One participant’s story is proof that it’s never too late to lace up – or simply show up. A big thanks to Maria Kussow for sharing her story!
“In the early 2000s – I walked my first Bellin Run with a friend. It was my first time doing anything like this. My kids were young, and it was ‘my purpose’ at the time to do something for myself – ‘me time.’
Then, because life gets busy, I didn’t do the Bellin again for a few years. I also had a few health issues that I was trying to navigate and figure out where life would take me. In 2008 I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and thyroid cancer. While neither of these have kept me down, they have altered my life – whether I like it or not!
I began working at Pomp’s Tire where they had a team together for the Bellin Run and I decided it was time to do it again. That year, I walked it with my daughter.
Then, our Corporate Challenge Captain left Pomp’s and I took over as the Captain. While we could never get a large number of people involved, we had a handful of employees that would sign up. It kept me involved in the Bellin Run.
However, the last couple of years I did not participate in the run – I blame health reasons, but in reality, that is why I should have participated. In 2024, I had a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) that kept me down for a short time, but I did eventually get back to taking my health seriously.
I have since retired from Pomp’s and my plan in retirement was to do volunteer work – and take care of my health!
Well, almost a year later, I hadn’t volunteered anywhere yet but received the Bellin Run emails and saw the “volunteer” option. This was my push to get started on my volunteer work. I signed up for five shifts of packet assembly. It honestly felt so good to be involved. In talking with the registration coordinator, I decided to sign up to walk the Bellin Run again this year!
I am truly excited to get back to the excitement of the Bellin Run (and being the 50th year, how exciting!).
There’s nothing too exciting in this story, but it shows that you don’t have to be a seasoned runner – or do the Bellin Run every year. With the walking option, and now the 5K option, I feel anyone can do this – and, while it would be great to do it every year, you really don’t have to – you can jump in and out when you feel like it. In walking the Bellin Run – I saw all levels of runners/walkers – it is also a great community event. Walking past houses where people are out in the driveway cheering everyone on, playing music, offering treats, etc. – it is so much fun!”