It's no coincidence that America's largest 25K road race – the Amway River Bank Run – takes place in Grand Rapids every May. We are a city of runners! The River Bank Run, which launched in 1978 with 1,000 entrants, now features as many as 10,000+ people participating in the 25K run as well as the world’s only 25K wheelchair race and a 25K handcycle division.
Consistently ranked as one of the premier road racing events in the U.S., the River Bank Run is the site of the Men’s 25K American and Course record and the Women’s 25K American record. It starts and ends in downtown Grand Rapids, and includes a leg through scenic Millennium Park, one of the nation’s largest urban parks.
Millennium Park is also the site of several marathon events, including the Groundhog Day Marathon (Feb), Millennium Meadows Marathon (Aug), Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon (Sept) and University of Michigan Health - West Grand Rapids Marathon (Oct) – all on certified courses that enable runners to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Other popular running events include the Irish Jig 5K (March), Rivertown Races (April), Brian Diemer Family of Races (June), LMCU Bridge Run (Sept), Grand Rapids Turkey Trot (Thanksgiving Day) and Reeds Lake Resolution Run (New Year’s Eve). Want even more of a challenge? The Tri Millennium (July) and Michigan Titanium (Aug) triathlons are just the ticket.
There are dozens more running events throughout all 12 months of the year – we don’t let a little snow get in our way – including duathlons, trail runs, obstacle courses, adventure races, theme runs, kids’ runs and more.
We even have a running tour group – Grand Rapids Running Tours – which offers 80+ routes focused on different local landmarks, events, history and more. Your guide will provide fascinating information along the tour, so you’ll learn while you burn calories.
Lace up your sneakers and join us!
