GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After almost 900 days, the largest 25K in the country has returned to downtown Grand Rapids.
Despite the chilly weather, racers laced up to participate in the Amway River Bank Run Saturday morning. Thousands of racers, including runners, wheelchair athletes and handcyclists, participated in the races throughout the day.
The event kicked off at 8 a.m. with the 5K race, followed at 8:40 a.m. by the 10K run. Other races and walks began later in the morning, including the 25K wheelchair and handcycle races, the 25K run and a 5K walk.
Biya Simbassa was the first man to finish the 25K with a time of 1:14:26.95. Makena Morley was the first woman to finish, clocking in at 1:23:16.94.
In the 5K, John Elimlim took home first place, finishing at 14:48.93. Mary Munanu took home the gold for the women's 5K at 15:36.91.
Elimlim and Munanu also won the 10K race with a time of 30:01.87 and 32:34.63, respectively.
While Matt Tingley was crowned the winner of the handcycle 25K, finishing at 43.29.91, West Michigan handcyclist Steve Chapman followed in second place with a time of 45:05.76.
Lastly, the wheelchair 25K winner was James Senbeta, who clocked in at 1:01:06.
Since 2008, the River Bank Run has raised $2.3 million for its charity partners. The race also allows nonprofits to fundraise at the event. Each year, River Bank Run officials estimate that the race brings in $1.8 million to Grand Rapids.
To learn more about the race and see a full list of winners, click here.
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