About this race
The Amway River Bank Run is a May road race in Grand Rapids, Michigan, featuring a 25K distance as its main event, rather than a half marathon or marathon. Held on the second Saturday of May, it offers 25K, 10K, and 5K races, a 5K Community Walk, team competition, handcycle racing, virtual options, and a Junior program for children. The 25K, established in 1978 as the Old Kent River Bank Run, was previously known as the Fifth Third race before its current Amway sponsorship. Its primary 25K race is the largest in the United States, attracting thousands of participants including runners, walkers, wheelchair racers, handcyclists, club athletes, elites, and first-timers.
The 25K is a certified loop beginning downtown Grand Rapids, proceeding south through parks and along the Grand River, and concluding downtown. The 10K route heads southwest from downtown towards John Ball Park before returning, while the 5K remains within the downtown area, and the untimed 5K Walk follows the 5K run's path. The event hosts the USA 25 km Open and Masters Championships. Its women's elite and USATF field starts ahead of the men in a "race within the race," with an additional prize for the first finisher. The series also includes the world's only 25K Wheelchair Racing division, a competitive 25K handcycle division on the same course, Clydesdale weight divisions with awards, and a Junior event at East Kentwood High School offering half-mile, mile, and 5K options for children.