Fifth Third River Bank Run
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

This Saturday morning, the 28th annual Fifth Third River Bank Run will continue is tradition as one of Michigan's most prestigious road races. Grand Rapids is home to the largest and most competitive 25km race in the country with just over 4,000 runners completing the distance last year.

There are a number of components that make this race a big draw. The scenic course with its start and finish in downtown Grand Rapids and along the Grand River are worth the trip. The elegant Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and expansive Devos Place convention center are first-rate facilities for its guests. Few other races in Michigan offer better competition both in the elite field and in the age groups. Plus there are many places and activities before and after the event that give runners plenty to do.

Participants arriving on Friday before 6 pm should head over to the Track N Trail/Merrell Sports & Fitness Expo.   One event they won't want to miss is the fashion show featuring the latest running gear from Gazelle Sports modeled by local area athletes and TV/radio personalities. Later in the evening, the Bowtie Pasta dinner catered by the Amway Grand helps feed over 15,000 runners, family and friends.

There is a post race party at Damon's Grille in Kentwood. Highlights of the race will be shown on the big screen along with live music and an all you can eat buffet. The race is covered on local television and radio.

New this year is the 10,000 Steps Challenge that had its kick off in March. The goal is to encourage sedentary people to walk 10,000 steps a day, which equates to five miles. The average person may only average about 2000-3000 steps per day. Adding steps can help with weight control, blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart and other major diseases.

An estimated 26,000 spectators are expected to line the course. The school spirit competition encourages local high school bands and cheerleading teams to compete for prizes as well as support the athletes.

They may see the finest field of athletes ever assembled at the River Run. The total prize money purse for the 25km is $80,050. Kenyan and defending champ Simon Wangai will have his hands full.   Fellow countryman Wesley Ochoro currently living in Phoenix, AZ blew the doors off his competition at the Indy Mini Marathon last weekend. Three time champ and former world record holder Joseph Kariuki will be back.   All three runners competing at the World Half Marathon Championships this fall are in the hunt.   Brian Sell and Clint Verran from the Hanson's Distance Project are two of the trio.   The other spot belongs to former Kenyan and three-time Honolulu Marathon champion, Mbarak Hussein from Albuquerque, NM. Hussein will go head to head with Michigan's Paul Aufdemberge for the overall and master's prize money.

The women's field is also deep. Russian Albina Ivanova won the Indy Mini last weekend and continues to be a dominant force after her phenomenal racing in 2004.

Colleen DeReuck from Boulder, CO. like Hussein could win the Open, US and Master's divisions. She won the US Olympic Trials in 2004. Debbie Kilpatrick- Morris from Strongsville, OH. is another top master and the US 25K defending National Champion.

The official charity is the Kent County Girls on the Run.   This is a l ife-changing program for girls age 8 to 13 years old. It combines training for a 3.1 mile running event with improving self-esteem and creates uplifting workouts. Program goals encourage positive emotional, social, spiritual and physical development.

For more information go to: www.53riverbankrun.com

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226