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Kroger has signed on as a key sponsor of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, officials with Sports Backers, Kroger and Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods announced Monday.

Kroger replaces Martin’s Food Markets, which had been presenting sponsor since 2010 but is leaving the Richmond market — selling local stores, including three that closed Monday and that will reopen after remodeling as Publix Super Markets.

Florida-based Publix is buying 10 of 19 local Martin’s grocery stores. The other nine are for sale.

“At last,” said Anne Jenkins, Kroger mid-Atlantic customer communications manager, referring to Kroger’s new role with the race.

“Kroger is thrilled to be aligned with Ukrop’s and Sports Backers as the presenting sponsor of the Monument Avenue 10K. We’ve long wanted to be a part of this event. It’s one of Richmond’s favorite events and we cannot wait to see it become a reality in April.”

Ukrop’s has been the title sponsor of the race since its inception in 2000. Robert Ukrop, president and CEO of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, is also a co-founder and past president of Sports Backers, a local nonprofit organization that puts on races and other active lifestyle events.