LMCU Bridge Run

_Already registered? Make sure to check out the RACE WEEKEND GUIDE [https://www.thebridgerun.com/Race/theBridgeRun/Page-5] for information on bib pickup, parking, and other useful information!

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The LMCU BRIDGE RUN has been providing the community with a premier starting line to accomplish goals since 2002 and we invite you to join us in person or virtually to keep the tradition "running" (pun intended)! Whether you pick the 10 MILE RUN or 5K RUN/WALK, be assured you will have a great race day experience running through downtown Grand Rapids and of course, crossing the many bridges in the city.

The 2024 Bridge Run will take place on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 and will be located on the west side of the 6th Street Bridge (use 731 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, 49504 in your GPS for our physical location). The historic 6th Street bridge is an icon and a favorite of our event participants. Both the 5K and 10 Mile routes will still go through downtown Grand Rapids (over a bonus bridge), with the 10 Mile still heading out through Riverside Park. You can view the tentative routes (we are still working with the City of Grand Rapids to finalize the details) by clicking on each distance: 5K [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2740202] | 10 Mile [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2740215]. You will notice that the 5K route is essentially the same for everyone, which will allow us to start BOTH races at 8AM THIS YEAR!

New this year will be the inaugural KIDS DASH WITH THE CRASH OF THE WHITECAPS that will take place at 11:50am on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 at the LMCU Ballpark (4500 W River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321). There will be a 200 meter and 400 meter option, kids will be able to select one or both. The first 200 kids to register for the Dash will receive an LMCU goodie bag. Bib pickup for the Sunday event will take place at the LMCU Ballpark from 10am to 11:45am, so come to pick up your bib and stay to cheer your future track star on.

Our race committee is excited to put on this event for YOU! If you have any questions, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

WHY THE BRIDGE RUN?

* All participants receive an AWESOME finishers medal & commemorative shirt
* Aid stations on both courses featuring Gatorade & water, with GU energy packets on the 10 Mile course
* Spirit stations to CHEER YOU ON
* 3 bands on the course & 1 in the finish area
* Pacers for the 10 Mile to help you achieve YOUR GOAL
* The scenic route taking you through downtown Grand Rapids, the many parks in the city, and over bridges
* Cash prizes for the top 3 finishers and overall masters winner for both the 5K & 10 Mile
* In 2016, it was voted Top 50 Road Races in Michigan by MLive
* In 2016, it was named Top 10 Fall Road Races in Michigan by MLive
* In 2024, the 10 Mile is part of the Road Runners Club of America Central Region Championship Series
* In 2024, the 10 Mile is part of the Michigan Runner Race Series [https://michiganrunnerraceseries.com/]
* A portion of the race proceeds are donated to local groups to help move their missions forward
* FREE training plans to help you
* Our committee works throughout the year to make sure you are smiling when you cross the finish line!

You can view pictures from Bridge Runs past on our Flickr [https://www.flickr.com/photos/rungr/albums] & Photo [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MI/GrandRapids/theBridgeRun] pages.

Make sure to follow us on FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/RunGRBridgeRun/], YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyZc-jrkPFN_maenf5CKkgA], and INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/lmcubridgerun/]!

We have age-based pricing activated, anyone 18 and under on race day will pay $35 for the 10 Mile & $20 for the 5K (virtual events are not included). There is nothing you need to do other than input your age when you complete the signup process!

VOLUNTEER!

It takes over 400 volunteers to create the magic of race day. This is a great opportunity for school teams, families, and individuals to get involved and help our participants have an AMAZING race day experience. We will happily donate $150 to school or non-profit groups that brings out 15+ individuals. Visit our volunteer portal [https://www.thebridgerun.com/Race/Volunteer/MI/GrandRapids/theBridgeRun] to see and sign up for all of our opportunities.

AWARDS

We are excited to have Gazelle Sports back this year to help provide our awards. The Bridge Run Age Group Awards are as follows:

* 1st place: $20 to Gazelle Sports + commemorative item
* 2nd place: $10 to Gazelle Sports + commemorative item
* 3rd place: commemorative item

* Age Groups start at 9 and under, then go every 5 years (ie: 10-14, 15-19....70-74, 75-79), until 80+.

RunGR will be providing a cash prize for each race (10 Mile & 5K, Male & Female) as laid out below:

* 1st place: $150
* 2nd place: $100
* 3rd place: $50
* Overall Master's: $100

_Overall prize winners will not be eligible to win age group awards. _

The Road Runners Club of America will be presenting special awards for the 10 Mile.

PACERS

We offer pacers brought to the race by RunGR for the 10 Mile to help get you to your goal. The pace groups start at a 7-minute mile and go every 30 seconds to the 12-minute mile pace.