Two Start Lines for the Children’s Run

March 9, 2010

Bellin Run organizers have instituted two start lines for the Children’s Run – a move designed to nip in the bud any congestion issues surrounding the Friday, June 11 race for kids.

Last year’s Bellin Run drew 16,746 registrants marking the fifth consecutive year the race has experienced record registration. The race also attracted more than 1,000 children to Astor Park for the Friday night Children’s Run.

The large number of people already in the park for the running expo, packet pick ups and the spaghetti dinner created some congestion concerns for many of those wanting to participate in the Children’s Run which started and ended on Clay Street. Older children ran the entire 1K (0.6 mile) circumference of the park, while younger children ran an abbreviated route.

In order to spread the crowd on Friday night during the Children’s Run and offer more of a challenge to younger children and their parents, Bellin Run organizers say there will be two start lines for the event this year.

Children age 7 and younger will start on the far east end of Astor Park on Roosevelt Street and run halfway around the block (0.3 miles or ½ K) to the finish line on Clay Street. After the waves of younger children are finished, the older kids will start and finish on Clay Street at the west end of Astor Park in front of the main stage.

Organizers say they hope the changes make the Children’s Run a more enjoyable experience for the participants.

Make sure you register soon for this year’s Bellin Run. Visit www.bellinrun.com to register online.