GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan will once again come alive with speed, cheers and determination as people of all abilities line up for the 49th Annual River Bank Run on May 9. The event brings elite athletes from West Michigan, across the U.S. and beyond for one of the most distinctive races in the world.
In addition to being the largest 25K road race in the nation, the River Bank Run remains the only event worldwide to feature a 25K Wheelchair Racing Division along with a 25K Handcycle Division, featuring around 30 athletes between the two. The handcycle division will start at 8:15 a.m., followed closely by the Wheelchair Division at 8:16 a.m. Spectators can expect thrilling action as manual wheelchair racers reach speeds approaching 20 miles per hour, while hand cyclists exceed 30 miles per hour.
For more than 35 years, the Mary Free Bed Guild has been a cornerstone of adaptive racing at the River Bank Run. In 2026, the Guild proudly continues its sponsorship of both divisions, providing financial support that includes more than $29,000 in prize money split between wheelchair and handcycle athletes. Guild members and Mary Free Bed team members will show their support throughout race weekend by volunteering on the course, supporting athletes at the finish line and hosting a post‑race celebration.
Top Wheelchair and Handcycle Athletes to Watch at the River Bank Run
Matt Tingley, a 36-year-old hand cyclist from Rochester Hills, returns to the River Bank Run to defend his two-time title in handcycling (2021, 2022). After sustaining a spinal cord injury in a dirt bike accident in 2017, Matt found purpose in handcycling, giving back as a coach for the Mary Free Bed Handcycle Team before training for the Paralympics. He earned a relay medal in Paris and recently won gold at Nationals in Huntsville, AL. He’s now transitioning into a paratriathlon. This year, he’ll compete in the Wheelchair Division.
West Michigan local Steve Chapman is also contending for a top spot. Steve, who was paralyzed in an accident at the age of 19, has placed in the Top Five since 2019, including the first-place spot in 2023. Now in his sixties, the River Bank Run holds special meaning as his first-ever race. A seasoned para-athlete, Steve has competed nationally in handcycling, wheelchair basketball and tennis. He continues to give back as a coach for the Mary Free Bed Handcycling Team and a longtime instructor at the Jr. Wheelchair Sports Camp.
What Makes the River Bank Run a Leading Adaptive Sports Event
What sets the River Bank Run apart is not just its size but its impact. For many athletes, this event represents a pivotal moment in their athletic journey, whether they’re returning to competition after injury, racing on their home streets or chasing elite performance goals against some of the best adaptive athletes in the world.
The wheelchair and handcycle fields traditionally include Paralympians, national champions and rising talent, alongside local athletes whose stories of recovery, resilience and excellence embody the mission of adaptive sports. Each year, the starting line reflects a powerful blend of competition and inclusion—where performance and possibility meet.
Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports
Mary Free Bed has long been a national leader in rehabilitation and adaptive sports, using athletics as a pathway to recovery, confidence and life-long health. The Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Program is one of the largest of its kind in the country, offering enriching recreational opportunities to hundreds of people with disabilities of all ages. Many athletes competing at the River Bank Run were first introduced to wheelchair racing or handcycling through Mary Free Bed programs or rehabilitation services, turning therapy into competitive opportunity.
Come See the Wheelchair and Handcycle Races
As the River Bank Run approaches its 50th year, the Wheelchair and Handcycle divisions continue to be a highlight for spectators and participants alike. It’s a visible reminder that this is a race for everyone and that elite sport takes many forms.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, find a spot along the course and experience the speed, skill and determination that make these divisions among the most inspiring moments of the Amway River Bank Run.
About the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation is a not-for-profit, internationally accredited and nationally recognized leader in rehabilitation. What started with a single bed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1891 has grown to a rehabilitation system with over 2,500 staff at more than60 locations in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Virginia and West Virginia. Last year, Mary Free Bed restored hope and freedom through rehabilitation for more than 110,000 children and adults. With more than 110 specialized medical and sports rehabilitation programs and an exclusive focus on rehabilitation, our specialized teams help patients achieve extraordinary clinical results. U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek rate Mary Free Bed as a national Best Rehabilitation Hospital for 2025-26. For more information, visit maryfreebed.com.
