Grand Rapids
River Bank Run
Team Kinzler walking the 5K together
Every step moves a family forward.
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, supporters of the Jason Kinzler Family First Foundation will lace up alongside thousands of participants at the Grand Rapids River Bank Run. While the event itself spans multiple distances, our team will be walking the 5K together — a shared, accessible way for our whole community to show up.
The foundation exists because no family should have to navigate sudden loss alone. When tragedy interrupts a life, the practical needs don't pause — rent comes due, kids need stability, grief asks for room to breathe. Every registration, every donation, every step taken on May 9 turns into something concrete: support that arrives when families need it most.
Whether you walk the full 5K with us, push a stroller, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation directly funds practical, immediate support for families in their hardest season.
Saturday's schedule.
Join the Kinzler Foundation team near the start line for warm-up, photos, and team gear pickup. Final times confirmed by the official Amway River Bank Run.
Connect with the Kinzler Foundation team for bibs, shirts, and a group photo at the start corral. Coffee, encouragement, and last-minute hugs included.
Our team starts the 5K walk together in downtown Grand Rapids. Strollers, dogs on leash, and supporters of every pace welcome at the start line.
Meet the team for refreshments, recognition, and stories from families our community supports. Bring your medal — and your appetite.
Real support, not abstract impact.
Every dollar raised through the River Bank Run funds direct, practical assistance for West Michigan families navigating sudden loss.
100% tax-deductible. The Jason Kinzler Family First Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Every gift receives a receipt for tax records.
Choose how you'll show up.
Every tier includes a Kinzler Foundation team shirt and recognition on our digital wall of supporters. Foundation registration is separate from your official Amway River Bank Run race entry — you'll need both.
- Official Kinzler Foundation team shirt
- Recognition on our digital wall of supporters
- Race-day team meet-up access & group photo
- Optional fundraising page with your story
- Optional add-on donation at checkout
- Tax-deductible receipt by email
- Four official team shirts
- Custom team name on our leaderboard
- Group recognition on the digital wall
- Reserved team meet-up spot & group photo
- Optional team fundraising page
- Tax-deductible receipt by email
- Logo on team shirts & race-day banner
- Recognition across all event messaging
- Up to 6 complimentary registrations
- Dedicated social-media spotlight
- Custom sponsorship packages available
- Tax-deductible receipt by email
Can't make race day? Make a one-time donation →
Photos from previous years.
Behind every finish line photo is someone who chose to show up — for a friend, for a family, for someone whose story moved them. This is what showing up looks like.
Questions, answered.
Quick answers to the things our team asks most often. If you don't see your question, reach out — we're glad to help.
Is this a run or a walk?
The Grand Rapids River Bank Run is the official event name and includes multiple distances. The Kinzler Foundation team is participating by walking the 5K together — an accessible distance that lets our whole community show up regardless of pace or experience.
Do I need to register for the official race separately?
Yes. Register here to join the Kinzler Foundation team and support our mission, then register for your official 5K Walk bib at the official Amway River Bank Run website. You'll need both.
What if I can't make race day?
Donations are welcome anytime. Virtual supporters get a team shirt and many walk their own 5K wherever they live and post about it — community shows up in lots of ways.
Can my whole family register together?
Yes. The Family / Team Pack covers four registrations under one purchase, with a custom team name on our leaderboard. Strollers, kids, and grandparents all welcome.
Is the route stroller-friendly?
Yes. The 5K Walk route through downtown Grand Rapids is paved and stroller-friendly. Dogs on leash are welcome too.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes. The Jason Kinzler Family First Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. You'll receive an email receipt with the tax-deductible portion noted.
Is my company eligible to sponsor?
Absolutely. Corporate Sponsors get logo placement on team shirts and race-day banners, recognition across event messaging, and up to six complimentary registrations.
Made possible by community.
These local businesses and partners stand with the Kinzler Foundation to support West Michigan families.
During tough times,
community shows up.
Your tax-deductible registration or gift provides immediate, practical support to families navigating sudden loss in West Michigan. Walk with us, sponsor a walker, or give today.
Register · Sponsor · Donate →