One of the jewels of Michigan's road racing events will be celebrating 25 years of success this Saturday.  The Fifth Third Bank River Bank Run in Grand Rapids will once again proudly host one of America's finest 25km races.

Many of Michigan's premier and age group stars will start side by side some of the nations best athletes and a number of outstanding foreigners too. Highlighted will be the 27 runners who have run all of the past 24 River Bank Runs.

Over 100,000 athletes have shared the road along the Grand River.  For an event that started with just 1,000 in 1978, its organizers have held onto the passion and enthusiasm necessary to instill excitement and a strong commitment from its community, sponsors and runners year after year.

The news media has chronicled some great athletes ripping through the course parkway.  Boston's Bill Rodger's captured the first winner's tape.  Many other athletes who were well known in running circles followed him.  Some were major marathon winners or Olympians. Names like Keith Brantly, Mark Plaatjes, Jerry Lawson and John Kagwe.  Three-time winner Joseph Kariuki set the world record for the 15.5 mile run on this course.

The women's winners have also featured some big name stars. Olympic gold medallist, Joan Benoit won the event four times and set the American record here.  Olga Appel and Svenlana Azkharova were multiple winners.

Last year, Ernst Van Dyke set a world record for wheelchair competitors.

Two Michigan runners stand out above the crowd at the River Bank Run.  Greg Meyer, who was the last American to win the Boston Marathon, won the event seven times.  He now is the official coach and in-training coordinator. Diane Brewer dominated the race in the late 80's. Her string of four straight victories has not been matched.

8,500 runners from 33 states, Canada, Kenya, Mexico and South Africa plan to run in the 25km and community 5km walk/run.  3,000 staff and volunteers attend to the superbly organized event.  Over 26,000 spectators are estimated to line event courses and congregate downtown.

A new twist to this year's prizes will be awarded by one of the event's five radio coverage sponsors.  Star 105.7 will be handing out $25 to every 25^th finisher on Ottawa Avenue. Another $78,000 is ready to be awarded to its champions.  $21,000 is part of the 25k USA National Road Race Championship for American's only. Over 15,000 will be placed in the Wheelers hands and another 20,000 will cover world record performance bonuses.

The elegant, Amway Grand Hotel is just a few steps from the starting line on Market Avenue. One block away, runners will pick up their numbers at the Grand Hall and find a few bargains among the 70 vendors displaying their wares. 

Runners and families that have the time and energy can visit the Gerald Ford Museum or drive just East of the city to see the Frederik Meijer sculpture Gardens.

Race of the Week: Fifth Third River Bank Run, 25km and 5km, Grand Rapids, Saturday May 11^th, 8:00 am. For more information call 616 771-1590 or visit the web site at www.riverbankrun.com