About Amway River Bank Run
The Amway River Bank Run presented by Fifth Third Bank with Corewell Health the Official Health Partner will celebrate 47 years of road running on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Race Years
47
Total Raised with Charity Partners
Over $2.3 Million
Runners per year
10,000+
About the Amway River Bank Run
The Amway River Bank Run presented by Fifth Third Bank with Corewell Health the Official Health Partner will celebrate 47 years of road running on Saturday, May 11, 2024. More than 10,000* people are expected to compete in the event which features the largest 25K road race in the country and offers the only 25K Wheelchair racing division in the world along with a 25K Handcycle division. Site of the USA 25 km Open Championships since 1995 will run concurrently with the 25K event. In addition to the 25K, participants can choose from the 10K Run, 5K Run, Team Competition, 5K Community Walk and Amway Junior Wednesday, May 10 at Grandville Middle School.
Consistently ranked as one of the premier road racing events in the United States, the Amway River Bank Run is the site of the Men’s 25K American and Course record (1:13:47; 2019); Women’s 25K American record (1:24:36; 2012) and former Men’s 25K World record (1998). The 25K has been the site of the USA 25 km Open Championships since 1995.
The River Bank Run has helped raise over $2.3 million raised for charity partners since 2008!
River Bank Run History
When Frank Cashman from the Grand Rapids Track Club approached Marty Allen, then Marketing Director for Old Kent Bank, in the mid 1970s about initiating a local road race, Allen was intrigued. Cashman worked out what he felt was the perfect distance, a 25K that started and finished in downtown Grand Rapids and Allen pledged the funding. In 1978, just over 1,000 runners took to the streets on the second Saturday of May for the first annual Old Kent River Bank Run. In 2001, Old Kent Bank merged with Fifth Third Bank, and the event was renamed to showcase its new owner. With the transition of race ownership in 2018 to Riverbank Events and Media , a group of leading community partners came together including Amway, Fifth Third Bank and Spectrum Health to insure the race will continue for many years to follow on the second Saturday in May in downtown Grand Rapids. In 2019 the race transitions names to the Amway River Bank Run presented by Fifth Third Bank and Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) as the Official Health Partner.
The Amway River Bank Run presented by Fifth Third Bank with Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) the Official Health Partner will celebrate 46 years of road running on Saturday, May 13, 2023. More than 10,000* people are expected to compete in the event which features the largest 25K road race in the country and offers the only 25K Wheelchair racing division in the world along with a 25K Handcycle division. Site of the USA 25 km Open Championships since 1995 will run concurrently with the 25K event. In addition to the 25K, participants can choose from the 10K Run, 5K Run, Team Competition, 5K Community Walk and Amway Junior Wednesday, May 10 at Grandville Middle School.
Consistently ranked as one of the premier road racing events in the United States, the Amway River Bank Run is the site of the Men’s 25K American and Course record (1:13:47; 2019); Women’s 25K American record (1:24:36; 2012) and former Men’s 25K World record (1998). The 25K has been the site of the USA 25 km Open Championships since 1995.
Philanthropy
- Over $2.3 million raised for charity partners since 2008
- Provides opportunities for selected not-for-profit organizations to utilize the Amway River Bank Run for fundraising and community relations purposes
- Provides opportunities for non-selected not-for-profit organizations to participate in Aid Stations, Spirit Stations and group volunteers
- Race contributes $1.8 million in economic impact to downtown Grand Rapids
* Anticipated participation based on 70-75% of pre-COVID numbers from 2019.
25K, 10K, 5K,
5K Community Walk
25k
The 25K is part of the 2024 Michigan Runner Race Series! Click here, for more information. You could be the next Michigan Runner of the Year.
10K Run
- Start staging on Ottawa Avenue near Lyon Street
- Find the Gate with your pace per mile to enter the line up
- Finish on Monroe Avenue at Pearl Street
5K Run
- 7:00a Start – USATF-certified course
- Start staging is on Ottawa Avenue near Lyon Street
- Find the Gate with your pace per mile and enter the line up
- Finish on Monroe Avenue at Pearl Street
5k Community Walk
- 7:45a start
- Start staging on Ottawa Avenue near Lyon Street
- Finish on Monroe Avenue at Pearl Street
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Start Times?
- 5K Run: 7:00a
- 10K Run: 7:30a
- 5K Walk Start: 7:45a
- 25K Handcycle: 8:15a
- 25K Wheelchair: 8:16a
- USATF Elite Women Start: 8:19:30a
- USATF Elite Men Start: 8:30a
- 25K Start: 8:30a
- myTeam Truimph Start: 8:45a
- Amway Junior – Wednesday, May 10 - 5:30p
What are the Registration Fees and Deadlines?
- Registration is available online until Friday, May 12 at 7:59p EDT
- Late registration is available on Friday, May 12 during Event Check-in held in conjunction with the Sports & Fitness Expo in DeVos Place (credit card payment only)
- Please bring your phone to scan the late registration QR Code - no computers will be on-site for participant use
- NO registration available on Event Day, however, you may check-in for your event beginning at 6a in DeVos Place
- Registration Fees and Deadlines
What are the minimum age requirements?
- 25K — minimum 14 years of age by 5/13/23
- 10K, 5K Run, and 5K Community Walk — all ages welcome.
- Amway Junior (1/2 mile and 1 mile fun runs) — ages 5 through 11
Are the courses certified?
- Yes (USATF-certified)
What training resources are available?
- Training Guide, containing schedules for the 25K, 10K, 5K Run, and 5K Walk
- Community Training Run/Walk – 1st Saturday of the Month (Dec-May), 8a – YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
- Perrin Training Series – 2nd Tuesday of the Month (Jan-May), 6p – Perrin Brewing Company
Is there a Post-Event Party?
- The Finish Fest inside Devos Place (Hall A) from 7:30a-2p
- Admission is free
- Food concessions (cash only)
- Cash bar featuring Michelob Ultra, Budweiser, Perrin Brewing Company, Ice Mountain water, and Pepsi products (picture ID will be required for beer purchase)
Who are the charity partners?
- Charity Partners were selected to market their missions to participants, volunteers, and sponsors
- Contact the charity of your choice to find out how you can be a part of their team and fundraise
- Donate or run/walk on behalf of charity!
I noticed a mistake in my registration confirmation, how do I fix it?
Online through Friday, May 3 at 11:59p (edt)
- Login into your RunSignUp account
- Click on the Find a Participant tab and enter your name
- Click on the More Details tab
- Find the appropriate blue tab, click on it and make your change
After Friday, May 3, make changes in person at the Sports & Fitness Expo on Friday, May 10 between 11a to 8p or Saturday, May 11 starting at 6a. Pick up your registration event bib and head to "Solutions/Race Changes"
How do I update my Estimated Finish Time?
- Login to your RunSignUp account
- In your profile, scroll to the bottom of the screen and find “my registered races”
- Find your RBR registration. Select “manage”
- Select "Estimated Finish Time" from the left side menu
- Estimated FInish Time help sheet (pd)
- Email the Race office if you have questions
I'm registered, but not receiving email communications
- This could be a variety of issues. Email the Race office to review your details and help fix this problem.
What is the chronotrack B-tag system?
- The Chronotrack B-Tag System will be used to score all events
- Your B-Tag will be attached to the participant bib you receive at Event Check-in/Late Registration at DeVos Place
- Keep your B-Tag attached to your participant bib on the front of your shirt to ensure results are recorded properly
Will my results be posted if I finish the 25K after 12p?
- No. Participants who finish the 25K event after the finish line closes at 12p will be considered unofficial finishers and will not be included in the Official Results that are posted on the website
- 25K runners not maintaining a 3.5 hours finish pace are participating at their own risk without race services and will be asked to move to the sidewalks
- Age Group Awards for the 25K, 10K and 5K Run will be mailed out in June
How can I volunteer?
- The Amway River Bank Run could not function without thousands of volunteers
- Register Today!
- Email the Race office
Where and when do I check-in for my event?
- Sports & Fitness Expo on Friday, May 10 from 11a to 8p at DeVos Place
- Saturday, May 11 beginning at 6a at DeVos Place
Do I have to wear my participant bib?
- Yes. All registered participants will receive a bib number that must be worn on Event Day.
- The bib must be visible and worn on the front outside of your shirt during the entire event for viewing by race officials and for readability of photography proofs
- If participating in multiple events, you must wear the appropriate event bib. If you do not, your results will not be correct.
- Do not alter the bib in any way or wear it on your shorts/pants
Can my friends/family follow my progress?
Can I listen to my personal music device?
- Yes — roads are closed to traffic. Be aware of your surroundings and other participants and keep the volume at a level to be alert in case there is an emergency
- Participants wearing listening devices will not be eligible for prize money in the USA 25K Open Championship division (based on United States Track & Field rules)
Where is the Start and Finish Line?
Start Line
- Ottawa Avenue near Lyon St
- Look for Gate Signs with pace per mile details and line up accordingly
Finish Line
- Monroe and Pearl
- Post-event refreshments will be available once you cross the finish line
Is gear check available?
- Complimentary gear check will be available in DeVos Place
- You will receive a clear gear check bag along with your participant bib and t-shirt at Event Check-in
- Use this bag to check your gear prior to your event. No personal bags will be accepted
- Claim your gear after your event in DeVos Place no later than 12:30p. Amway River Bank Run cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items. Participants are responsible for any clothing articles they choose to discard at the start and/or along the course. Security will be sweeping both areas and will dispose of items found unattended. Event officials collect clothing articles discarded at the start or along the course and donate to a charity
Are there showers available after my event?
- Complimentary showers and lockers at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, 475 Lake Michigan Drive, from 6a-2p
- Simply show your Amway River Bank Run participant bib at the desk for access on Event Day **you will need to sign a waiver
- Parking at the YMCA is not available for non-members – please park in GR Parking Lot 7 ($2.00)
How do I switch events (i.e. 25K to 10K, etc.)?
Online through Friday, May 3 at 11:59p (edt)
- Log into your RunSignUp account *Note: if your registration is a deferment from the previous year, email us to make the change.
- In your profile, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “my registered races”
- Find your RBR registration
- Select “manage”
- From the menu select “transfer event”
- Complete the step-by-step process
After Friday, May 3, transfer events in-person on Friday, Saturday, May 11 at the Sports & Fitness Expo between 11am and 8pm or Saturday, May 11 starting at 6a. Pick up your registered event bib and head to “Solutions/Race Changes”
I'd like to change my shirt size/upgrade to Tech Shirt
Online throughFriday, May 3 at 11:59p (edt)
- Log into your RunSignUp account
- In your profile, scroll to the bottom of the screen and find “my registered races”
- Find your RBR registration. Select “manage”
- Select “Giveaway” and modify your shirt size/style
- Tech shirt quantities are limited and may not be available
How do I post my Virtual Event Results?
I won't be able to participate, can i still pickup my t-shirt?
- YES! Please stop by and pick up your t-shirt and participant bib during Event Check in/Late Registration held during the Sports & Fitness Expo in DeVos Place on Friday, May 10 from 11a-8p or Saturday, May 11 beginning at 6a
- If you can’t make it Event Weekend, email the Race Office with your name, address and size to be mailed to you in June
What is the typical weather conditions on event day?
- Average temps range from the low 40’s to 60’s at 7:30a and climb throughout the morning
- Go to Wood Radio 106.9 | 1300 during event week for weather updates and information
When and where will I find race results?
- Unofficial results are posted immediately after your event with official results posted on Sunday online at amwayriverbankrun.com Team results will be available online after 4p on Tuesday, May 14
Is there a time limit?
- 12p
- Participants finishing after 12p will not be included in the official results posted at this website
- Medical, aid stations, police, volunteers and course markings will no longer be available when roads open to traffic
Is pace information available at the start and will be there pacers?
- Pace per minute signs are in the start line for each event
- Line up in the appropriate area
- Official Pacers, are available for the 25K to pace in the 7-12 minute/mile categories – look for them on event day in the start area carrying yellow signs with their specific pace per miles listed and wearing brightly colored Official Pacer shirts
- Start with your Official Pacer and keep them in sight throughout your event to hit your desired finish time
- Meet the Official Pacers and visit the Pacer Booth at the Sports & Fitness Expo to learn more
Will there be a Sports & Fitness Expo?
- YES, Friday, May 10 (11a-9p) (DeVos Place)
- Held in conjunction with Event Check-in/Late Registration
- Free and open to the public
- Featuring 60+ vendors
- River Bank Run SHOP
- Product sampling featuring Amway’s XS Sports nutrition products and more
- Fifth Third Bank Zone
- Corewell Health Partners
- Perrin Beer Garden
- Relaxation Area with complimentary mini manis and more
- Selfie Stations
How do I know if I'm registered?
- Online registrations receive an immediate e-mail confirmation
- Check the address and other information (shirt size, age, etc.) on your confirmation to be sure it is correct
- If you did not receive an email confirmation or your information is not correct, please go to RunSignUp, click on the Find a Participant tab and enter your name and click on More Details tab
- If you deferred your registration last year - you are NOT automatically registered for the current year - you must "claim" your deferral by registering with the reserved entry link that has been sent to you. If you have not received the email - please email us
Will there be post-event refreshments?
Yes, compliments of Amway XS Sports, Meijer, Ice Mountain, PEPSI and UDIM
- Water
- Gatorade
- Chocolate Milk
- Recharge Bars
- and other pre-packaged snacks
Will there be porta potty's available?
- Near the start line
- Approximately every .5 miles along the event courses and near aid stations
- Finish line area
What is available at the aid stations?
- Ice Mountain water will be available at the pre-event Aid Station - near the Start Line on Ottawa Ave
- 25K Aid Stations feature Gatorade and Ice Mountain water approximately every 2 miles and in the post-event refreshments area
- 25K course will have GU Energy Gel (flavors: vanilla bean, salted caramel and tri-berry) prior to the aid station located near 6 miles
- 10K Aid Station will be offered at approximately 2 miles featuring Gatorade and Ice Mountain water and in post-event refreshments area
- NO 5K Aid Station
Can I get a refund?
No. All events are non-refundable, however, options available
Transfer or gift to a friend/family
Online through Friday, May 3 at 11:59p (edt)
- Log into your RunSignUp account
- In your profile, scroll to bottom of the screen and find "my registration races"
- Find your RBR registration. Select "manage"
- Select "transfer or gift registration"
- Complete the step by step process
Online through Friday, May 3 at 11:59p (edt)
- Log into your RunSignUp account
- In your profile, scroll to the bottom of the screen and find “my registered races”
- Find your RBR registration. Select “manage”
- Select “defer registration”
- Complete the step by step process
- Defer your registration to next year*
* Defer one year only. If you do not participate the following year, your registration will be switched into the Virtual Race
How do I claim my deferred registration?
- When online registration opens, all deferred participants will receive a reserved entry email with a link to claim the deferral and register
- Check out the "How to claim" (pdf) with screen prints to help you follow the process
Don't see your registration in “my registered races”
- Find a Participant – enter your name
- Click on “is this you”
- Follow the step by step claiming process
Email the Race Office with question
What hotel accommodations are available?
Where do I park on Friday and/or Saturday?
Street Closings and Parking Guide
- Monroe Avenue between Louis and Michigan Streets will begin to close on Friday, May 10 Friday at 3:00p
- Downtown streets near the start and finish line will begin to close at 5:30a on event day
- More than 10,000 participants, 12,000 spectators and 1,000 volunteers will be looking for parking all at the same time
- Please plan to arrive early for an easier parking experience
Can I print my finisher certificate?
- Yes – Printable certificates are available by clicking your name in the results and then the printable certificate icon