-Become a 2026 Road Warrior for the Amway River Bank Run-

Applications for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run Road Warrior team are open from October 1–15, 2025! This is your chance to train, inspire, and represent one of the nation’s premier road races.

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Road Warrior Ambassador

Full Name *

Address *

City, State ZIP *

Email *

Phone *

Age *

How long have you been running/wheeling/handcycling? *

How many times have you participated in the Amway River Bank Run? *

Why do you want to be Road Warrior Ambassador? *

Please share a super short bio: *

Upload a selfie or a running photo (optional)

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How will you use your social media to promote and engage others about the Amway River Bank Run? *

Were you referred by a formal Road Warrior" If yes, please share their name: *

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Road Warriors Ambassadors are required to:

1. Serve as event Ambassadors for the Amway River Bank Run 2. The primary role of a Road Warrior is to challenge yourself to promote the Amway River Bank Run (ARBR) brand. We are seeking individuals with positive attitudes, energy, and enthusiasm for the Race. 3. Secondary role is to promote and fundraise for your charity partner ($500 minimum). 4. Other jobs include training as a team once or twice a week either running or cross-fit at the YMCA wearing branded gear and engaging others to become familiar with ARBR. 5. Utilize your public social media presence to promote content about the Amway River Bank Run (i.e., your Charity Partner/fundraising, running experience, training runs, registration parties, apparel, registration information, race weekend info, apparel, etc.) using #RBRGR 6. Ambassadors are expected to be well-versed in aspects of the race, including the race course, course support (aid station locations), registration parties, Sports & Fitness Expo/Late Registration Packet Pickup, race morning event start time and location, pacers, Finish Line protocol and Finish Fest. 7. Interact with other Ambassadors via events and through an invite-only Facebook group. 8. Volunteer at the Sports & Fitness Expo on Friday, May 8, 2026. Twenty-five (25) finalists will be selected for the interview portion of which 10 participants will ultimately be deemed as the 2026 Amway River Bank Run Road Warrior Ambassadors!

Rules and Regulations

Sponsors for the ROAD WARRIOR AMBASSADORS are the Amway River Bank Run and the sponsors of the Amway River Bank Run Road Warrior Ambassador Information: The Road Warriors (both veteran and novice runners) serve as ambassadors for the Amway River Bank Run. As a Road Warrior, you will be challenged to motivate the community to get active, commit to healthy living, try new training methods, test new gear and participate in the 25K, 10K or 5K road race on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Road Warriors are not financially compensated in any way. When signing this registration for the Road Warriors Ambassador you agree to participate fully upon being selected as a Road Warrior. Prize: The Road Warriors’ benefits will include a 25K, 10K or 5K entry, running apparel, one pair of running shoes (provided by sponsor), Road Warrior apparel, a membership to the Y.M.C.A., a membership to RunGR (optional), complimentary entries to other select races, nutritionist access, event day hospitality area and parking, and post-event lunch. No cash equivalent for prizes will be awarded. If a winner cannot be contacted or is disqualified, sponsors reserve the right to determine an alternate winner or to not award the prize in its sole discretion. Restrictions and limitations may apply per sponsor. Participants may not address sponsor for negotiation. Taxes: Any valuation of the prize stated above is based on available information provided by the sponsors. The value of any prize awarded to a winner may be reported for tax purposes as required by law. The participant is solely responsible for reporting and paying any and all applicable taxes related to the prize and paying any expenses associated with any prize(s) which are not specifically provided for in the official rules. The winner must provide valid identification and a valid taxpayer identification number or social security number before any prize will be awarded. Judging: A panel of judges, made up of race representatives and sponsors, will review all submitted registrations. Twenty-five (25) individuals will be chosen for an interview on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 and Thursday, October 23, 2025. All applicants MUST make themselves available on Monday, October 20, 2025 or Tuesday, October 21, 2025. between 6pm and 9pm in the event they are selected as one of the 25 finalists. Individuals for the Road Warrior Ambassador positions will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Must be able to articulate their reason or story about participation, ability to promote themselves and other Road Warrior Ambassadors at events and in the media (including social media), must be able to attend team bonding and training events. Finalists will be contacted no later than Friday, October 17, 2025 to schedule an interview. In the event of a voicemail, finalists will have until 12pm, Saturday, October 25, 2025 to return the phone call. NOTE: if finalists are chosen, but are not available for the interview process and/or do not return the phone call by noon, 12pm, Saturday, October 25, 2025, finalist in question will be disqualified and another finalist will be selected.

Requirements and Publicity

Requirements: All applicants must be U.S. residents and at least 18 years of age, or older and live in the Great Grand Rapids/Lakeshore area, All applicants agree to be part of the program from November 1, 2025, to May 9, 2026. Road Warrior Ambassador terms expire after race on May 9, 2026. Ambassador terms do not automatically renew, and all Ambassadors will be required to re-apply each registration cycle. All posts, stories and photos must be on personal account/accounts. Road Warrior Ambassadors are not financially compensated in any way, substitutions or negotiating donations. ARBR reserve the right to terminate any Road Warrior Ambassador from the program at any time during their term for any reason and your free entry into the race will be voided. Applicants are required to train and participate in the ARBR at distance of choice. All applicants agree to post (1) time every week on their personal social media of choice, and all applicants agree to run and fundraise for charity. Wheelchair athletes are responsible for the purchase and maintenance of their wheeler or hand-cycle. All applications must agree to unconditionally accept and be bound to the terms of the official rules and vendor contracts. Additionally, all applicants must agree to accept all additional terms to be disclosed in the official contract, upon claiming the prize. There will be only ten (10) finalists to win and accept the privilege of being an Amway River Bank Run ROAD WARRIOR AMBASSADOR. The Road Warriors are expected to train for the 25K. 10K or 5K Run and attend ARBR events; those listed below are mandatory in order to be a Road Warrior Ambassador for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run. October 20/21 interviews (15 minute interview; time slots are available on a first-come, first serve basis); October 30 Team Meeting, Location TBD, 5:00pm to 7:30pm (individual and team photos to be included); November 1, Training Run @ DDH YMCA, Date TBD Road Warrior/Charity Partner Meet & Greet at (location TBD);, DDH YMCA, first night at gym Date TBD, 1st Saturday of the Month TR at DDH YMCA (1st Saturday of Month from November through May); 2nd Tuesday of the Month TR at Perrin Brewing (Second Tuesday November-May); Amway Junior Wednesday, May 6, 2026, ARBR Expo May 8, 2026 and ARBR Race Day May 9, 2026 *Must attend Saturday morning long runs (Start Date TBD through race day) *Expected to attend ARBR events and other sponsor clinics, events and promotions. Publicity: Use of Personal Information: By participating, where allowed by law, all applicants grant permission to use their names, characters, photographs, voices and likenesses in connection with promotion of this and other contests and waive any claims to royalty, right or remuneration for such use. Applicants agree that the sponsors may use and disclose information to participating vendors, and use such information for marketing and other purposes.

Release, Conduct and Decisions

Release: Use of Personal Information: By participating, where allowed by law, all applicants grant permission to use their names, characters, photographs, voices and likenesses in connection with promotion of this and other contests and waive any claims to royalty, right or remuneration for such use. Applicants agree that the sponsors may use and disclose information to participating vendors, and use such information for marketing and other purposes. Conduct and Decisions: By participating in the ROAD WARRIOR AMBASSADOR program, applicants agree to be bound by the decisions of sponsors’ personnel. Persons who violate any rule, gain unfair advantage in participating in the ROAD WARRIOR AMBASSADORS, or obtain winner status using fraudulent means will be disqualified. Unsportsmanlike, disruptive, annoying, harassing or threatening behavior is prohibited in any and all situations (such as, but not limited to, sponsors, event management, Road Warrior leaders, Road Warrior participant, community). The sponsors will interpret these rules and resolve any disputes, conflicting claims or ambiguities concerning the rules of the ROAD WARRIOR AMBASSADORS and the sponsor’s decisions concerning such disputes shall be final. If the conduct or outcome of the ROAD WARRIOR AMBASSADORS is affected by human error, any mechanical malfunctions or failures of any kind, intentional interference or any event beyond the control of the sponsors, the sponsors reserve the right to terminate ROAD WARRIOR AMBASSADORS, or make such other decisions regarding the outcome as the sponsors deem appropriate. All decisions will be made by the sponsors and are final. The sponsors may waive any of these rules in its sole discretion. Any attempt by an applicant or any other individual to deliberately circumvent, disrupt or damage ordinary and normal operation of the Amway River Bank Run and/or ROAD WARRIOR AMBASSADORS, telephone systems or websites, or undermine the legitimate operation of the ROAD WARRIOR AMBASSADORS is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, sponsors reserve the right to seek damages from any such applicant to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Deadline

ONLINE REGISTRATION DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY MAILED-IN PORTIONS AND SUBMISSION IN FULL MUST BE BY OCTOBER 15, 2025 AT 11:59P (EST) PAPER APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED/ SUBMITTED BY OCTOBER 10, 2026. MAIL YOUR APPLICATION AND A SIGNED COPY OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS TO: RIVER BANK RUN, ROAD WARRIORS, PO BOX 2194, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49501.

BY SIGNING BELOW, APPLICANT AGREES TO UNCONDITIONALLY ACCEPT AND BE BOUND BY ALL TERMS OF THE OFFICIAL RULES AND DECISIONS OF THE SPONSOR(S). IN ADDITION, IF SELECTED, I UNDERSTAND THE TIME COMMITMENT I WILL SERVE AS AN AMWAY RIVER BANK RUN ROAD WARRIOR AMBASSADOR. *

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Previous Amway River Bank Run Road Warriors (2025)

Coach – Amanda VanBennekom:

Amanda VanBennekom serves as the running coach for the 2025 Road Warrior Ambassadors. Her passion for the Amway River Bank Run stems from her personal journey, as it was her first 5K many years ago. Since then, she has completed every race distance multiple times, gaining a deep appreciation for the event. Amanda is dedicated to coaching runners of all experience levels, fostering confidence and enthusiasm in each participant. She is excited to guide the Road Warriors through their training journey, preparing them to reach the start line of the 25K and cross the finish line with pride.

Zoey Goehring:

Zoey Goehring is a 24-year-old born and raised Grand Rapids native who has always had a passion for health and wellness! In her free time, you will find her walking/running with her dog, Darby, spreading awareness about animal welfare on her social media accounts, and trying new recipes! Goehring is eager to fundraise for Humane Society of West Michigan at this year’s Amway River Bank Run and hopes her beloved community members will back her in her endeavors, “Until every pet finds a home”.

Brittany Hayes:

Growing up in West Michigan, I discovered a love for sports early on – playing lacrosse for a decade, including at the collegiate level, and running collegiate cross country. About 13 years ago, I began running in my spare time as a way to stay active and support my mental health. Since then, running has become a cornerstone of my life, helping me navigate both the highs and lows. The Amway River Bank Run holds a special place in my heart, as it was one of the main reasons I decided to move to Grand Rapids nearly nine years ago. I first ran this race in 2014, and it has since become an annual tradition that deepened my connection to the city and its incredible running community.Whether I’m running solo to clear my mind or sharing the miles with friends and new faces, I’m constantly reminded of how grateful I am for this sport and the opportunities it brings. I’m thrilled to represent the Amway River Bank Run as a Road Warrior and to inspire others to lace up and hit the pavement.

Teresa Phelps:

Hey ,Teresa here, you can call me T. I grew up in Grand Rapids and migrated into Grand Haven where I am raising an amazing family, working with Corewell Health and running this year for Feeding America – West Michigan. I have the pleasure of being a part of Grand Haven Run Club and would highly recommend you join us for a run if you ever find yourself on the lakeshore. Stay for a sunset. You won’t regret it! At the age of 40 maybe you’ll be surprised that I only found my love for distance running just a few years back. It’s a deep connection now, more to share another day. Looking back to my last 25K Amway Riverbank Run, I’ve got a chip time of 2:22:52. Since it’s so exciting that the Road Warriors are coming back this year, do you guys want to see me shoot for the two-hour club? Go big or go home, right?!

Ryan Olson:

Ryan joined the Road Runners recently during his recovery from back surgery in September – because let’s face it, nothing says “rest and recover” like surrounding yourself with a bunch of runners! His history with running began in 2015 with the completion of his first half marathon, where he quickly learned to love endurance running. By 2017, he was pushing himself to complete his first ultra-marathon. Since then, his favorite races are 24 hour and 100 milers.

Now, with his sights set on the comeback, Ryan’s recovery goal is to complete the Amway River Bank Triple Crown and an ultra marathon in June.
When he is not logging miles, Ryan is either busy with his 2 boys, Elijah and Cooper, and his partner in crime, his Golden Retriever Zeus, or working on a few projects at home.

Liz DeByle:

I’m Liz DeByle, and my running journey started in 2022 when I signed up for my first 5K, thinking it would be a one-time bucket list item. Since then, I’ve completed numerous 5Ks, a few 10Ks, and even my first Half Marathon. Along the way, I’ve discovered that training for and conquering new distances has had a positive impact on many areas of my life. It has built my mental resilience, helping me navigate tough situations and reinforcing the lesson that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.For me, running is about embracing challenges and finishing what I start—it’s not about race times or medals.

I use the run/walk method, which has made running much more enjoyable. I truly believe anyone can be a runner, no matter their pace, the distance they cover, or their age. I’m excited not only to complete the 2025 River Bank 25K but to embrace the journey that will take me there.

Merry Wilbert:

Hi, I’m Merry. You can most likely find me running, talking about running, planning a running shenanigan, or talking about bodily functions while running. 2025 marks my fifth 25k! My ARBR journey began several moons ago with the 5k and then blossomed into the 25k. I’ve conquered 2 marathons so far; soon to be 3. The party in the back is where it’s at!

Courtney Henderson:

Hello! My name is Courtney Henderson. This will be my 6th year running the Amway River Bank Run. I live in Hudsonville, MI with my husband of 8 years and our two daughters ages 7 and 5. I ran cross country and track in high school, a few years in college, then took a couple years off when I started having kids. I picked it back up in 2021 and ran my first marathon in Chicago in 2022! I’m excited to be a Road Warrior this year and meet new faces at the training runs! Please reach out if you have any questions or live in the jenison/hudsonville area and want to run together sometime!

Tom VanBennekom:

My name is Tom VanBennekom, and my running journey began in high school when I joined the cross-country team. At the end of my first season, my coach told me, “I wish you loved running.” At the time, I didn’t quite understand what he meant. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure I liked running—it was just a means to stay in great shape for the other sports I enjoyed. After graduation, I didn’t run again until I turned 40. Needing a way to lose weight and get back into shape, two co-workers and I made a pact in early 2013 to run the River Bank 10K. I didn’t take it seriously and was completely unprepared for the race. I struggled but managed to finish. Crossing the finish line gave me a sense of accomplishment and made me wonder how much better I could do if I actually trained.

That realization marked the beginning of a new chapter in my running journey. I started running 3-5 times a week, initially alternating between running and walking. Running to a landmark and then walking to the next slowly turned into running for an hour at a time. Hills that once required walking became manageable to run. Little by little, I discovered a true love for running and began to understand what Coach Robinson had meant all those years ago. Since then, I’ve participated in numerous races, including 15 half marathons and two full marathons. I’ve also competed in the River Bank Run 12 times, tackling the 25K distance three times. Running has become an integral part of my life, not just for the physical and mental benefits it brings but also for the sense of community it fosters, and I’m excited to support and encourage my fellow runners as we embark on the journey to the 25K in 2025.