GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Local race legend Wally Ypma is 92 years old, but that won't stop him from completing the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K Saturday.
Ypma started running when he was in the U.S. Navy and hasn't stopped since. He has helped hundreds of runners train and succeed in West Michigan. In the 41-year history of the River Bank Run, he has missed it only twice.
When he laces up his shoes Saturday, he will have three friends helping him. Team Wally will walk with Ypma or push him in his bright blue racing wheelchair. The group will have to start just after 5 a.m. to finish in time.
----------------