Happy to Help: Volunteers Make Race Day Run Right

April 15, 2016

For Bellin Run volunteer Ron Dauplaise, donating time to Green Bay’s signature 10K has become a not-to-be-missed annual tradition.

He first helped out in 1977, the race’s inaugural year. Dauplaise liked it so much that he hasn’t stopped since — on Saturday, June 11, he’ll mark his 40th consecutive year as a Bellin volunteer.

“It’s been so much fun for me, for so long,” Dauplaise said. “Members of my family, as well as other acquaintances, have gotten involved. Everybody’s having fun; everybody’s having a good time. It’s just a great experience.”

Dauplaise helped organize the first-ever Bellin Run, serving as the starter and timer for the inaugural race. These days, he’s still the official starter, taking his perch high atop the start/finish line as throngs of participants get ready to run. Along with about 20 runners and a handful of other volunteers, Dauplaise is one of the Bellin “legends” — individuals who have participated in every single Bellin Run.

When Dauplaise started his volunteer streak, the Bellin Run had just over 700 participants. These days, registration frequently approaches 18,000 or more, meaning more than 1,500 volunteers are needed to make race day run right.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of the Bellin Run — we literally couldn’t do it without them,” said volunteer coordinator Selys Perry. “From assembling the first race packet to assisting in taking down the course post-run, volunteers make this event what it is.”  

Bellin Run volunteers perform a plethora of pre-race and race-weekend tasks, including handing out race packets, serving spaghetti, assisting at the expo, helping at course corners, manning water stations and much more. They receive a custom, volunteers-only T-shirt as a thank-you.

But for many, the reward goes much deeper, Perry said.

“Our volunteers tell us time and again what a rewarding experience this is — and many of them show it by returning year after year,” she said. “For many families, school groups and other organizations, volunteering at the Bellin has become a proud annual tradition.”

Although the Bellin Run has scores of dedicated volunteers, race organizers are always seeking additional help, Perry said. She’s working hard to fill spots for this year’s race, reminding past volunteers to sign up and asking prospective new ones to give it a shot.

“Check out www.bellinrun.com/volunteer to find the right position for you,” Perry said. “It’s a great way to fill service hour requirements or just enjoy being a part of this special event.”

Just ask Dauplaise.

“I have one of the best views of the race,” said the longtime volunteer. “I come back because I like it. It’s just a lot of fun.”

Visit www.bellinrun.com/volunteer for more information or to sign up as a volunteer.

Register today for the 40th annual Bellin Run on Saturday, June 11, 2016. Visit www.bellinrun.com to learn more.