myTEAM TRIUMPH West MI -- GR Triathlon Sprint -- Captain & Angel Registration

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.

The 11th annual Franciscan Rhythms 5K Trail Run & Walk benefiting our music therapy program and land restoration efforts will take place Saturday, Oct. 4.

The all-ages and all-fitness-levels 5K will give participants an opportunity to “Run with Nuns” and experience a variety of restorative projects on a scenic path through our Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE.

As race participants enjoy the course, they will be surrounded by deciduous woodland, pine forest and a restored prairie that contains all native plants. Visitors have spotted many beautiful birds, insects and woodland animals on the land – even an adventurous beaver!

A variety of live music stations featuring Irish, rock and folk music will be spread out along the trail route to motivate and inspire participants.

Learn more about the Franciscan Life Process Center at LifeProcessCenter.org.

Race schedule

• Recommended arrival time is 8:30 a.m. for registration.

• A short fun run for children will start at 9 a.m.

• The 5K run & walk will start at 9:15 a.m.

• After the race, there will be water and snacks, including the Sisters’ homemade cinnamon rolls.

• The event will conclude at noon.

Registration information

The 5K run & walk registration is $35 and the kids’ race is $15 online until 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Same-day registration will be offered on-site from 7:45-8:45 a.m. for $40. Register by Wednesday, Sept. 17 to guarantee a race t-shirt.

A virtual option is also available for individuals who cannot attend on Oct. 4 but still want to run or walk the route another time and support the cause.

Fundraising goals

Our goal is to raise $40,000 to support our music therapy scholarship fund, which helps cover the cost of services for families and individuals when medical insurance will not. Funds will also help the continued stewardship of our Lowell campus, a beautiful space where our clients can grow and heal. Help us reach our fundraising goal by making a donation online.

You can also support our efforts by preordering fresh, homemade bread baked by the Franciscan Sisters and volunteers. Choose from whole wheat, oatmeal or dilly casserole bread for $10 per loaf. Orders can be picked up at our Lowell Campus. Place your order by visiting our online store.

Volunteer opportunities

We’re seeking volunteers to help us prepare for the race, assist with day-of setup and support cleanup efforts. View the volunteer opportunities and sign up online.

Tag us on social media

Share your photos from the event on social media with the hashtag #RunWithNuns and tag the Center on Facebook @FranciscanCenter and Instagram @FranciscanLifeProcessCenter.

FAQs

How do I become a sponsor?

Fill out our sponsorship packet and email it to skoteskey@lifeprocesscenter.org.

Can you register on the day of the race?

Yes, you can register in person from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. The late registration fee is $40.

Is there a map of the trail?

Yes, please view the race map here. Printed maps will also be provided at the race.

Is the trail paved?

No, most of the trail is unpaved, winding through wooded areas, fields and our prairie.

Are strollers and dogs allowed on the trail?

No, strollers and dogs are not allowed.

How can I purchase bread?

Visit our online store to purchase bread online then pick it up at the race.