Weather/Medical Policies

Adverse Weather Policies

THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS
The Fifth Third River Bank Run, 15K Training Run and/or Fifth Third Junior will be canceled or delayed if any of the following weather conditions exist: Tornado Warning, Tornado Watch, Thunderstorm, "Heavy" Rain

START OF THE RACE
The start of any of the events can be delayed one hour from the posted start time if any of the above mentioned conditions exist.

CANCELLATION OF THE RACE
The events will be canceled if one of the following weather conditions exist: Tornado Warning, Thunderstorm

AUTORITY TO CANCEL THE RACE
The Race Director, in accordance with management executives of Fifth Third Bank and local law enforcement has the authority to cancel any of the events. If threatening weather conditions force cancellation of the event, no refunds can be provided, since funds were already spent in preparation for Race Day. T-shirts will be distributed.

BROADCAST OF CANCELLATION
STAR 105.7 FM, WOTV4 and the event emcees will communicate any delay and/or cancellation of Fifth Third Junior, on Wednesday, May 6 in Wyoming.  NEWSRADIO WOOD 1300 and the Kent County Amateur Radio Emergency Service will communicate the delay and/or cancellation for the Fifth Third River Bank Run on Saturday, May 9.  Ground Zero is located at the medical tent in the finish area and will be utilized to communicate the decision.

AREAS IMPACTED
Police, Trains, Volunteers, Businesses, City Transportation, Spectators

Medical Policies
If medical attention is required on the race course or at the finish line, Medical staff is available to treat minor injuries and provide basic support. Insurance liabilities mandate that should a participant require and consent to an IV for fluid replacement or treatment of serious injuries, they must be transported to a local hospital at their own expense. Therefore, we urge you to abide by the following guidelines to prevent the need for such treatment.

ATTENTION PARTICIPANTS: In an effort to make the Fifth Third River Bank Run safe and enjoyable, the Race Officials request that you please read the following medical guidelines carefully. It is important that participants attempting to participate in a run of this distance be adequately prepared. Entrants who have not prepared themselves with proper training should not attempt this course.

PREVENTION OF PHYSICAL PROBLEMS: Avoid exercising to exhaustion within the week preceding the race. Remember, you will be participating on yesterday's meals. Avoid fatty foods on race day. Athletes are encouraged to consume carbohydrates for 3-4 days prior to completion of the race.

Pre-run warm-up should be followed by stretching exercises of the calf, hamstring, quadriceps, groin and trunk muscles. If you begin to feel muscle tightness or cramps during the race, stop and stretch.

Blisters can be prevented by wearing well fitted, broken-in shoes and soft light weight socks. Remove pebbles immediately. Toenails should be trimmed. If you feel a hot spot developing, stop at an aid station for care.

Chafing occurs where clothing rubs against the skin. Chafing can be prevented by wearing loose-fitting clothing and applying petroleum jelly (available at the pre-event Aid Station on Lyon and Monroe Avenue) or protective bandaging to susceptible areas such as nipples, armpits, neckline, groin and feet.

You will be one of many runners/walkers, so run/walk defensively. Watch out for other participants and yield if necessary.

PACE YOURSELF. Don't burn yourself out by starting too quickly. Common sense is the key.

FLUID REPLACEMENT: Maintenance of adequate hydration is the most important preventive measure. If you become thirsty, you are behind in fluids. Drink two 8 oz. glasses of water before you come to the race or drink it 10-15 minutes before the start. Water will be available at the race prior to the start at the PRE-RACE AID STATION. Water is provided at every aid station, with Ice and Fluid Replacement at aid stations located at 3 miles, 4.5, miles, 6 miles, 7.5 miles, 9.0 miles, 10.5 miles, 12 miles, 13.5 miles and 14.5 miles. Fluid Replacement and water will be in the finish area.

PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DRINK AT EACH AID STATION.
A drop-out list will be located at the Information Booth on Calder Plaza and also in the Medical Area. The Medical Area will know the whereabouts of any participants transported to a hospital. PLEASE INFORM FAMILY OR FRIENDS OF YOUR PARTICIPANT NUMBER AS THIS WILL ASSIST IN LOCATING THE WHEREABOUTS OF ANY DROP-OUTS.