Organizers: River Bank Run can ‘catapult’ careers
ADA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) – As the 2025 Amway River Bank Run approaches in just 16 days, organizers highlighted on Thursday how the event can kickstart careers and provided additional information on what participants should anticipate.
Now in its 48th year, the 2025 River Bank Run is scheduled for May 10. The event in downtown Grand Rapids is the largest 25K road race in the country. It also features several other races.
“This event typically brings over 25,000 people to downtown Grand Rapids and has an economic impact in the community of over $2.4 million over recent years,” Race Director Russ Hines said at a news conference.
He mentioned that the River Bank Run can frequently "accelerate" an athlete's career.
“So keep an eye out. There’s going to be a lot of new names this year, but we feel real strong about who’s coming and what could happen this year,” he said.
Due to injury, back-to-back women’s 25K champion Betsy Saina will not compete this year, according to Operations Director Steve Morrow.
"But that also paves the way for a new women's champion," Morrow added.
Morrow stated that for the 25K event, Diego Estrada, the 2024 champion who shattered the American record previously, is coming back to retain his championship.
According to the operations director, there have been no modifications to the course this year.
"Participants will encounter another picturesque but demanding course starting downtown in Grand Rapids, passing through the heart of the city, heading towards surrounding areas before ultimately returning to finish back in downtown Grand Rapids," he stated.
Not only do top-tier athletes start their journeys here, but novice runners also take their first steps along the shores of the Grand River. Featuring both a 5K and a 10K event, the River Bank Run serves as an ideal platform for beginners looking to increase their racing distances.
Amanda VanBennekom ran her first 5K at the River Bank Run 15 years ago. Now, she’s preparing for what could be the crown jewel of her running career.
On Saturday, I'm taking part in my inaugural ultramarathon which spans around 31 miles," she stated. "This will mark my farthest running distance ever. Therefore, I feel somewhat apprehensive about it.
The feelings about the 31-mile event in Caseville located in Michigan’sThumb area mirror those she experienced before her initial River Bank Run.
“I did the 5K for the first time and was just really nervous about that and remember thinking, ‘Can I finish a 5K?'” VanBennekom said.
She did — and more.
“The next year, I got my daughters to do it with me and then did the 10K and got into the 25K,” she said. “Now, I’ve done all the distances multiple times… Once you figure out as a runner that you can do that, then you’re thinking, ‘OK, what else can I do?”

The comradery at the River Bank Run, especially between runners in different distances, is a huge motivator for that distance progression.
“Often, during events like the 5K or 10K races, participants return to encourage the 25K runners,” VanBennekom said. “It’s incredibly exciting in the final few miles as you enter town with all these spectators cheering for you... If we're participating in the 25K race, we typically arrive early enough to support the 5K runners instead."
The River Bank Run also includes a 25K wheelchair/handcycle division.
“We show our athletes in wheelchair and adaptive sports that disability doesn’t keep you from being an athlete, being competitive, living a healthy, happy, fulfilling life,” Christy VanHaver, a sports coordinator with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, said.
VanHaver emphasized that the River Bank Run can help people be part of the community and even launch careers.
“We have stories of Paralympians that competed in Paris,” she said.
This year, the event will have four charity partners: Feeding America West Michigan, which provides meals to partners across 40 counties in Michigan; Friendship Miles, which aims to break down barriers in the running community; the Humane Society of West Michigan, which promotes the responsible care of animals; and ICCF Community Homes, which works toward safe, affordable housing.
Thousands of runners and walkers are expected to participate. To register for the River Bank Run, click here.
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