Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Amway River Bank Run in Grand Rapids

While summer hasn't officially started yet, we're seeing all of the things around West Michigan that remind us that it's coming soon. Tulip Time kicked off in Holland last week, and this weekend, we'll see a true sign of summer's approach in Grand Rapids - The Amway River Bank Run.

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When is Grand Rapids' 2026 Amway River Bank Run?

The race is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May, and this year it will follow that tradition. The race will take place Saturday, May 9, 2026, in downtown Grand Rapids.

READ MORE: Acrisure Amphitheater to Host Star-Studded Performances Starting This May in Downtown Grand Rapids

However, if you're planning to participate in a race, cheer on a participant, or just watch the race and take in the atmosphere, keep in mind that there are several different events and each has its own start time.

Start Times for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run

The start times for this year's races are as follows:

• The 5K run begins at 7:00 a.m.
• The 10K run begins at 7:30 a.m.
• The 5K Community Walk begins at 7:45 a.m.
• The 25K handcycle race begins at 8:15 a.m.
• The 25K wheelchair race begins at 8:16 a.m.
• The 25K elite women's run begins at 8:20 a.m.
• The 25K elite men's run begins at 8:30 a.m.
• The 25K run (men & women who aren't in the elite division) begins at 8:30 a.m.
• The 25K My Team Triumph run begins at 8:45 a.m.

Finish Fest will take place inside DeVos Place from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will feature concessions, drinks, a live race broadcast, and a DJ.

Grand Rapids Street Closures For the 2026 River Bank Run

Before we get into the street closures, a quick note: parking can be tricky any time you come downtown, so if you're looking for parking, it's best to consult the information provided by the Amway River Bank Run.

Now for the street closures.

Downtown Grand Rapids Streets Closing Friday, May 8, 2026.

• Monroe Ave. between Michigan & Louis - 3:00 p.m. (5/8) until 6:00 p.m. (5/9)
• Lyon St. between the Grand River and Ottawa Ave. - 3:00 p.m. (5/8) until 6:00 p.m. (5/9)
• Pearl St. between Louis Campau and Ottawa Ave. - 6:00 p.m. (5/8) until 6:00 p.m. (5/9)
• Monroe Center between Monroe Ave. and Ottawa Ave. - 6:00 p.m. (5/8) until 6:00 p.m. (5/9)

Downtown Grand Rapids Ramp Closures

• I-196 ramps at Market - 6:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. (5/9)
• US-131 at Market SB ramps - 6:45 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. (5/9)
• US-131 at Pearl NB & SB ramps - 6:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. (5/9)

Downtown Grand Rapids Streets Closing Saturday, May 9, 2026.

6:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

• Cesar E. Chavez (Grandville) Ave. from Weston to Wealthy
• Wealthy from Grandville to Front
• Market from Wealthy to Indian Mounds
• Ottawa from Oakes to Louis
• Louis from Ottawa to Monroe
• Indian Mounds from Wilson to Market

6:45 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

• Michigan St. between Ionia Ave. and Monroe Ave.
• Bridge St. between Monroe Ave. and Mt. Vernon.
• Pearl St. between Front and Scribner.
• Front St. between Mt. Vernon and Pearl.
• Fulton St. between Mt. Vernon and Winter.
• Watson St. between Winter and Front.
• Front St. between Watson and Wealth St.

Westbound Wealthy St. will also be detoured to Cesar E. Chavez (Grandville Ave.) from 6:45 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

7:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

• Winter from Fulton to Lake Michigan Dr.
• Lake Michigan Dr. from Winter to Valley
• Valley from Lake Michigan Dr. to Butterworth
• Park from Valley to John Ball Park St.
• Butterworth from O'Brien to Marion
• Marion from Butterworth to Hovey
• Straight from Hovey to Butterworth
• Butterworth from Straight to Front

7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

• Butterworth from O'Brien to Maynard
• Maynard from Butterworth to Veterans Memorial Dr.
• Butterworth from Veterans Memorial Dr. to Wilson
• Wilson from Butterworth to Indian Mounds (only one westbound lane will be closed).

Additional information about the 2026 Amway River Bank Run can be found on their website.