Why this year’s start will be better

June 8, 2011

Bellin Run officials listened to participant feedback. As a result, changes are being incorporated to the start of the 35th annual Bellin Run.

In 2010, the event eclipsed 18,000 registrants for another record year. However, as a result, it outgrew its format of “loading” the start shoot and “releasing” waves of participants in several mini-starts.

The city of Green Bay helped with the solution by allowing the Bellin Run use of the eastbound lanes of E. Mason Street, enabling a more fluid start.

In a format that mimics that of the Boston Marathon, a corral system will be used prior to the race’s start to “line up” participants by their anticipated pace. The corrals will continue from the Start Line, down Webster Avenue, onto Mason Street., and then onto Clay Street, wrapping around Baird Place Park.

The color-coded corrals utilize metal barricades to organize runners and have an entrance at the rear of each corral, staffed by race officials.

At the starting gun, the front of each corral is opened and all participants may then move forward until all runners and walkers have crossed the Start Line.

Like any large participatory event, the success is dependent on the cooperation of participants. To keep them informed and engaged, the Bellin Run has upgraded to a concert-quality sound system. The heart of the system will be located in Baird Place Park.

Find maps of the park, start, finish and course at www.bellinrun.com.