FAQ

WHAT ARE THE EVENT START TIMES ON May 12, 2012?
5K Run: 7:00 am (heat A; men and women)
5K Run: 7:30 am (heat B; men and women
10K Run: 8:00 am
25K Handcycle Division: 8:10 am
25K Wheelchair Racing Division: 8:12 am
25K Run: 8:20 am
5K Community Walk: 8:45 am

Junior events on May 9, 2012 - 5:30 pm (1/2 mile and 1 mile fun runs); 6:45 pm (5K Run)

WHERE IS THE STARTING LINE?
The starting line for all May 12, 2012 events is located near the corner of Monroe Avenue and Lyon Street, just outside of DeVos Place and Fifth Third Bank.  Participants will line up in order of event start times and their personal pace per mile, beginning with the 5K Run heat A (men and women).

WHY ARE THERE TWO 5K RUN STARTS?

Providing two mixed-gender heats for the 5K Run helps reduce the congestion at the starting line and along the course.  Heat A of the  5K Run will begin at 7:00 am followed by the heat B at 7:30 am.  Please indicate your preferred starting heat when you register.  Results from both heats will be merged for event results.  Participants CAN participate in either heat with those of another gender (i.e. husband with wife, mother with son, etc.).  Participants' B-Tags (scoring devices) will only allow scoring for participation in one heat of the 5K Run.

WHERE IS THE FINISH LINE/POST-EVENT REFRESHMENTS?
The finish line is on the corner of Ottawa and Lyon. Post-race refreshments will be available once you cross the finish line on Ottawa.

ARE THE COURSES CERTIFIED?
The 25K, 10K, and 5K courses are all USATF-certified.

IS THERE A TIME LIMIT?
Yes. The finish line will close at 11:50 am. Participants finishing after 11:50 am cannot be included in the official results posted at this website.

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL WEATHER CONDITIONS ON RACE DAY?
Average temps range from the low 40's to 60's at 7:30 am and climb throughout the morning. Go to www.woodradio.com during race week for weather updates and information.

WHERE DO I PARK ON FRIDAY AND/OR SATURDAY?
The 2012 Parking & Traffic Guide will be available online in April as well as at all Fifth Third Banking Centers.  Downtown streets near the start finish line begin to close at 5:30 am.  More than 21,000 participants, 36,000 spectators and 2,000 volunteers will be looking for parking all at the same time. Please plan to arrive early for an easier parking experience.

WHAT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE AID STATIONS?
Gatorade, Ice Mountain water and ice will be available at the pre-race Aid Station on the corner of Lyon and Monroe Ave, at 25K Aid Stations approximately every 1.5 miles along the 25K course, and in the post-event refreshments area. Orange slices will be added after the 25K half-way point near Veterans Memorial Drive and Butterworth (25K course only). Official Aid Stations will be offered approximately every two miles on the 10K course, and at halfway point on the 5K course, featuring Gatorade and Ice Mountain water.

WILL THERE BE PORTABLE RESTROOMS AVAILABLE AND WHERE?
Regular and handicap portable restrooms will be conveniently located near the start line, approximately every 1.5 miles along the race course (near aid stations), in the finish line area and at the Michelob Ultra Post-Race Party on Calder Plaza.

The 2012 Training Guide, containing schedules for the 25K, 10K and 5K Run, will be available online in mid-November.. Hard copies of the guide will be available at all Michigan Fifth Third Banking Centers, and West Michigan Gazelle Sports and YMCA locations.  Training clinic and group run/walk information is available online in the "training" area.

WhAT IS THE CHRONOTRACK B-TAG SYSTEM?
The Chronotrack B-Tag System will be used to score all May 12, 2012 events. Your B-Tag will be attached to your participant bib you receive at Late Registration/Packet Pick-up at DeVos Place. Please keep your B-Tag attached to your participant bib that you pin to the front of your shirt on event day to ensure your results are recorded properly.

CAN MY FRIENDS/FAMILY FOLLOW MY PROGRESS IN MY EVENT?                                               Yes, new in 2012, your friends and family can register online during race week (May 7-11, 2012) to receive updates via email, text, Facebook and/or Twitter when you cross the start and finish lines (all events), and at the halfway point and one mile to go (25K event only).  This service will be available for $3.99/person.  Each person can track up to five participants.

IS PACE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT THE START? WILL PACERS BE OFFERED?
There will be pace per minute signs/areas at the starting line for each event. Please line up in the appropriate area. Official Pacers, sponsored by Gazelle Sports, will be available for the 25K to pace in the 6-12 minute/mile categories.  If you'd like to run the 25K race with a pacer, look for them on race day in the 25K start area carring large, yellow signs with their specific pace per miles listed and wearing brightly colored Official Pacer shirts.  Simply start with your Official Pacer and keep them in sight throughout your event to hit your desired finish time.

CAN I CHECK GEAR WITH THE RACE WHILE I PARTICIPATE?
Complimentary gear check will be available in the DeVos Place lobby.  You will need to pull the gear check tab off you participant bib and attach it to the bag provided at gear check.  Claim your gear after your event in Devos Place no later than 12:30 pm on May 12, 2012.  Fifth Third Bank cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.  Participants are responsible for any clothing articles they choose to discard along the course.  Event officials do not collect clothing articles discarded at the start or along the course.

WILL THERE BE POST-EVENT REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE?
Post-event refreshments are available for all participants after crossing the finish line on Ottawa Avenue. This includes, but is not limited to water, oranges, bagels, cereal bars, yogurt and Gatorade.

WILL THERE BE SHOWERS AVAILABLE AFTER THE EVENT?
Enjoy complimentary showers and lockers at the David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive, from 6 am to 2 pm. Simpy show your Fifth Third River Bank Run participant number at the desk for access to the YMCA on May 12, 2012. Parking at the YMCA is not available for non-members. All Fifth Third River Bank Run participants should park in Dash Lot 7 when accessing the YMCA on Saturday, May 12, 2012.

WILL THERE BE A POST-RACE PARTY
The Michelob Ultra Post-Race Party will be held on Calder Plaza from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Admission to the party is free with food available for purchase from Buffalo Wild Wings. A cash bar featuring Michelob Ultra and other beverage specials will be available (picture ID will be required). The Michelob Ultra Post-Race Party will also feature Main Street dueling pianos, live race videos and activities.

WHAT HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Stay next to the starting line at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, the Host Hotel for the 35th Annual Fith Third River Bank Run. Race room discount and reservation information will be available after November 1.

WHERE AND WHEN DO I PICK UP MY EVENT PACKET?
Packet pick-up is held in conjunction with the Sports & Fitness Expo and Fashion Show/Pasta Dinner on Friday, May 11, 2012 from 11 am to 8 pm at DeVos Place (303 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids). You may also pick up your race packet on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 6:00-8:45 am at DeVos Place.

CAN I CHANGE EVENTS IF I ALREADY REGISTERED?
Yes, changes can be made by emailing or calling the Race office (616.771.1590) until April 27.  After Arpil 27, changes can be made at Late Registration/Packet Pick-up held during the Sports & Fitness Expo and Fashion Show/Pasta Dinner at DeVos Place. Please pick up your packet and indicate that you want to change events. You will then be directed to the correct location. Event changes can also be made Saturday, May 12, 2012 at DeVos Place beginning at 6:00 am. No new registrations will be accepted on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Results will not be posted for those participating in events for which they were not registered. All entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.

IN VERIFYING MY ENTRY, I NOTICED A MISTAKE IN MY REGISTRATION INFORMATION
No problem! Please email or call the Race office (616.771.1590) to make the correction by April 27.  Or, after April 27, please let us know at the Solutions Desk at Packet Pick-up on Friday, May 11, 2012 or Saturday, May 12, 2012 and we will update the database so your results are posted correctly.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR MY PARTICIPANT BIB?
All registered participants will receive a bib number that must be worn on race day. The bib must be visible and worn on the front outside of your shirt during the entire race for viewing by race officials and for readability of photography proofs. Please do not alter the bib in any way or wear it on your shorts/pants.

I WON'T BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE! CAN I STILL PICK UP MY T-SHIRT?
YES! Please stop by and pick up your bib, t-shirt and goody bag during Late Registration/Packet Pick-up held during the Sports & Fitness Expo and Fashion Show/Pasta Dinner at DeVos Place on Friday, May 11, 2012 from 11 am to 8 pm or at Packet Pick-up on Saturday, May 12, 2012 beginning at 6:00 am.

CAN I LISTEN TO A PORTABLE CD PLAYER OR iPOD WHILE PARTICIPATING?
Yes. The roads are closed to traffic. However, participants wearing listening devices will not be eligible for prize money in the USA 25 km Open Championship division (based on United States Track & Field rules).

WHAT ARE THE REGISTRATION DEADLINES?
Registration deadlines are as follows:

25K                 $35 10/15-1/31; $40 2/1-4/27; $50 4/28-5/7 and on 5/11

10K                 $30 10/15-1/31; $35 2/1-4/27; $40 4/28-5/7 and on 5/11

12 and under  $20 10/15-1/31; $25 2/1-4/27; $30 4/28-5/7 and on 5/11

5K Run            $28 10/15-1/31; $33 2/1-4/27; $38 4/28-5/7 and on 5/11

12 and under  $18 10/15-1/31; $23 2/1-4/27; $28 4/28-5/7 and on 5/11

5K Walk          $20 10/15-1/31; $25 2/1-4/27; $30 4/28-5/7 and on 5/11

12 and under  $10 10/15-1/31; $15 2/1-4/27; $20 4/ 28-5/7 and on 5/11

Junior  1/2 mile/1 mile fun runs on May 9               $5/$7 online

Junior 5K Run on May 9                                       $8/$10 online

Registration is available online until Monday, May 7, 2012. Late registration is also available on Friday, May 11, 2012 during Late Registration/Packet Pick-up held inconjunction with the Sports & Fitness Expo and  Fashion Show/Pasta Dinner at DeVos Place, downtown Grand Rapids. (cash, check or credit card)

NO REGISTRATION AVAILABLE ON May 12, 2012 (RACE DAY); ONLY PACKET PICK-UP BEGINNING AT 6:30 AM AT DEVOS PLACE.

HOW CAN I OBTAIN A PRINTED ENTRY FORM?
Printed entry forms will be available at any Fifth Third Banking Center after January 16. To have an entry form mailed to your home, please email or call the Race office (616.771.1590) and provide your mailing address.

CAN I REGISTER AT GAZELLE SPORTS' LOCATIONS?
Use your credit card to register online at any Gazelle Sports location (no paper entry forms or cash/checks accepted) in Grand Rapids, Holland or Kalamazoo through May 7, 2012.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M REGISTERED?
If you register online, you'll received an e-mail confirmation of your registration within a few minutes as well as an e-mail confirmation within 48 hours of registering. If you register online or through the mail by April 20, 2012, you'll also be mailed a confirmation near the end of April. You may also check the Registration Search option (available in February). Please check the address and other information (shirt size, age, etc.) on your confirmation or online to be sure it is correct. If it is not correct, please send an email with your corrections to runinfo@53riverbankrun.com by April 27, 2012. After April 27, 2012, please correct your information at Packet Pick-up at DeVos Place on Friday, May 11, 2012 or Saturday, May 12, 2012.

WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM AGE REQUIRMENTS FOR THE DIFFERENT EVENTS?
25K -- minimum 14 years of age by May 12, 2012
10K, 5K Run, and 5K Community Walk -- all ages welcome
Fifth Third Junior 1/2 mile and 1 mile fun runs -- ages 5 through 13
Fifth Third Junior 5K -- ages 9-13

CAN I GET A REFUND OR TRANSFER MY BIB TO A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER IF I REGISTERED BUT FIND I CAN'T PARTICIPATE?
There are no refunds or transfers of bibs to another person. However, if you'd to move to another event (i.e. currently registered for the 25K but would like to run the 10K), please do so at Packet Pick-up at DeVos Place on Friday, May 11, 2012 or Saturday, May 12, 2012.

WILL MY RESULTS BE POSTED IF A FINISH THE 25K AFTER 11:50 AM?
No. Participants who finish the 25K event after the finish line closes at 11:50 am will be considered unofficial finishers and will not be included in the Official Results that are posted to the website.  In addition, 25K runners not maintaining a 3.5 hours finish pace are participating at their own risk without race services.

WHEN/WHERE WILL I FIND RACE RESULTS?
Individual results will available on this site after 4 pm race day. Team results will be available online after 4 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012.

WHAT CHARTIES ARE AFFILIATED WITH THE 2012 EVENT?
The Official Charity of the 2012 Fifth Third River Bank Run is the Greater Grand Rapids YMCAs Healthy U Program. $1 from each paid registration is donated to the Official Charity.  To make a contribution just check one of the donation boxes on the entry form. 21 Charity Partners were selected to market their missions to participants, volunteers and sponsors. Select the Official Charity or one of the Charity Partners and make a donation of $5, at least $35 or at least $100 at time of registration to qualify for Race-related incentives. Or, commit to raising pledges through your participation.  Find out how you can run/walk on behalf of charity now.

WILL THERE BE AN EXPO AND FASHION SHOW?
The free expanded Sports & Fitness Expo will feature 150+ vendors and a Fashion Show (5:30pm), and will take place concurrently with Late Registration/Packet Pick-up at DeVos Place on Friday, May 11, 2012 from 11 am to 8 pm.

WHEN/WHERE IS THE PASTA DINNER?
Friday, May 11, 2012 from 4:30 to 8:00 pm at DeVos Place inconjunction with the Sports & Fitness Expo and Fashion Show. The menu will include mixed field green salad with assorted toppings and dressings, homemade meat lasagna, and gluten-free pasta and whole wheat penne pasta with Bolognaise sauce or Alfredo sauce with fresh vegetable and herbs, breadsticks, miniature candied Rice Krispie treats and brownie bites, and your choice of beverage. Cost is $15/adults; $6/ages 4-12; and free/ages 3 and under.

CAN I PRINT MY OWN FINISHER CERTIFICATES?
Printable certificates will be available online after 4 pm on Tuesday, May 25, 2010

HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Fifth Third Bank could not offer the Fifth Third River Bank Run without thousands of volunteers.  Online volunteer registration will be available in early-January.  Please send your email address to the Race office if you'd like the link sent to you.  Or, contact the Race office (616.771.1590) with your mailing address to have a hard copy of the volunteer sign-up form sent to you.