Event Information

DATE: Saturday, May 9, 2009

LOCATION: Starting and finishing in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan

DISTANCES: 25K - Largest 25K road race in the United States with Wheelchair Racing and Handcycle divisions, 10K Run, 5K Run and 5K Community Walk; Fifth Third Junior (1/2 and one mile "fun runs" for kids ages 5-13; 5K Run for kids 9-13) on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, location TBD.

2009 USA 25 km Open and Masters Championships is open to U.S. citizens 14 years of age or older as of race day. USATF membership and eligibility to represent the United States in international competition are additional requirements. A space has been provided on the entry for your 2009 USATF membership number.

The 32nd Annual Fifth Third River Bank Run is part of the USA Running Circuit, a USA Track and Field road series (USATF). For information on joining USATF, please call Jacqueline DeVose, USATF Michigan Association president at jdevose@aol.com or (313) 934-0126.

PARTICIPATION: Over 16,000 people from 40 states, Canada, Hungary, Kenya, Romania and Ethiopia competed in the 2008 event.

VOLUNTEERS: 2,000+ staff and volunteers coordinate race weekend activities

COMMUNITY SUPPORT: 38,000+ spectators are estimated to line event courses and the downtown area.

MEDIA COVERAGE: Race coverage is provided by CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX television network affiliates for live news programming and/or follow-up stories.

NEWSRADIO WOOD 1300 AM provides exclusive, live, pre-race coverage detailing participant and spectator information including parking, traffic and weather beginning at 6:00 a.m. and event updates from 7:30-10:00 a.m.  Local and national print publications provide extensive pre- and post-race coverage.

RACE-RELATED ACTIVITIES
A Pasta Dinner will be offered from 4:30-8:00 pm on Friday, May 8 at DeVos Place.

The Michelob Ultra Post-Race Party will take place on Saturday, May 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Calder Plaza (adjacent to the finish line) and feature the band, Hip Pocket, race videos, food from Brann's Steakhouse & Grille, beverages and Michelob Ultra drink specials.