Saturday, April 20, marks the 25th annual running of the Sports Backers’ [http://ukrop’s%20monument%20avenue%2010k/]Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, one of the largest and most popular 10K runs in the United States.
RHHD Epidemiologist Supervisor Louise Lockett Gordon has been coaching with Sports Backers’ YMCA 10K Training Team at the Church Hill location since 2017. She credits the Monument 10K—and the movement culture that surrounds it—with making the greater Richmond area a healthier place to live. “If doctors could write a prescription for being physically fit, training with the 10K training team would be the prescription they’d write,” she says.
Louise watches training participants build new relationships to running, movement, and their bodies: “I really love all the folks we train, and especially the first timers. They’ve never done a race, they may not have run regularly before, and often don’t call themselves runners. But we’re not out here trying to be Flo-Jo, we’re about getting folks into the routine of consistent effort, and they see that it pays off by race day. We also have plenty of people who walk the 10K—which is six miles of walking, that’s fantastic. I also love my seniors. They’re out here faithfully! I’ve had a couple older women tell me they go to their doctors, and they’ll say, ‘you’re so healthy, keep doing what you’re doing.’”
Any sort of physical activity and training is beneficial, but Louise thinks there’s something special about the Monument Avenue 10K. She says Sports Backers has worked hard to make sure that the event feels “home-grown” and connected to the community: “I love all the spectators and spirit groups that get out on the course! One of my favorites is the Jammin’ Grannies,with their wigs and fanny packs, rocking out and getting participants pumped—one day I wish to be part of them. The 10K feels like the opening of spring in Richmond. Everybody is out, usually it’s good weather—knock on wood for this year—and it’s a lot of good energy. I’ve done a lot of other races where the organizers aren’t local, and the vibe is different. But the Monument Avenue 10K is ours.”
Running, walking, or watching the 10K this year? Louise shares some tips she wrote for her own trainees:
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Don’t run or walk in anything you haven’t worked out in before. Choose exercise gear—including shoes—that you already know are comfortable and don’t chafe.
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Hydrate! Louise says there are water stops on the course, but everyone’s body is different. “If you’ve found during training you need more water, you might want to bring a bottle,” she says.
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Check that weather forecast. “We’ve been training most of the time in cold,” Louise reminds participants. If the day is looking hot and sunny, prep sunscreen and fewer layers.
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Learn about road closures and changes to bus service. If you’re driving, biking, or walking near the course, stay extra attentive and prepare to move more slowly. And if you’re trying to get to that starting line car-free, the Pulse bus stops in the Arts District and there will be bike valet in Monroe Park.
Most importantly, Louise says, “Run or walk for the race you’ve trained for. 10K day is big energy day, everyone is excited, so you have to talk yourself down a little bit. Don’t start out super fast and then realize, ‘oh, no, this is not how I’ve been working all along.’ Run or walk how you have been training. Because you will get to the finish and there will be a lovely medal and some water and a banana waiting for you.”
Good luck to all the participants! Thank you to all the race volunteers! And if you’ve got the 10K bug now, stay tuned on the Sports Backers website for information—Richmond Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8K training start this summer!
