May 7, 2008
FIfth Third River Bank Run - Race Week Schedule of Events Press | Views- 1948

WELCOME TO FIFTH THIRD RIVER BANK RUN RACE WEEK!
(GRAND RAPIDS, MI – May 2, 2008) The 31st Annual Fifth Third River Bank Run features the largest 25K road race in the country, only 25K Wheelchair Racing division in the world, 25K Handcycle division, new 10K Run, 5K Run, 5K Community Walk and Junior, involving more than 14,000 participants, 38,000 spectators and 2,000 volunteers, in downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday May 10! The following is a list of race weekend events:

Wednesday, May 7, 4:30 p.m. -- Fifth Third Junior, sponsored by Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Centers, Ice Mountain, Priority Health, West Michigan Whitecaps, STAR 105.7 and WOTV4
Roger’s High School, 1350 Prairie Parkway SW, Wyoming

* Junior Late Registration/Packet Pick-up beginning at 4:30 p.m.

More than 1,500 children ages 5 to 13 will participate in non-competitive ½ mile and 1 mile fun runs (5:30 p.m.); Wheelchair Racing division will also be featured. Plus, kids in grades 4th-6th grade can choose the new 5K Run (6:30 p.m.). Free Family Fun Area will feature inflatable bounce stations, interactive displays and demonstrations.

Friday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Fifth Third River Bank Run Sports & Fitness Expo
DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Avenue, downtown Grand Rapids
· Free and open to the public (15,000 people expected)
· Late Registration/Packet Pick-up/Race Changes for the 25K, 10K Run, 5K Run and 5K Walk events
· 100+ health and fitness vendors, samples, discounted apparel and prize drawings
· Annual Pasta Dinner, 4:30 to 8 p.m. Fresh pasta with marina or meat sauce, garden salad, rolls and beverage
o $9.50 for adults, $5.00 for children 4-12, and free for 3 and under
· Elite Athlete Introduction, 5 to 5:30 p.m. (main stage)
· Gazelle Sports Fashion Show, 5:30 to 6 p.m. (main stage)
· 2008 Olympics Panel Discussion (main stage), 6 to 7 p.m. featuring:
o Dathen Ritzenhein, 2008 Olympic Marathon team member
o Brian Sell, 2008 Olympic Marathon team member
o Amby Burfoot, Executive Editor, Runner’s World Magazine
o Greg Meyer, seven-time 25K winner and Elite Athlete Recruiter

Saturday, May 10 – Race Day
Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan
6 a.m.-2 p.m. Complimentary showers/lockers available at David D. Hunting YMCA (475 Lake Michigan Drive); please park in Dash Lot 7 if non-Member

6:30-8:00 a.m. All Events Packet Pick-up/Race Changes (DeVos Place)


(NO EVENT DAY REGISTRATION OFFERED)
6:30-7:25 a.m. Performance by Mid Life Crisis
7-9:30 a.m. NEWSRADIO WOOD 1300 Live Race Broadcast
7:30 a.m. START – new 10K
7:50 a.m. START -- 25K Wheelchair Racing and Handcycle divisions
sponsored by Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
8 a.m. START -- Fifth Third River Bank Run, largest 25K road race in the United States, and USA 25 km Open and Masters Championships
8:10 a.m. START -- Fifth Third 5K Run, sponsored by Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille and the FOX 101.3 FM
8:15 a.m. START -- Fifth Third 5K Community Walk sponsored by Preusser Jewelers, Blue Care Network and STAR 105.7
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Michelob Ultra Post-Race Party on Calder Plaza. Free admission. Live band (Hip Pocket), concessions by Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, live video from the finish line on the big screen, and free post-race massages from Natural Choice Massage
4 p.m. Official results available at www.53riverbankrun.com
6 p.m.-7 p.m. NEWSRADIO WOOD 1300 Live Race Broadcast Highlights

For more information, please contact the Fifth Third River Bank Run headquarters at 616.771.1590 or go online to www.53riverbankrun.com for more information.

Thank you!