By Jamie Allen
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to participate in the 2019 Metro Health Race Weekend. For the 13thconsecutive year, Metro Health is the title sponsor of the Grand Rapids Marathon, and for the first year Metro Health has extended their sponsorship to include Run Thru The Rapids 5k, 10K and Family Walk.
“Metro Health continues to sponsor this event year after year because it encourages health and wellness in our community,” said Greg Meyer, Chief Community Officer, Metro Health – University ofMichigan Health. “This weekend is a culmination of athlete’s hard work and training, and Metro Health is happy to help participants celebrate and cross that finish line safely.”
All of the weekend’s races start and finish at the David D Hunting YMCA, located at 475 Lake Michigan Dr. NW in downtown Grand Rapids. The timeline for the weekend is as follows:
Saturday, Oct. 19
9 a.m. Metro Heath Run Thru The Rapids 10k, 5k and Family Walk
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Health and Fitness Expo
1:30 p.m. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Kids Marathon
Sunday, Oct. 20
7:30 a.m. Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Wheelchair and Handcycle Division
8 a.m. Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon
Foster Swift Half Marathon
Pepsi Max Marathon Relay
Metro Health’s Sports Medicine team will be providing on-site medical attention throughout the entire weekend. They will be on the course prepared to assist runners with medical issues and help them safely reach the finish line. Metro Health volunteers will also be running several aid-stations, supporting runner safety and giving back to the community.
Leading up to the race weekend as well as race day, both Greg Meyer and Metro Health Sports Medicine physician, Dr. Ed Kornoelje, will be available for interviews. Whether it’s advice from an expert marathon runner or running safety tips, Metro Health experts have it covered.
