River Bank Run
- By Doug Kurtis

The Fifth Third River Bank Run returns for its 27 th year as one of the best organized races in Michigan. Each year thousands of Michigan's serious competitors and fun runners mark their calendars to participate the 25km or 5km events.

It's theme - Face it - Pace it - Race - it, should also include Party - it too.   The event continues to expand on its success by adding a post race party at Damon's Grille in Kentwood. Participants will be able to watch highlights of the race on the big screen, listen to live music enjoying the all you can eat buffet. The race will be covered on local television and radio.

Over 10,000 participants are expected to be nervously toeing the line on Monroe Street at 8 am this Saturday. The 5km run and walk starts shortly after the 25km race, which is the largest of its kind in the country.   It's also the only 25km wheelchair race in the nation.

Positioning at the start will be a little easier for members of the Two Hour Club. Last year for the first time, runners who had previously run under two hours were provided an area behind the elite runners to enable a quicker start.   Although the runners are timed by computer chips on their shoes this helps reduce the initial congestion of a big race start. In addition, anyone finishing under two hours will be eligible to win a free trip.

If you arrive early on Friday, you'll find some good running deals, free samples and massages at the Track n Trail Sports and Fitness expo.   Later in the evening, a Bowtie Pasta Dinner catered by the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel will help runners get ready for the race.

Back for the ninth year is the Feeling Good Mileage Club that has partnered with the Fifth Third River Bank Run to encourage kids to stay fit.   The free, incentive based, non-competitive program involves 20,000 children from 78 elementary schools in the area.

As if an estimated 26,000 spectators isn't enough, another program has been added this year to inspire runners. Five high school bands and cheerleading teams will be competing for the top three prizes in the School Spirit Competition.

Over 50% of the Fifth Third Run registration is now done on-line. The rest is done via mail or at one of several Gazelle Sports locations.   Runners can still sign up at the Expo and still have the option of changing distances if they desire.

Despite the recent, Olympic Marathon Trials, several of America's best runners will be competing for a mix of open and American prize money totaling more than $77,000.   Dan Browne, last year's Fifth Third 25km Champion and 2004 Olympic Marathon team member will be returning to compete with Ryan Shay, Jon Kariuki, Scott Larson and a host of 5 minute per mile runners.   Three new Russian women will compete against Deeja Youngquist, and former Michigan runner Lori Stitch Zimmerman. Wheeler, Ernst VanDyk, who just broke the world marathon record at Boston, will be returning.