Monument Avenue 10k

Monument Avenue 10k Recap: Quite the Monumental Race

Despite nearly two decades of running, I’d never registered for a 10k race. I’ve conquered everything from 5Ks to marathons, yet the 6.2-mile length was the one distance that eluded me. That all changed this past weekend, when I ran Richmond’s Monument Avenue 10k through the scenic streets of Virginia’s capital city steeped in American history.

Beautiful race setting aside, it wasn’t why I decided to run the race. It was another runner—a newer runner—who forced my hand, or, rather, feet into racing.

ATC10K

Around the Crown 10K: Redefining What a Race Can Be

How do you choose races to run? If you’re like me, you probably don’t consider a race’s impact on a community, its residents, or the planet. Guided by three pillars—inclusivity, sustainability, and elevating the city of Charlotte—Brian Mister, co-founder and race director of the Around the Crown 10K (ATC10K), provides a shining example of the transformative impact a race can have beyond race day.

I chatted with Mister about what makes the race unique and how it empowers the running community both in and outside the city.