Ready to Run? Race Day Dos and Don’ts

May 31, 2016

You’ve had June 11, 2016 circled on your calendar for months. Now the 40th annual Bellin Run is just around the corner.

Event organizers want everyone to have an awesome race-day experience. Here are some quick reminders for participants as the big day draws near.

Race Day DOs
• Sign Up for Live Tracking/Results – Real-time updates and results are available to participants and others. Updates and results can be texted to your phone or posted automatically to Facebook and Twitter. Go to http://rtrt.me/bellin2016 or text your bib number to 38909 to sign up. Complete official results will be posted to bellinrun.com later in the day.
• Remember Your Bib – Your race bib both identifies you as a Bellin Run participant and has the timing mechanism to have your official time recorded. Be sure to have your bib number visible to course photographers – especially since race-day photos are free! It’s always a good idea to lay out your running clothes, including your pinned bib, the night before the race.
• Make a Plan for Parking – Participants and spectators may park and be shuttled to the Bellin Run from two locations in downtown Green Bay:
     o Pine Street Ramp, 333 Pine Street, with bus loading on Main Street near Dental Associates at 430 Main Street
     o WPS parking lots, 700 N. Adams Street, with bus loading at the southeast corner of Elm Street and North Madison Street
     o Shuttles will pick up runners at both locations every 10 minutes from 6:30-7:20 a.m. and drop them off at Astor Park on S. Roosevelt Street.
     o If you decide to park near the course, you may park in identified lots (watch for signs) and on city streets around Bellin Hospital.
• Arrive Early – Get there early on race day. Allow some extra time for traffic, parking, shuttle lines and your pre-race prep. Try to get to the race a good hour before the 8 a.m. start.
• Travel Light – There is no gear check, so travel light! Try to bring only a car key that you have to carry. Do not bring bags, backpacks or purses. Make sure you report any unattended bags to authorities.
• Check the Event Alert System – A color-coded Event Alert System is used at the registration tent, start line and first aid stations on the course to inform participants of the current course conditions. Be sure to watch for alerts and follow the instructions of all race officials.
• Start in Your Proper Corral – All run participants are assigned a start corral based on their expected finish time. This prevents bottlenecks and keeps the race running smoothly. Line up in your assigned corral and ask a volunteer if you have questions.
• Be Considerate – The Bellin Run is a big event, and while seasoned race organizers keep things running smoothly, there may be times you have to navigate crowds or stand in line. Please be kind and considerate to those around you.
• Have Fun! – With a tunnel of spectators, awesome on-course entertainment (6 bands in 6.2 miles!) and amazing cheer zones, running or walking the Bellin is a blast! Have fun during the event.
• Have a Post-race Plan – Our runner reunite area at the Astor Park tennis courts is the perfect place to meet up after the race. The area is organized alphabetically to allow for easy reunions.

Race Day DON’Ts
• Don’t Wear or Eat Anything New – Race morning is not the time to try brand-new running shoes or eat or drink something you haven’t before. Stick to what has worked for you in the past.
• Don’t Run With a Stroller – Running with strollers is prohibited by USA Track & Field regulations and Bellin Run course rules, and may result in disqualification. Walking with strollers is allowed and encouraged.
• Don’t Litter the Course – Don’t drop your water cups, gel packs or other trash on the course. Be courteous and leave a clear path in your wake.
• Don’t Stop Suddenly – If you need to stop or walk, head to the side of the road. Don’t interfere with those following behind you. This applies at the finishers chute as well — grab what you need and keep moving.
• Don’t Forget to Savor the Moment! – You’ve worked hard toward a goal; race day is your reward! Soak it in and enjoy the experience.

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