Bellin Run officials look forward to strong 2008 running season
GREEN BAY — As running season kicks into high gear, local race directors like Randy Van Straten of the Bellin Run are seeing much more than just a passing phase.
“Green Bay, along with its surrounding communities, is becoming one of the nation’s hot spots in the running world,” Van Straten said. “We’ve got the marathon, the Bellin Run and so many other great and fully established community run/walk events for all skill levels, making it nearly impossible for running enthusiasts to bypass Northeast Wisconsin on the running map.”
In 2007, more than 12,908 runners and walkers participated in the Bellin Run, making it the fourth-largest timed 10K race in the United States. While many runners traveled to Green Bay from across the nation and around the world, many were residents of the Greater Green Bay area.
“Success for many participants isn’t necessarily about the finish time – it’s about getting to the finish line, it’s about the journey that it took to get there,” Van Straten said. “Despite Green Bay’s relatively small size, there’s this sense of commitment to a healthy community that I think is often overlooked in many of the larger cities.”
Runs and walks in Northeast Wisconsin range in distance from a 26.2 mile marathon to 5K (3.1 mile) benefit walks. Those looking to progress into the sport have many options in the 5K to 10K range, including the Bellin Run.
“While it’s never too early to train for the Bellin Run 10K, it’s never too late to train either,” Van Straten said. “In fact, it’s a great event that the entire family can participate in no matter what your pace or experience in the sport might be.”
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The Bellin Run, a 10K (6.2 mile) run/walk in Green Bay, Wis., is the fourth-largest timed 10K race in the nation with 12,908 participants. Established in 1977, the Bellin Run features elite runners, a children’s run, corporate challenge, running expo, all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and a number of other events and activities for runners and their families.
This year’s 32nd annual Bellin Run is June 14, 2008. For more information, or to register, go to: www.bellinrun.com.
