Bellin Run officials incorporate new safety measures for a smooth run
GREEN BAY — Bellin Run race officials want the 32nd annual 10K run/walk to be memorable for all the right reasons. That’s why they’re placing a high priority on safety.
“Anytime you have 13,000 to 15,000 people in the same area, you’ve got to prepare for the unexpected,” said Randy Van Straten, Bellin Run race director. “In the case of the Bellin Run, we’ve also got to consider the safety of people on the move, which introduces another level of concerns to be prepared for.”
Participants should be aware of the following enforced safety measures:
• No pets on the race route
• No rollerblades or rollerskates
• Personal audio devices must be at a level which allows others to easily be heard
A courtesy shuttle will circle the run route after the last few participants have crossed the finish line and offer service to any who are unable to finish on their own. Volunteers will shadow race participants on bicycles – off the course – in case medical or other assistance is needed.
“Running or walking the course is the best part of race day for many people, and our job is to make sure it’s a safe experience for everyone,” Van Straten said.
In addition to the safety guidelines for participants, Bellin has introduced three new logistics features to allow for a smoother race – a reconfigured start/finish line, additional corrals at the start and a stroller division.
“With the growth the Bellin Run has experienced over the last few years, revisions are necessary to ensure it’s the same exciting, safe race that participants have enjoyed for more than three decades,” said Dave McGillivray, operations director for the Bellin Run, president of DMSE Sports and race director for the Boston Marathon.
According to Van Straten, McGillivray’s insight has allowed race officials to take a look at the Bellin Run from another perspective.
“Dave’s extensive experience of producing or consulting on more than 750 events worldwide has helped us take our focus on safety to another level,” Van Straten said. “Participants can be fully confident that we have safety measures in place to ensure a positive race experience for 15,000 people and beyond.”
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:
