Ukrop's 10K to Host Over 1,700 College Students for Collegiate National Championships

Collegiate 10K Road Race National Championships

Return to Richmond this Saturday

Richmond, VA - April 9, 2025 – The Collegiate Running Association (CRA) and the city of Richmond are set to welcome over 1,700 college students to the 10th annual Collegiate 10K Road Race National Championship, a key event within the 26th Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K presented by Kroger. This year’s race features a $3,000 prize purse for the top male and female collegiate finishers.

Leading the women’s field is Ryen Frazier (NC State University), who aims to defend her title and secure a third consecutive victory. Frazier, a former cross-country runner and current PhD student, took first place in 2023 and 2024, with a winning time of 34:43 last year. She narrowly defeated Bethany Sachtleben (NOVA), a three-time Collegiate Running Association Athlete of the Year and two-time 10K champion (2018, 2019), by just five seconds.

This Saturday, Frazier will face stiff competition from Paige Joyce, Charlotte Hudson, and Addie Cohen, all of whom represent University of Richmond and have shown impressive form throughout the winter and spring seasons. Morgan McDaniel and Kate Spangler, both sub-37:00 runners, are also strong contenders for the title.

On the men’s side, a new champion will be crowned in 2025, as last year’s winner, Jordan Bendura (University of Richmond), has graduated. Returning to lead the charge for Richmond are teammates Henry Haase, who placed third in 2024, and Zach Stevens, who finished sixth. They’ll be joined by four fellow Spiders aiming to shake up the front pack and keep the title in Richmond.

They’ll face stiff competition from William & Mary’s Nate Jennings, a standout with impressive personal bests of 30:52 for 10K and 14:27 for 5K. Also expected to contend is University of Georgia freshman Conor Clifford. A product of New Jersey’s legendary CBA program, Clifford brings top-tier credentials with a 4:11 mile and a 24:52 mark for five miles on the cross country course this past fall.

The top three collegiate finishers will receive prize money, while the top ten will earn awards. In addition to the elite athletes, 25,000 participants are expected to compete across the weekend, making the event Richmond’s largest block party. The forecast calls for rain on Saturday morning, adding an extra element of excitement to this year’s competition.

“We’re thrilled for this year’s championship,” said Collegiate Running Association President and co-founder, Steve Taylor. “Since our founding in 2013, the Collegiate Running Association has focused on creating new opportunities for college students who love to run, while also providing unique and competitive experiences at events like the Ukrop’s 10K. This race blends fun and competition, offering both an outstanding social experience and top-tier racing for the best college runners in the country.”

Jambar, the official energy bar of the Collegiate Running Association, is a sponsor of the Collegiate 10K Championships. Jambar promotes community and healthy organic nutrition, aligning with the CRA’s mission to encourage healthy lifestyles among college students. In addition to sampling opportunities at the race expo, top collegiate finishers will receive free Jambar products as part of their awards.

The Collegiate 10K Championship entry list boasts a competitive field, with both undergraduates and graduate students from across the country, along with several strong local runners.

“2025 marks our 11th consecutive year hosting the Collegiate 10K Championship within Richmond’s premier running event—the Monument Avenue 10K,” said Taylor. “We’re incredibly proud of the partnership we’ve built with this event and the many sponsors and organizations who make it possible. Each year, we welcome a new wave of college students to experience Richmond—some toeing the line for their first 10K, others chasing elite goals. With over 1,700 collegiate runners joining us this Saturday, we’re continuing a tradition that’s introduced thousands of student-athletes to high-level racing and lifelong memories.”

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.