmond really does have a curling club now. (Find them on Facebook at Richmond Virginia Curling Club.)
Last year, inspired by Richmond’s nickname, The River City, the group decided to kayak down Monument Avenue. Hankins says, “It was a lot of fun and interesting figuring out the dynamics of looking like you’re in water and then running actually with a kayak.”
Wearing life jackets and helmets and linked together in makeshift kayaks, the group paddled toward the finish line and a second place prize.
The event is not all fun and games, however. Starting in the year 2000 with only 2,462 runners, the Monument Avenue 10k has grown to become the nation’s eighth largest event with over 40,000 participants, many of whom are competitive runners. For example, 2010 and 2011’s female champion, Megan Wright, is a Canadian Olympian and Julius Kogo, 2011’s male champion, is a running star from Kenya.
For Hankins though, who runs half-marathons and other events annually, the Monument Avenue race is all about fun. “I honestly don’t ever see myself just running the race again. I think I’ll always be in costume.”
From hardcore runners to fun-lovers, the Monument Avenue 10k has something for everyone.
FAQs: 2012 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k
When is it? Saturday, March 31
Where? Downtown Richmond, starting line at Broad St. & Harrison St.
What time? The first wave of runners start at 8:30 a.m.
How much to enter? $40 through March 27; $45 for walk-up registration on March 29-30 at Race Expo, but only if the event has not reached capacity.
How do I sign up? Register online at sportsbackers.org
How many people are running? In 2011, a record 41,314 people participated, making it the eighth largest race in the country and the 15th largest in the world.
What’s the fastest time in race history? Men’s record 28:07 (set in 2004); Women’s record 32:24 (set in 2007)
Can kids participate? Of course! Sign them up for the full 10k or for a shorter race register kids ages 5-12 for the one-mile Virginia 529 Kids Run (cost: $20 through March 27; $25 walk-up registration at the Race Expo March 29-30)
Is there stuff for spectators to do? You betcha! Listen to live music from one of the dozens of bands lining the course; watch the contestants in the annual Richmond Times-Dispatch Dress Up & Run Contest flaunt their creative costumes; or put all your energy and enthusiasm toward earning cash prizes by signing up for the Hirschler Fleischer Spirit Contest
Where can I get more info? For all the details go to sportsbackers.org
For the past three years, Becca Hankins and friends have entered the “Dress Up and Run” contest, part of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K. From top: 1) The fictitious “RVA Curling Team” won 2nd place in 2010; 2) From left to right, Hankins (with target on back), Laura Bland (holding sign), Robin Huff (dark hair), Abernathy Bland, Benji Tull (as curling stone) and Aaron Roth; 3) Last year the group won 2nd place for their “Paddle Faster” theme; 4) In 2009, their first entry year, the crew won 1st prize for a Ms. Pac-Man ensemble. Photos courtesy of Becca Hankins