5/3rd River Bank Run

As most of you know, I've taken up a new hobby-running. This hobby will most likely be short lived as my reconstructed knee doesn't agree with it and I'm eager to pursue various other hobbies. The hobby came about as competing in a half marathon is one of 30 items on my "30 before 30 list". Part of the 3 month training program included a 10k race at week 9 of the 12 week program. After a quick google search, I located a 10k race being held just 2.5 hours from Traverse City.
This past weekend (May 8th)my friends Kate, Kristen, and I traveled to Grand Rapids, MI to participate in the annual 5/3rd River Bank Run 10k race (6.2 miles). The race consisted of 18,000 participants competing in the 5k run, 5k walk, 10k run, 25k run as well as a Clydes and Wheel Chair Race. Our 10k had 4500 racers so you can only imagine the congestion downtown and at the start line. We didn't even cross the start line until 2 minutes after the gun due to the number of participants that arrived early and lined up before us. Michigan weather seemed to follow its traditional unexpected seasonal shifts as it was 38 degrees, light rain, and 30-40 mph gusts. Needless to say, the spectators that came out did not look like they were enjoying the experience.
This was my first 10k race so I was very pleased with crossing the finish line and both Kate and Kristen broke their previously recorded times.
I highly recommend this race to anyone who hasn't participated in a large, well organized community race or looks to race in another. It was a wonderful experience!


All three of us (a long with several other friends) will be running the Traverse City Bayshore Half Marathon on Saturday, May 29th. Check back to see how it goes! :)



Pre-race photo taken very early Saturday morning. We were excited but nervous for the race and the nasty weather.



Post Race photo. Wet and cold but we did it!!!