Taking part in the 2016 Fifth Third River Bank Run? Cheering on a runner?
The event's 5K, 10K and 25K routes span Grand Rapids and the immediate metro area on Saturday, May 14. Undoubtedly, runners have been poring over the route maps ahead of race day.
Check out: Fifth Third River Bank Run: Race results
But if you're spectating, where do you go and what do you shout? Race organizers posted tips on the River Bank Run's website. Here's a sampling of recommended cheering locations:
- Starting line on Monroe Avenue, located south of Pearl Street
- Market Street south of Fulton Street
- Johnson Park
- Veterans Memorial Drive
- John Ball Park
- Finish line, located along Ottawa Avenue between Fulton and Pearl streets
See: Spectator map (PDF)
5K route
With the starting line on Monroe Avenue, the course takes runners to Fulton Street, then westward. A hike north to Mt. Vernon and Front avenues leads to mile No. 1 just north of Pearl Street.
Participants continue north along Scribner Avenue to Newberry Street, where mile No. 2 is located across the Grand River. Runners take Ionia Avenue south into the downtown area to reach mile No. 3 and the finish line just a short distance away.
See: PDF map for aid stations, mile markers and port-a-johns
10K route
Runners explore Grand Rapids' West Side on this route, taking Fulton Street to Front Avenue and a path south. Butterworth Street has mile-marker No. 1, which leads to the John Ball Zoo and Lake Michigan Drive for miles No. 2 and 3.
The course then swings north, with runners then taking the rest of the 5K route to the downtown finish line.
See: PDF map for aid stations, mile markers and port-a-johns
25K route
Hence the race's name, the course takes runners along banks of the Grand River for much of the run on Market Avenue. Participants cross the river at Wilson Avenue before coming back to Grand Rapids, along Butterworth Street and Veterans Memorial Drive -- roughly the halfway point.
Participants run though John Ball Zoo and eastward on Lake Michigan Drive, eventually to Winter Avenue and Fulton Street to reach downtown and the finish line.
