When 881 runners gathered in Green Bay on June 12, 1977, for what was intended to be a one-time event, they had no idea they were making their mark with an iconic event that would span five decades. The Bellin Run — originally known as the Bellin Heartwarming Run — was created to promote cardiovascular fitness and wellness in celebration of a new addition to Bellin Hospital (now Emplify Health by Bellin Green Bay Hospital). Positive feedback from runners encouraged organizers to bring the event back, and in the years since it has become a treasured community tradition.
Now, as we approach the 50th annual Bellin Run on June 13, we are celebrating the remarkable history that has woven itself into the fabric of Northeast Wisconsin. From moments of pure determination to acts of community spirit, the Bellin Run has given us countless memories to treasure. In honor of this milestone anniversary, we are proud to share 50 great moments in Bellin Run history.
From everyone on the Bellin Run crew, we hope these moments inspire you. And when you are done reading and reminiscing, we hope you will join us in making the 50th annual Bellin Run the greatest one yet. Registration is available at bellinrun.com.
50 Moments in Bellin Run History
1977 – The Bellin Run legacy begins with the Bellin Heartwarming Run on June 12, 1977.
1978 – To accommodate the schedule of elite runner Bill Rodgers, race organizers move the second Bellin Run to Wednesday evening.
1978 – Our custom race shirts are always a favorite among participants — but in 1978, one-of-a-kind, true-to-the-times running shirts are provided as swag.
1981 – The hottest Bellin Run takes place, creating hazardous conditions for participants. To avoid future heat problems, race organizers decide to move the start time to earlier in the morning.
1983 – To allow more people to attend and participate in the Bellin Run, the event is moved from Sunday to Saturday.
1983 – Legendary broadcaster Mark Daniels becomes the voice of the Bellin Run. Daniels has now provided updates and motivation to participants and spectators for 43 wonderful years.
1986 – Icon of the sport Joan Benoit Samuelson sets a new course record for females, just two years after winning gold in the first-ever women’s Olympic marathon.
1986 – Jeff Pagels doesn’t let an accident that left him a paraplegic keep him from crossing the Bellin Run finish line. Jeff took first place in our wheelchair division in 1986 and has continued to participate in the event with MyTEAM TRIUMPH.
1987 – Bellin Run organizers and participants love consistency. This year permanently establishes the second Saturday in June as Bellin Run race day.
1990 – Immediately following the 1990 Bellin Run finish, a “door opening” and ribbon-cutting ceremony are held to dedicate the new Bellin Psychiatric Center (now Emplify Health Behavioral Health Hospital), an 87-bed freestanding treatment facility.
1991 – Realizing that many kids want to join the fun of the Bellin Run, the Children’s Run is added to give kids of various ages an opportunity to feel like a winner and get excited about physical activity and living healthier lives.
1993 – Our participants will go to great lengths to cross the Bellin Run finish line, including pushing through sickness. In 1993, Bellin Run Legend George Wiesner says “not today” to what was later diagnosed as pneumonia to make it through the course.
1993 – George Kerwin, original race director of the Bellin Run, has his first opportunity to run the event when Kay Mueller takes the reins in that position.
1994 – A devoted runner and run promoter in the Green Bay area, Dick Lytie, passes away just 11 days after the Bellin Run. The following year, the Children’s Run is renamed in his honor.
1995 – Taking home five consecutive wins at the Bellin Run is no easy task. Ed Eyestone becomes the first to do it in 1995.
1996 – Joining the digital world, the Bellin Run becomes the first area run to have a presence online.
1997 – Joseph Kimani dethrones Bruce Bickford as the men’s 10K course record-holder.
1998 – Believed to be the world’s best wheelchair racer, Jean Drisoll participates in her first Bellin Run. A Wisconsin native, she had seven consecutive Boston Marathon championships under her belt.
1999 – Tegla Loroupe takes the women’s 10K course record with her incredible time of 31:48. Her record still stands.
1999 – Randy Van Straten becomes race director after Kay Mueller steps aside.
2000 – Moving into the digital age, the Bellin Run adds electronic timing.
2000 – The Bellin run notches another digital age milestone with the addition of online registration.
2000 – After a visit with a teacher’s running club, Randy Van Straten gets the idea to launch the Kids for Running program. This program has included over 100 schools in the years since.
2001 – The Bellin Run’s 25th anniversary becomes the first time race organizers offer finish line photos for purchase.
2001 – Originally named Joints Walk, the Back to the Road crew welcomes hip & knee replacement patients to a 1-mile walk during the Friday night activities. Over the years, Back to the Road crew has welcomed cardiac rehab patients, cancer survivors and other past patients.
2002 – Females outnumber the males for the first time in the event’s history.
2002 – Making it easier to get race day results, the Bellin Run provides results for all participants online at www.bellinrun.com.
2003 – Races like the Bellin Run are no stranger to friendly (and close) competition. This year marks our closest one-two-three finish! Albert Chepkurui takes first with a time of 28:56, followed by James Koskei at 28:57 and John Yuda at 28:58.
2005 – Led by Bellin Health team member Carol LeGate, the Corporate Challenge is born to create friendly competition for participation and team time. The first year of the program draws 1,250 participants from 28 companies.
2007 – Bellin Run Legend Bruce MacNeil runs his final Bellin Run. The following year, Bruce passed away from pancreatic cancer.
2008 – Bellin Run Legend Mike Dorsey wasn’t going to let a knee surgery stop him from keeping his streak. He completed the 10K course with the assistance of crutches.
2008 – With the growing number of participants, the Bellin Run connects with DMSE Sports to help with operational support. Founded by Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray, DMSE continues to be a valuable part of the Bellin Run team.
2008 – The Bellin Run finish line moves to Webster Avenue to accommodate continued growth in the number of runners and walkers.
2008 – Friday night events move from Baird Place Park to Astor Park to allow for more room and activities to take place.
2008 – Bellin Run welcomes a celebrity participant — actor and Bellin Health spokesperson Patrick Fabian.
2010 – myTEAM TRIUMPH makes its Bellin Run debut, helping individuals with disabilities cross the finish line. Years later, myTEAM TRIUMPH is still going strong.
2011 – Wisconsin is known for its wacky weather. The Bellin Run notches its coldest event, with temps at a chilly 49 degrees at the start line.
2011 – With encouragement from participants, a corral system is implemented, featuring a continuous line of participants seeded by their anticipated pace.
2012 – For the first time, long-time media partner NBC 26 broadcasts the Bellin Run live.
2012 – Bellin Run veteran elite athlete Joan Benoit Samuleson breaks the national record for the 55-59 age group. She runs 38:26, taking home sixth place among women.
2013 – Participation numbers skyrocket and the Bellin Run welcomes a record 20,000 people to the start line.
2013 – In partnership with myTEAM TRIUMPH, Bellin Run organizers create the TRIUMPH Mile. This addition to the event’s Friday night lineup is a dedicated 1-mile walk/run event for individuals with disabilities.
2014 – After his historic Boston Marathon win, Meb Keflezighi headlines our first Run for Greatness event. This Thursday night charity event benefits MyTEAM TRIUMPH.
2015 – myTEAM TRIUMPH athletes are always an inspiration. Captain Jenni, who was born with Spina Bifida and Cerebral Palsy, shows spectators what true determination and strength look like by walking the TRIUMPH Mile. Jenni has continued to be a part of the Bellin Run, marathons and even IRONMAN Wisconsin.
2016 – Risper Gesabwa wins her fifth consecutive Bellin Run, a new record for women.
2017 – Ron Dauplaise lays down his starter pistol after 40 years of being the Bellin Run’s official race starter. Ron passed away in 2022.
2020 & 2021 – The Bellin Run goes virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This allows participants a way to stay active and connected while staying safe.
2023 – The Bellin Run introduces its 5K event, helping get even more feet on the street in the name of health and wellness.
2026 – After many years of experience as assistant race director, Linda Maxwell becomes the official race director. Randy Van Straten, who was race director for 26 years, moves into a new role as executive director for the Bellin Run.
The Bellin Run is a celebration that has become a tradition for families all over Wisconsin and beyond. Whether you are a returning veteran, a first-time participant or someone who has always wanted to give it a try, this is the year to join us. The 10K, 5K and Children’s Run are all waiting for you! Register today at www.bellinrun.com.