Grand Rapids Triathlon

The Grand Rapids Triathlon's flat, fast course is ideal for the new and experienced triathlete alike. Enjoy a beautiful swim in the lake-like Thornapple River, ride the flat country-road bike course then run our the scenic, shaded run course with loads of local support. It’s the largest triathlon in Michigan and offers Super Sprint, Sprint, Olympic and Half distances in addition to Aquabike, Duathlon, Relays, and Swim-Only events. Come experience a world-class event in Grand Rapids, MI in June!

Run Camp is about more than logging miles. It’s about showing up, finding your people, and moving forward side by side. Whether you’re building toward a goal race or just want consistency and community, Run Camp’s goal is to make the miles better, together!

Why Run Camp?

Because accountability is easier when someone’s waiting for you.

Because hard workouts feel lighter when they are shared.

Because progress is more fun when you can celebrate it out loud.

Here is what you'll get:

• Training schedule for your Fall half or full marathon* developed by Gazelle Elite coach, Sam Butler

• 2 weekly group runs: Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings (water stops, vendor partner support, lots of high fives)

• Tuesday evenings will meet at the Mary Free Bed YMCA. These runs will focus on form, hill repeats, speed work, etc.

• Mary Free Bed YMCA: 5500 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

o Run Camp participants will need to pass a background check per the YMCA

• Saturday morning long runs will be from the Grand Rapids area Gazelle Sports stores and one other Grand Rapids area location

• Store locations: Grand Rapids 28th St, Downtown Grand Rapids, and Grandville

• Other Grand Rapids area location will be determined soon

• Custom participant gift (designed just for Run Campers!)

• Small pace groups (there is a pace group for everyone, and accountability from Team Leaders**)

• Once a month speed workout session, supported by Gazelle Elite athletes

• Will be held at the Mary Free Bed YMCA indoor track

• Educational clinics (nutrition, Good Form Running, shoe fits, etc...)

• 10% off personal purchases at Gazelle Sports throughout Run Camp (15% on days we run from the stores)

Gazelle Sports Run Camp is designed for adults 18 and older. Run Camp training is designed for individuals who are able to run at least a 5K (3.1 miles).

*Fall half and full marathons occurring between September 27 and October 18 will be accommodated. SHE RUNS Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids & Detroit marathons are the main target races.

**If you are interested in becoming a Team Leader (lead a pace group with up to two other individuals), please contact John Ranville at jranville@gazellesports.com.

Note: Gazelle Sports Run Camp registration is for the training program only. You must register separately for your goal event.

Hi!

My name is Johnny Agar and I’m the Race Director of the 3rd Annual St. Patrick Parnell Festival 5K named Johnny’s Run!

Being an athlete was something I had always wanted, and my cerebral palsy tried to prevent me from becoming one! Wheelchair sports were out of the question since I can only use one hand, and nobody wants someone on their team who can only spin in circles! 😊

Several years ago, my dad started pushing me in road races as a way for me to participate in sports. After doing several races with my dad, I knew I was capable of more after seeing athletes around me push themselves past their own physical and mental challenges.

So, I decided to finish a race on my own two feet with the help of my walker even though I had only ever walked 23 steps! I accomplished my goal in 2013 at the Saint Patrick Parnell Festival 5k. It took me one hour and forty-five minutes to complete and it was an amazing accomplishment for me!

That “Impossible Mile” has led to an abundance of blessings— one of which is being able to direct this traditional race that the Festival Committee agreed to dub now as Johnny’s Run (Hosted by St Patrick Parnell Festival) It's quite an honor, and I’m equally honored to be learning how to direct a race from one of the area’s best -- Mr. Tom Theoret, who was the race director for nearly 30 years growing the Irish Jig from a few hundred to the many thousand who run it today.

I would love to invite you to participate with us in this family-friendly race that always kicks off the St Patrick Parnell Festival in Parnell, Michigan.

This year, we are excited because there will be THREE opportunities to participate...the Johnny's Run 5k , the Impossible Mile Challenge, and the Kids' Race!

Join us for the 2026 Lowell Riverwalk 5K. Run or walk the Riverwalk with us! This is a family friendly route in downtown Lowell. Open to walkers, runners, students, adults & families. This is a stroller friendly course.

Returning this year:

• Every participant will receive a medal & event will be chip timed.

• Age group awards! 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals will be awarded in each age group for males and females.

Age Groups: under 18; 18 - 29; 30 - 39; 40 - 49; 50 - 59; 60 - 69; 70+

First place finisher prize for top female and top male participant.

T-shirt size guaranteed if registered prior to 6/27/2026.