GREEN BAY — The challenge is on for local businesses, but it has nothing to do with sales numbers. For the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge teams hitting the pavement on Saturday, June 14, it’s all about participation and times.
“The employees that compete in the Bellin Run through the Corporate Challenge really take pride in being a part of the race while representing their companies,” said Randy Van Straten, Bellin Run race director. “The companies benefit from having a more physically fit workforce.”
Nearly 100 businesses are signed up for the Corporate Challenge, all with the goal of running or walking in the 10K race. Companies participating in this year’s event range in size from 10 employees to more than 2,000. The number of members on each team ranges from two to more than 140 members.
Participation by Corporate Challenge teams is tracked for the presentation of participation and timing awards at race day’s end.
“Competing in the Corporate Challenge is an excellent way for a business to promote a healthy lifestyle,” said Carol LeGate, Bellin Run Corporate Challenge coordinator.
“Participation also creates an atmosphere where the employees can gain teamwork skills,” she said. “Being that we’re celebrating Bellin Health’s 100-year anniversary, we’re really excited to have a participating team for each year that Bellin has been a part of the community.”
One local company taking on the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge is Wipfli LLP, CPAs and Consultants. As the main sponsor of the program and participant since 2004, Wipfli is challenging its employees to incorporate wellness year round.
“With the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge, we’ve been able to take wellness participation to another level by incorporating healthy living in everything that we do,” said Kendra Griepentrog, Corporate Challenge coordinator for Wipfli. “Employees of all skill levels can get involved and meet new people within the company who they may not have known before. It’s a great way to promote camaraderie across all departments.”
There are 3,823 participants in this year’s Corporate Challenge. Of that number, 1,386 are first-time Bellin Run participants, LeGate said.
Businesses can sign up for the Corporate Challenge free of charge. Bellin provides each team with training materials, pasta dinner discounts and T-shirts.
For more information about the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge, or to sign up, contact LeGate at (920) 680-6262 or visit www.bellinrun.com.
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.
