FAQ’s

 

How can I become a member of the Grand Rapids Running Club?

 

Click on the “Membership” tab on our homepage.  You will be able to print off a membership form that you can fill out and mail in.

 

Do I have to be a member of the Grand Rapids Running Club to participate in GRRC events?

 

No.  Our events are open to the public.  However, membership in the GRRC does provide some benefits.  It entitles you to 10% off any regularly priced merchandise at Strider’s Running Store in Grandville and Running Circles in Grand Haven.  You also get a 10% discount on shoes at Gazelle Sports.  Also, as a GRRC member you can run any of our club races for the discounted membership price. 

 

When and where does the running club meet for group training runs?

 

We meet every Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 a.m. at John Ball Zoo near the zoo entrance.  We also meet on Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m. at Johnson Park in Grandville.

 

 

I don’t run fast or far.  Can I still join in the training runs?

 

Yes.  We have a wide range of running talent in our club.  The paces vary from 6 minutes per mile to 12 minutes per mile.  The distances also vary from 1 or 2 miles to 20 miles.  We have walkers, joggers and racers.  There is something for everyone.   No matter your pace, this is your place. 

 

Do you run all year around?

 

Yes. 

 

How many miles does the group run?

 

The distances vary depending on personal training goals.  We have folks who run only 2-3 miles and others who run 20.  On Wednesday nights there is a 6.5 mile out and back course, but you can run all or part of that course. 

 

Do I have to call anyone before coming down?

 

No.  Just come on down. 

 

 

Where can I get proper running gear?

 

Striders in Grandville – www.stridersrun.com 

 

Running Circles in Grand Haven – www.runningcircles.biz 

 

Gazelle Sports 

 

Do you offer any training programs?

 

Yes.  We have a “Mentor Program” designed for new runners who want to train for and complete the Fifth Third River Bank  Run 25K (or 5K) in May.  This program starts on the first Saturday of January at 8:00 a.m. at John Ball Zoo and continues through the date of the River Bank Run.  Even if you do not have an interest in training for the River Bank Run, it is an excellent program for new runners to get acquainted with other runners and to gain experience and knowledge about the sport.  Some have continued past the River Bank Run to complete their first marathon.  This program is free of charge.

 

Are there any running trails in the area?

 

Yes.  (need to get better info on locations to these places)

Yankee Springs  - Take 131 South to the Yankee Springs exit, follow the signs.

Aman Park – located 6 miles west of Grand Rapids on Lake Michigan Drive.  Amen park is located on the right.

Fallasburg Park in Lowell

Blandford Nature Center – located on Leonard Street on the northwest side. 

 

I’m visiting from out of town and I would like to get in a training run with other runners. Where can I go?

 

We meet every Saturday and Sunday morning at John Ball Zoo at 8:00 a.m.  We also meet every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.  at Johnson Park.

 

Where is John Ball Park Zoo?

 

John Ball Park Zoo is located on Grand Rapids’ west side at Fulton and Valley.  To get there, take 196 to the Lane Avenue Exit.  Head South on Lane to Fulton Street.  Turn West (right) onto Fulton to the zoo.  Park near the zoo entrance.

 

Where is Johnson Park?

 

Johnson Park is located at Butterworth and Wilson in Grandville.  To get there, take 196 to the Grandville Exit.  Head North on Wilson.  At the 2nd stoplight (Butterworth)  turn right.  The main parking lot  is located about 1/3 mile down on the left.