Do you have co-workers, friends or family member coming to cheer you on as you run or walk in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k on March 28? If so, the Hirschler Fleischer Spirit Contest is for them. Any community group, church or civic organization interested in supporting the race participants is eligible and welcome to take part. Spirit Groups of at least 10 participants are encouraged to show their enthusiasm and support for runners and walkers during the 10k by song, dance, music, cheers and banners. A group’s goal is to show the most energy and spirit for the duration of the race. A $300Grand Spirit Award will be given to the winning group, and additional cash prizes will be awarded to 11 other groups. All groups must be registered with the Sports Backers in advance to compete for awards. There are a limited number of locations along the race course, so please sign up early and be creative!

Who? Any community, church, or civic group that is interested in supporting the runners and walkers of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k are eligible and welcome to participate. All groups officially taking part in the contest must be registered with and approved by the Sports Backers in order to compete for awards.

What? Spirit groups are encouraged to show their enthusiasm and support during the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k by using song, dance, music, megaphones, costumes, banners, signs, and any other means so long as their activities do not interfere with participants of the 10k. A group’s goal is to show the most energy and spirit for the duration of the race.

When? Saturday, March 28, 2009, 8:30 am, to approximately 11:30 am.

Where? Specific areas along the course have been designated by the Sports Backers for each spirit group. The course begins at W. Broad and N. Harrison Street near the Siegel Center and heads west towards N. Lombardy, where it cuts over onto Monument Avenue and heads west until the turnaround at Chantilly Street. The course then returns along Monument Avenue heading east back towards the finish line on Franklin Street near Monroe Park.

Why? First and foremost, to have FUN while contributing to a community event that brings so much to the Richmond Region each spring. Second, there are cash prizes! One $300 Grand Spirit Award will be given to the most spirited group along the course, plus a second place Spirit Award of $200. Additionally, $50 Spirit prizes will be awarded to between ten and twelve other groups. Representatives from the 10k race committee will be out on the course to judge groups based on their enthusiasm and support to race participants. There will be an opportunity for any organization receiving a Spirit Award to donate some or all of their winnings to the VCU Massey Cancer Center, one of the race charities.

How? To participate in this year’s Spirit Contest, please fill out a registration form and return to us by Friday, March 6th to ensure your spot along the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k course! Please call Faith Hecht at (804) 285-9495 x250 or email her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you have any questions.