Underwriting support from:
Ryan and Cori Curtis
Runners in the 5/3 River Bank Run can potentially make money while running. The race offers an impressive purse of prize money for runners and wheelchair racers in all events. Runners and wheelers in the 25k event have the opportunity to compete for a share of $91,000. Runners in the 10k and 5k also have a shot at a top prize of $500. Not bad for a morning of work. Most runners though will head home sweaty and happy to have finished a race or set a personal record.
Cori Curtis lives southeast of Grand Rapids and works as the Public Relations Coordinator for Baudville, a local employee recognition and award company.
Which race are you running and why?
This year I'm running the 10k, my longest race to date. I’ve run several 5k races, and I reached the point where they are no longer a challenge. I really wanted to push myself to achieve a different goal this year, so I set my sights on the 10k and haven't looked back.
Are you a repeat racer, or is this your first River Bank Run? How did you decide to run it?
This will be my third year in the River Bank Run, but my first time running the 10k. Completing the River Bank Run each year has become a personal goal of mine. I started running it after I graduated from college and moved back to Grand Rapids.
Describe your training program.
My training program isn’t very strategic though I’ve used the River Bank Run materials as a guide. I run on the country roads where I live 3-4 times a week and break up the running with Zumba once a week. It’s the best cross training ever!
What animal do you run like?
I run a little bit like a kangaroo with a lot of bounce in my stride.
Music or not? What kind and why?
I love listening to music while I’m running. It helps me to stay focused and motivated even when I think I want to stop. I realized that I prefer listening to a single artist’s album on my run rather than a mixed playlist. My favorite artists for the long runs are Kelly Clarkson and Lady Gaga, but I also like to listening to musical soundtracks, like Hairspray. I haven’t decided what I’m going to play for the race yet. Kelly Clarkson was the soundtrack the first time I completed a six-mile run, so I might use her again for good luck!
What is appealing to you about running?
I love running down a country road and feeling totally in control of my body and where I’m going. It gives me a feeling of independence and infinite possibility. Of course, it also has the great appeal of getting me in shape for bathing suit season.
What is your biggest fear, if any, about running the River Bank Run?
I’m most worried about what the weather will be like on May 8th. I remember how miserable the rain was last year, so I'm hoping for a great morning with no rain and minimal wind.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.