What Makes the Bellin Run Ready for the Heat

June 6, 2012

With unseasonably warm weather already hitting Northeast Wisconsin, Bellin Run organizers say the annual 10K race is built to handle the heat.

Twice before in the previous 35 editions of the Bellin Run the temperature on race day has broken 80 degrees. The warmest of which was a hot and humid 86 degrees on June 14, 1981, held at noon before the era of early morning races. An 8 a.m. start helps decrease the likelihood of high temperatures.

Below highlights some of the features of the 2012 Bellin Run that allows participants to successfully and safely beat the heat:

Distance
The Bellin Run’s 10K or 6.2 miles is a manageable distance that won’t have runners in the heat for too long. Organizers estimate that more than one-third of participants complete the course by 9 a.m., well before the day’s highest temperatures. It is estimated that all runners will be complete by 10 a.m. The rest of the participants are walkers and are encouraged to carry water with them during the event.

Design
The Bellin Run course itself is built so participants can withstand the heat and humidity. The Allouez neighborhoods through which the course runs are lined with houses and event supporters happy to donate their sprinklers and hoses to cool off passing participants. Additionally, a significant amount of the course is lined with shade trees providing relief from the sun’s rays. In the event of an emergency, the race is in close proximity to two well-equipped hospitals.

Coordination
Participant safety is of the utmost importance to event organizers. A safety committee consisting of event organizers, Allouez, Green Bay, and other local fire and safety officials partner to create contingency plans for any adverse event including heat related issues. The team also convenes on race day to collectively make decisions regarding safety.

Planning
Planning for the Bellin Run is a year long process. Weather is very unpredictable, so it is important to be ready for any conditions. Plans have been made this year to increase fluids at each of the five water stations on the course. Nearly six tons of ice will be used for the event with ice at every water station. Medical staff has increased at both medical tents, throughout the course, and at every water station. In addition to the many medical volunteers, a majority of the volunteers lining the course are medical professionals trained in offering aid and care to runners in need.

Do your part. Hydrate, listen to instructions and listen to your body.