FAQ

What are the start times?  All the traditional starting times for race day events have changed for 2009:
5K Run: 7:30 am
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
15K Training Run on April 18 - 8:00 am
Junior events on May 6 -- 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 9 events is located near the corner of Monroe and Lyon, just outside of DeVos Place and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

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.

Is the course certified?
The 25K, 10K, and 5K courses are USATF certified.

Is there a time limit?
Yes.   The finish line will close at 11:45 am.  Participants finishing after 11:45 am cannot be included in the official results posted at www.53riverbankrun.com and/or provided to The Grand Rapids Press for the Fifth Third River Bank Run Results Section.

What is the course/weather conditions?
Average temps range from the low 40's to 60's at 7:30 am and climb throughout the morning.

What is the Official Sports Drink?
Gatorade will be available at Aid Stations along event courses, the pre-race Aid Station on the corner of Lyon and Monroe, and in the post-event refreshments area.

What is the Official Water?
Ice Mountain will be available at the pre-race Aid Station on the corner of Lyon and Monroe, along the race course approximately every 1.5 miles at Official Aid Stations and in the post-event refreshments area.

Where are the water and Official Aid Stations?
There is a pre-race Aid Station located at the corner of Lyon and Monroe near the starting line. There will be water, ice and Gatorade along the race course at Official Aid Stations, approximately every 1.5 miles on the 25K course. Orange slices will be added after the 25K half-way point near Veterans Memorial Drive and Butterworth. Official Aid Stations will be offered near miles one and two on the 5K course, and at approximately every two miles on the 10K course.

Will there be port-a-jon's available and where?
Port-a-jon's are conveniently located near the starting line, approximately every 1.5 miles along the race course (near the aid stations), at the finish line and on Calder Plaza.

Do you have training tips or guides?
Training guides are available here and at Gazelle Sports.

What is the Chronotrack D-Tag System?
The Chronotrack D-Tag System will be used to score all May 9 events. You will receive your D-Tag at Late Registration/Packet Pick-up at DeVos Place.

Is pace information available at the start?  Wills pacers be offered?
There will be pace per minute signs/areas at the starting line. 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.  Meet the Pacers at the Sports & Fitness Expo from 5-8 pm.

Can I check my Running Gear prior to the Race?
Complimentary gear check stations will be available on the corner of Lyon and Monroe, just south of the starting line and in DeVos Place near Packet Pick-up. You will need to pull the gear check tabs off you runner/walker bib and attach it to your bag. Claim your gear after your event at the same station you dropped it off at pre-event.

Will there be Post-Event Refreshments available?
Post-event refreshments are available after crossing the finish line on Ottawa Avenue. This includes and is not limited to water, oranges, bagels, cereal bars, yogurt and Gatorade.

Will there be showers available after my event?
Enjoy complimentary showers and lockers at the David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive, from 6 am to 2 pm.  You will need to show your Fifth Third River Bank Run participant number for access to the YMCA on May 9.   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 9.

Will there be a Post-Race Party?
The Michelob Ultra Post-Race Party Village will be held IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE RACE on Calder Plaza from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm. Admission to the party is free with food available for purchase. (cash only). A cash bar featuring Michelob Ultra and other beverage specials will be available. The Michelob Ultra Post-Race Party will also feature the band, Hip Pocket, race videos and activities.

What hotel accommodations are available?
The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel has been named Host Hotel for the 2009 event. To receive your event rate of $128, please indicate that you are a participant when calling 1-800-632-6120 (in MI) and 1-800-235-3590 (outside MI). Room and discount rate availability cannot be guaranteed and early reservations are encouraged.

Where and when do I pick up my race packet?
Packet pick-up is held in conjunction with the Sports & Fitness Expo and Fashion Show/Pasta Dinner on Friday, May 8 from 11 am to 8 pm at DeVos Place. You may also pick up your race packet on Saturday, May 9 from 6:30-8:45 am at DeVos Place.

How do I get to DeVos Place to pick up my race packet?
DeVos Place is located at 245 Monroe, downtown Grand Rapids. Parking Info.

I registered for the 25K, but want to run the 10k or 5K. Can I change events?
Yes, all 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 9 at DeVos Place beginning at 6:30 am.  No new registrations will be accepted on Saturday, May 9.  Results will not be published for those participating in events for which they were not registered. All entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.

My name is spelled wrong, age is wrong, etc.
No problem! Just let us know at the Solutions Desk at packet pick-up and we will update the database.

Do I have to wear my race 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 8 from 11 am to 8 pm or at Packet Pick-up on Saturday, May 9 beginning at 6:30 am.

Can I listen to a portable cd player or iPod while participating in my event?
Yes. The roads are closed to traffic as long as you keep pace with the average runner and stay within finish time range designated for each event. However, participants wearing listening devices will not be eligible for prize money in the USA 25 km Open or Masters Championships divisions (based on United States Track & Field rules).

What are the registration deadlines?
The early registration entry deadline is April 24, 2009.  Late registration is available online or at any Gazelle Sports location until Monday, May 4.  Late registration is also available on Friday, May 8 during Late Registration/Packet Pick-up held during the Sports & Fitness Expo and Fashion Show/Pasta Dinner at DeVos Place, downtown Grand Rapids. (cash or check only) NO REGISTRATION AVAILABLE ON MAY 9 (RACE DAY); ONLY PACKET PICK-UP.

Can I get a printed entry form?
Printable entry forms will be available in mid-January. After January 19, entry forms will be available at Fifth Third Banking Centers in Western and Northern Michigan, and Chicago area Banking Centers.

Can I register at Gazelle Sports?
Yes. Register at any Gazelle Sports' location (Grand Rapids, Holland and Kalamazoo) through May 4 for the Fifth Third River Bank Run event of your choice. At the same time, purchase 32nd Annual Fifth Third River Bank Run apparel.

How do I know if I'm registered?
If you register online, you'll received an e-mail confirmation of your registration within 48 hours of registering as well as a mailed confirmation in April (if registered by April 17).  Those who register by mail by April 17 will receive a mailed version of the confirmation in April.   You may also check the Registration Search option (available in February) by clicking here.  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 or correct your information at Packet Pick-up at DeVos Place.

What are the minimum age requirements for the 25K, 10K, 5K Run, 5K Community Walk and Fifth Third Junior?
25K -- minimum 14 years of age by May 9, 2009
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 my friend/family?
No. There are no refunds or transfers of bibs to another person.

Will my results be posted if I finish the 25K event after 11:45 am?
No. Participants who finish the 25K event after 11:45 am will be considered unofficial finishers and will not be included in the Official Results that are posted to the website and provided to The Grand Rapids Press. In addition, 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 11. The Grand Rapids Press will publish a Fifth Third River Bank Run special section in its Sunday, May 10 edition. It will feature 25K, 10K Run and 5K Run results, event photos and editorial highlights.

What charities are affiliated with the Fifth Third River Bank Run?
The Official Charity of the 2009 Fifth Third River Bank Run is the Greater Grand Rapids YMCAs Healthy U Program. To make a contribution just check one of the donation boxes on the entry form.  New in 2009 is the Charity Partner program.  Five charities were selected from all who applied to receive a donation from Fifth Third Bank and market their missions to participants, volunteers and sponsors.  Find out how you can participate on their behalf now (LINK).

Will there be an Expo & Fashion Show ?
The Sports & Fitness Expo will feature 100+ vendors and a Fashion Show/Pasta Dinner, and will take place concurrently with Late Registration/Packet Pick-up at DeVos Place on Friday, May 8 from 11 am to 8 pm.

When and where is the Pasta Dinner?
Friday, May 8 from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. at DeVos Place in conjunction with the Sports & Fitness Expo. The menu will include fresh pasta with choice of sauces, garden salad, rolls and beverage. Costs are as follows:

• Adults - $9.00 ($9.50 at the door)
• Child (age 4 to 12 years) - $5.00
• Children under 3 eat free

Can I print my own Finisher Certificates?
Printable certificates will be available online after 4 pm on Tuesday, May 26, 2009.

How can I volunteer?
Fifth Third Bank could not offer the Fifth Third River Bank Run without thousands of volunteers. Volunteer registration will be available in mid-February.