Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k unveils finisher medal, participant shirt, and 10k Spirit Contest for 2023 event

The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger unveiled the finisher medal and participant shirt for this year’s event during its annual ‘10k Reveal Day,’ which took place at Ukrop’s Market Hall.

This year’s medal, which all participants will receive after crossing the finish line on April 22, celebrates some of the iconic parts of the 10k course. The unique shape mimics the turnaround and halfway point on the 6.2-mile course, while the sun feature is a nod to spring and mimics the stained-glass architecture elements you might spot along Monument Avenue.

The colorful participant shirt compliments the medal design. The dogwood flower commemorates the gorgeous spring foliage spotted along the entire course. Both the shirt and the medal were designed by Frank Anderson, a 5-time participant of the event and Richmond-based Art Director and Graphic Designer. The 2023 10k takes place on April 22, 2023, and marks the 24th running of the event. Registration for this year’s event is open at www.sportsbackers.org, with a price increase set for February 1.

The 6.2-mile road race returns to Broad Street, Monument Avenue, and Franklin Street. There will be a small change to the course. The turnaround will move back to Chantilly instead of Staples Mill and the finish line will shift from Shafer and Franklin closer to Laurel and Franklin. The Sheehy Post Race Festival will return to Monroe Park for the first time since 2016. Since its creation in 2000, the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k has become one of the largest 10k road races in America, with over 540,000 participants taking part in that time.

“Every year participants look forward to seeing the 10k medal and shirt. We know this year’s will quickly become a fan favorite and we can’t wait to see everyone wearing their new tees post-race,” said Meghan Keogh, Race Director for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. “We were thrilled to work with Frank Anderson—it’s great to have a local designer familiar with the event. He was able to capture the spirit of race day in commemorative items that people will enjoy for years to come.”

New this year the Porch Party Contest has been combined with the Community Spirit Contest and will now be called the 10k Spirit Contest presented by The Richmond Experience. The new contest aims to celebrate the groups that famously cheer on 10k participants by awarding superlatives and cash prizes. Judges will select one participating group to receive a Grand Prize of $250. Judges will also select winners for Best Porch Party, Judges Choice, Most Spirited, and Best Theme. The groups selected for each of these superlatives will win $100.

“Year after year, cheerful spectators line the sidelines and median of the race route and are the very reason the 10k is often referred to as ‘Richmond’s biggest block party!’” said Samantha Kanipe, Founder & CEO of The Richmond Experience. “We’re thrilled to shine a light on the groups of people that make event day and the RVA community special and to be part of an event that brings the community together in such a unique way.”

You can find more information on the 10k Spirit Contest presented by The Richmond Experience here.