FAQ
Is this event inclusive to all women?
She Runs Grand Rapids is an all-women’s event that is open to every SHE who would like to participate. The purpose of the event is to:
- To empower and connect with one another
- To celebrate the lasting impact of Title IX
- To actively encourage new runners and walkers to participate in the sport
- To build relationships and enhance partnerships within the community
- To support her health, therefore family and community health
- To enhance partnerships within the community
- To raise money for important charities that support her
- To have fun!
It is with this purpose that we are committed to the inclusion of all women in She Runs Grand Rapids. We understand gender and the conversations around it are complex and evolving. It is our goal to be inclusive of all individuals who are affirmed by using She/Her pronouns, and to create a safe and welcoming space for all who choose to participate and celebrate movement as their most authentic selves. Discrimination, harassment, and/or bullying will not be tolerated on any She Runs GR digital platforms, or at in-person events.
Our racing and competition policy will follow all USATF guidelines regarding fair sport.
Will courses change for 2024?
Yes! Courses are online at these links.
Aid Station locations will be defined later this spring! All events will start and finish on Park Street, adjacent to the Finish Line Festival at John Ball Zoo, and incorporate both City streets and West Michigan’s extensive trails system.
What are my options for registration?
March -- September 1st
- Half: $85
- 10k: $45
- 5k: $35
September 1st, 2024 -- Event Day (September 29)
- Half: $90
- 10k: $50
- 5k: $40
All registered participants will receive a women’s fit shirt, custom medal, and race bib.
Are awards offered for SHE RUNS Grand Rapids events?
Yes! Everyone who finishes the half marathon, 10k and 5k will receive a custom finisher medal.
Awards will go to first, second and third place Overall, Masters and Age Group winners for each event,
Age groups are as follows:
14 & under
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80+
What are SHE RUNS Grand Rapids teams?
Create a Social Team with a minimum of five participants and no maximum! You’ll name your team and all team members will be scored by the cross country method of scoring. Plus, on event day, we’ll recognize the top teams in four categories $10 Gazelle Sports gift certificates for all team members at the Awards Ceremony: largest team, best team event day kit, fastest team and most unhurried team. Because after all, aren’t we all better together?
I can no longer participate in SHE RUNS Grand Rapids 2024. Can I get a refund?
Refunds are not an option for SHE RUNS Grand Rapids, but until 11:59 pm on September 20, 2024, you can defer your registration to the 2025 event or transfer your registration to a different distance online by accessing your RunSignUp account. After September 20, deferrals are no longer an option but registered participants can transfer to a different event distance in person at any event check-in/late registration event or at John Ball Park beginning at 7:00 am. Please note that those who transfer to a different distance after September 20 cannot be guaranteed a specific shirt and will not receive any difference between event costs as a refund but will be required to pay any additional cost if transferring from a shorter to a longer event.
How to do a deferral or transfer:
1. Go to www.runsignup.com and click Sign In at the top right to log into your Run Sign Up account
2. Click the Profile link at the top right
3. Scroll down and click My Registered Races
4. Find the SHE RUNS Grand Rapids link
5. Click Manage Registration
6. If you are on a computer, click either Transfer Event or Defer Registration on the left hand side. If you are on a mobile phone, click Race Menu at the top center, followed by either Transfer Event or Defer Registration.
I selected the wrong size shirt when I registered? How can that be corrected?
Until shirts are ordered August 1st you can update your registration through your RunSingUp account by selecting this race or by contacting the race. After August 1st, there may be an opportunity to switch out your size at event check-in/late registration or event day, Sunday, September 29, but that option is not guaranteed.
Who do I contact if my company is interested in sponsoring the event?
Please contact sherunsgr@gazellesports.com for any sponsor inquiries.
Can I participate with a stroller?
Yes, strollers are allowed in the event! In order to keep congestion to a minimum, we ask that those pushing strollers line up near or at the back at the starting line on event day.
How much time is available for me to finish my event?
The courses will remain open until 12:30 p.m. After 12:30 p.m., those crossing the finish line will be hand timed so volunteers can begin clearing the street. Late in the morning, the Grand Rapids Police Department may ask those participating to move to the sidewalks as streets reopen to traffic and rules of the road (stopping at stop lights, etc.) will apply. Aid Stations will continue to offer support and fluids until everyone has finished their event.
Can I run or walk with my dog?
Dogs are welcome as spectators but not as runners or walkers in SHE RUNS Grand Rapids as we strive to keep everyone safe on event day! However, if you run or walk with a certified therapy dog, please plan to do so with your companion on event day.
Will there be somewhere to keep my personal belongings while I participate?
SHE RUNS Grand Rapids will offer Gear Check on September 29 for all registered participants from a tent at the Finish Line Festival in John Ball Park. Plan to store your personal belongings in the clear bag that will be provided to you at Gear Check and attach the tab on your participant bib to your bag. Plan to retrieve your personal belongings before Gear Check closes at 1 p.m.
Is there an official Pace Team for SHE RUNS Grand Rapids?
Pacers will be pacing half marathon participants on September 29, and, new this year, also pacing 10k participants! Look for your pace on signs held by the pacers at the SHE RUNS Grand Rapids starting line and line up there. Plan to keep your pacer(s) in sight while you are on course to stay on track for your finish time. Pace signs only will be held by event volunteers in the starting areas for the 5k event to assist in appropriate line up at the start.
What is available at each Aid Station on September 29?
Aid Stations are located approximately every two miles on all the event courses and feature water, electrolyte replacement fluids, medical support, portable restrooms and lots of encouragement from our volunteer teams! Again this year, SHE RUNS Grand Rapids will be using silicone cups provided by Hiccup to distribute fluids at Aid Stations. Once you are done drinking, please place your cup in the provided bins or toss onto the ground for collection by volunteers.
The Half Marathon course will also feature a nutrition station near the halfway point that will offer gels as well as chews. The nutrition station will be followed almost immediately by an Aid Station for hydration purposes.
Will medical support be available at the start/finish?
Yes, in addition to being available at each Aid Station, a medical tent staffed by University of Michigan Health-West will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the start/finish line. If you or anyone you are with experiences a medical emergency between Aid Stations and/or away from the start/finish line, dial 911 immediately to provide your location. If you are experiencing a medical situation while participating that will allow you to continue to an Aid Station or the finish line, medical help will be available.
Will there be nutrition and hydration after I finish my event?
Upon finishing, participants will be able to carbo load, enjoy fresh fruit and rehydrate with water from the post-event refreshments area adjacent to the finish line.
Can I celebrate with family, friends and other participants after I finish?
YES! The SHE RUNS Grand Rapids Finish Line Festival will take place adjacent to the start/finish line in John Ball Zoo from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and feature music, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (use the “free beverage” tab on your participant bib to enjoy a complimentary cup), food truck fare for purchase, and interactive spaces provided by event sponsors.
Where can I park for the event on September 29?
John Ball Zoo will have some free parking available for SHE RUNS Grand Rapids participants and their guests (enter off Fulton). There is also a variety of free street parking surrounding the Zoo, but please be respectful of the neighbors and make sure you park your vehicle only where public parking is available.
Several self-locking bike racks are available at John Ball Park if you’d rather cycle to the event. The DASH does not operate until 11:00 am on Sundays, but electric scooters and bikes are available around the downtown area for rental transportation 24/7.
How will I find my results?
Simply scan the QR code available on your participant bib with any smartphone when you finish to access your results. Or stop at the Information tent at the Finish Line Festival to have a volunteer do so for you
Do you have any hotel specials?
We currently have an offer through the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown:
Expand your SHE RUNS Grand Rapids experience in 2024 by staying at the Holiday Inn
Grand Rapids Downtown. Click here to make your reservation with the participant rate or call 616-235-7611 and let reservations know you are with SHE RUNS Grand Rapids when you make your phone reservation.
I am a nursing mom, will there be space to nurse privately?
We’ve got you covered! Hepsen Julst will be providing a Nursing and Pumping Tent conveniently located at the Finish Line Festival at John Ball Park. Opening at 8:30 and closing at 1:00.
Are any parts of your running route inaccessible to someone with a mobility aid, prosthetic, etc?
A portion of the Half Marathon race is on a trail and may not be level. Flooding should not be an issue in late September, but we will attempt to remove excessive water from roads/trails. While a best effort will be made to make our course accessible for all participants, note that much of the course may not be accessible to spectators with a mobility aid. Note our Finish Line Festival will be on Grass. Be sure to follow She Runs GR for weather updates that will affect the race.
I have medical equipment I carry in a vest/harness/backpack while I run. Is that allowed?
YES! If your equipment is required for medical reasons (ONLY) then please keep it with you while you run!
I am an athlete with a disability and need a Guide Runner. Do they have to register and pay?
Guide Runners are welcomed! Participants are required to identify their own Guide. 1 per participant at no cost. Once you have registered, email your name and reason for a Guide Runner to SherunsGR@gazellesports.com for a code to share with your Guide. They will register using your code, at no cost. Remember, this is for athletes with disabilities such as visually impaired, MS, intellectual disabilities, etc.
