Coolest Race Promotion Ever

They are expecting 32,000 runners for the Monument Avenue 10k in Richmond, Virginia, but many eyes will be on only one – Anne Parker. Parker was chosen at random as this year’s contestant in the “Dash for the Cash.” She will be given a 2.7 mile head start, and if she beats the race’s elite runners, who will of course be covering the entire 10k distance, she will win $2,500.

At last year’s race, Billy Weldon won the Dash by beating Dan Browne and Olympian Abdi Abdirahman, but he was only the second contestant to win in four tries.

Parker admits to being nervous, but her previous bests indicate she should just squeeze in ahead.

Imagine the combination of panic and excitement you would feel heading into the final quarter-mile with Abdirahman and his ilk on your tail. Sweet.