Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K to Host Nearly 1,900 College Students for National Championship Showdown

Collegiate 10K Road Race National Championships

Return to Richmond this Saturday

Richmond, Va. (April 15, 2026) — One of the nation’s largest and most celebrated road races will once again serve as the collegiate running world’s championship stage this weekend, as the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K presented by Kroger hosts the 11th annual Collegiate 10K Road Race National Championship.

Organized in partnership with the Collegiate Running Association, the championship will bring nearly 1,900 college students from across the country to Richmond, continuing a tradition that has seen the Ukrop’s 10K host every edition of the national championship since 2014.

Set against the historic backdrop of Monument Avenue, the race blends elite competition with one of the largest participatory running events in the United States. Collegiate athletes will compete for national titles and a $3,000 prize purse awarded by the Collegiate Running Association to the top three college men and women.

Collegiate Men’s Race Preview

The men’s championship race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in event history, with a mix of proven road racers and accomplished track athletes stepping up to the 10K distance.

Defending champion Henry Haase (University of Richmond) returns after a standout year that included a 14:25.67 performance for 5,000 meters and consistent success across cross country. He’ll be tested by a field loaded elite college and open runners.

Among the top challengers is Luke Taylor (Furman University), a local standout from Patrick Henry High School and international competitor who represented Team USA at the 2025 World University Games in Germany. Taylor owns a 10K personal best of 28:53 and brings NCAA championship experience from both the track and cross country.

William & Mary’s Collin Walsh brings one of the most versatile résumés in the field, highlighted by personal bests of 14:18.97 (5K), 8:19.12 (3,000m), 8:56.03 (steeplechase), and 4:08.11 (mile). Teammate Owen Lipps, who has run 1:52.53 for 800 meters, adds intrigue as he steps up significantly in distance.

Local contenders include David Dawson (VCU), who ran 25:15 at the Allianz Richmond 8K, and a strong University of Richmond group led by Patrick Doherty (5th in 2025), Zach Stevens (10th in 2025), and John Vogel (6th in 2025).

Another name to watch is Matthew Peart (University of Virginia), a PhD student in the biomedical sciences who placed sixth at the Allianz Richmond 8K in 24:47. He brings both experience and strength to the championship distance.

Adding to the depth is graduate student, Stuart Terrill (Wake Forest). The 2023 and 2024 Collegiate Trail Running National Champion while an undergraduate student for the University of Richmond. His experience and background could prove valuable over the 10K course.

Collegiate Women’s Race Preview

The women’s race features a blend of proven championship performers and athletes with elite track credentials.

Mary Heinen (University of Michigan) enters as one of the most accomplished runners in the field. The Richmond native owns personal bests of 33:13.09 for 10,000 meters and 15:57.37 for 5,000 meters, making her one of the fastest entrants on paper as she returns to compete in front of a hometown crowd.

Anna Rigby (Virginia Tech), third in this championship in 2024, brings both experience and tactical strength. With a 5K best of 17:12, she is known for her willingness to push the pace and could be a decisive factor in how the race unfolds.

William & Mary's Celia Dawson continues her rise with marks of 4:53.85 (mile) and 9:40.72 (3,000m), while Katie Sinclair (University of Richmond) returns after placing third in last year’s championship.

Richmond’s Mollie Fenn adds further depth after running 16:53.35 for 5,000 meters and 9:42.25 for 3,000 meters and recently clocking 37:10.32 in her 10K debut.

Open Division: Elite Performances Expected

The open race will once again feature elite athletes capable of pushing the overall pace from the front.

Peter Borger, a former Spider and 2021 Atlantic 10 Conference Cross Country Champion is the headliner in the open men's race. He recently ran 2:15:24 to qualify for the USA Olympic Team Trials in the McKirdy Marathon and he ran 1:03:56 in Mesa Half Marathon.

Jack Ikenberry, a former George Mason standout, will also be at the front of the men’s field with personal bests of 14:02.18 (5K), 8:08 (3,000m), and 29:35.34 (10K). He enters in top form after winning the 2025 Allianz Richmond 8K in 24:19.

He’ll be joined by former collegiate champion Jordan Bendura, who has run 14:12 for 5,000 meters and 29:58 for 10K, and Jacob Lohr, a recent Mary Washington graduate, who owns a 10K best of 31:17.93 and finished third at last fall’s Allianz Richmond 8K.

On the women’s side, defending champion Sophia King returns with an elite résumé that includes a 32:59.93 personal best for 10K, 15:57.71 for 5K, a 1:14:11 half marathon, and a 2:35:47 marathon—making her the clear standard in the field.

Local favorite Teal Burrell, an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier with a 2:39:11 marathon best, will look to challenge King while drawing strong hometown support.

Taylor Coleman is another to watch. She started running after a successful college soccer career and continues make her presence known on the road race scene.

A National Championship in a Signature Setting

With nearly 1,900 collegiate athletes, elite open competitors, and a vibrant community race atmosphere, Saturday’s event highlights Richmond’s continued role as a premier destination for road racing.

From sub-30-minute 10K credentials to rising collegiate stars testing new distances, the 2026 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K promises high-level competition and compelling storylines as national champions are crowned on one of the sport’s most iconic courses.

Following the race, the Collegiate Running Association will host a Champions Warm-Down and photo opportunities with top finishers at the awards stage. Runners and fans are encouraged to join at 9:15 AM for the warm-down, or 10:10 AM for a chance to snap a photo with the race’s top finishers.

For more information on the Collegiate 10K Championships, visit www.collegiaterunning.org.