Q&A: No Running with Strollers at 2014 Bellin Run

June 4, 2014

Q. Runners have been allowed to run with strollers in the past, why the change?
A. This decision was given much consideration. There isn't another 10K race in the nation the size of the Bellin Run that permits running with strollers. The matter has remained a top safety concern despite accommodations made for runners with strollers over the last decade. Walking with a stroller or wagon remains an option at the Bellin Run.

Q. How are you informing participants of this change?
A. We have a number of tools through which to inform the public of this important change. Those include a new requirement to read and agree to the Terms & Conditions section of the Bellin Run registration form, local media outlets, the Bellin Run website, our social media outlets and more. We also will continuously remind participants using public address announcements throughout our scheduled race weekend events.

Q. I was an early registrant and intended to run with a stroller. What are my options now?
A. You may still bring a stroller to the race, but you won’t be able to run with it. You will begin the race in the walker corral which enters the course immediately after the last runner corral has filed through. Strollers are not allowed in any other corral.

Q. But my stroller isn’t bulky and doesn’t take up lots of space. Can I run with it?
A. No. Organizers have precisely calculated per corral the square footage needed per participant to run or walk a comfortable race. Space has been calculated to allow 20,000 participants to achieve their optimal time. Running strollers are not factored into these measurements as they relate to the runner corrals. Walkers with strollers will begin the race in the walker corral which enters the course immediately after the last runner corral has filed through.

Q. Isn’t this the race that wants “feet on the street?” Why make a change that could lessen participation by runners with children?
A. Race organizers have made modifications over the years, but running strollers have consistently been the top complaint of participants. As a result – and for the safety and enjoyment of all participants – running with strollers is no longer part of the Bellin. It is important to note that strollers are not excluded; walkers just have to walk with them, not run.

Q. What happens if I show up on race day with my running stroller?
A. You will be able to walk. You won’t, however, be allowed to run with your stroller. Walkers with strollers will begin the race in the walker corral which enters the course immediately after the last runner corral has filed through.

Q. How will you enforce the ban on running with strollers?
A. Course officials will be strategically stationed along the course and will document the bib numbers of all violators. The rules violator will be disqualified from the event and their finishing time will not be posted.

Q. How does this change affect the myTeam Triumph organization?
A. myTeam Triumph is not included in the race stroller ban. For the past several years, myTeam Triumph has allowed individuals – who would otherwise be unable to participate in the Bellin Run – to be a part of our event. Race officials provide myTeam Triumph with specific direction and plan for the number of teams in the Bellin Run to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Q. Why can’t I move up and use my running stroller in the myTeam Triumph corral?
A. myTeam Triumph provides an opportunity to those who cannot participate in a road race without the aid of a stroller and a supporting team. Outside of registered myTeam Triumph participants, registrants with strollers will begin the race in the walker corral which enters the course immediately after the last runner corral has filed through.

Q. What if I agree to start from the walker’s corral? Could I then run with my stroller?
A. No. Running with strollers has been disallowed at the Bellin Run. Participants with strollers will begin the race in the walker corral and must walk.

Q. How can I report those I see on the course running with their strollers?
A. If you are able, make note of the offender’s bib number and notify any race official you see along the course. Otherwise, wait until the end of your race and report the offending runner to the nearest race official.

Q. I am skilled at navigating the course with a running stroller and have proven this in the past. Is there no grandfather clause for someone like me?
A. Unfortunately, no. There is no denying that running with a stroller takes more space in corrals, more room to pass (especially with 20,000 registrants) and is less nimble than someone running without one. In addition, the race finishes on narrow city streets, an issue made potentially more challenging by runners with strollers.

Q. How can I be refunded my Bellin Run registration since my plan was to run the race with my running stroller?
A. We do encourage your participation in the Bellin Run, but if you prefer a refund you may email us at [email protected].