We feel lucky and priveleged to have Michael Wojciakowski as the running coach for RunGR. Michael is a Level II certified USA Track & Field coach and also serves as the head coach for Aquinas College's Cross Country and Track and Field teams.
Michael Wojciakowski (A.K.A. coach "Woj") is an exceptional individual with a serious passion for running. He has built a widely acclaimed reputation in the Grand Rapids running community for his commitment, attention to detail, and ability to get the best out of his athletes. Woj's desire to do the little things is what sets him apart. He wakes up early to set out Gatorade and water for our morning runs. At the sidelines he encourages us as we run past. He goes out of his way to meet with new members, asking them what their goals are, answering questions, and helping them to create a training plan.
Coach Woj also serves on the board for the Lake Michigan Credit Union Bridge Run and has helped to make it a premier race in Michigan. Through his position on the board he has helped to develop a wellness sponsorship that connects companies with training resources with the goal of creating healthier employees. Along with his work with the Bridge Run, Coach Wojciakowski also brought the "Magic of the Mile" to the Grand Rapids area. This event provides a way for individuals of all abilities to get onto the track and run a fast mile under the lights.
Being a husband, father, and Aquinas College's Head Cross Country and Track and Field coach is demanding enough, but Woj is ever present with RunGR giving us his best guidance, knowledge, cheering, and motivation.
As of January 2019, RunGR will have an Assistant Coach. There is no one better to fill this role than Rob Hyde. In addition to his new role with RunGR, Rob is an assistant coach to the Calvin College Cross Country Teams, and is the race director for the Brian Diemer 5K and several other area races. Rob's goal as the RunGR Assistant Coach is to improve the member experience and allow our growing group access to experienced coaching advice and guidance.
Rob has over 30 years of running and coaching experience and is well immersed and connected with the running community. Rob also boasts an impressive personal running resume as a prior collegiate athlete and he continues to compete locally and nationally from the 5K to the marathon distances. He holds impressive PRs including a 2:24 marathon, 31:04 10K and 15:06 5K.
