GREEN BAY — Runners and walkers took to the streets of Green Bay and Allouez on Saturday, June 13 for the 50th annual Bellin Run, which featured the iconic 10K and newer 5K distance. The event atmosphere was amplified with excitement as the Bellin Run celebrated its golden anniversary.
JP Flavin took home his second Bellin Run title on the men’s side, defeating fellow elite athlete and four-time Bellin Run champion Jared Ward in 29:47. Ward was close behind, covering the 10K course in 29:54.
First-time participant and Bellin Run elite Fiona Smith claimed the women’s 10K crown, breaking the tape in 34:39. She was followed by fellow elite and former Bellin Run champion Risper Gesabwa, who came in at 35:22.
The weather was great for runners, with temperatures in the upper 60s, as 10,068 participants took to the streets in the 50th annual Bellin Run.
Bellin Run icons and elite athletes were heavily involved in this year’s pre-race activities, signing autographs, sharing memories with pasta dinner attendees and helping to build excitement during the Friday night Health & Fitness Expo at Astor Park.
The top 5 finishers in the men’s and women’s 10K races are as follows:
Men’s 10K Overall
- JP Flavin, Rochester Hills, Mich. 29:47
- Jared Ward, Utah 29:55
- Gunner Schlender, Cary, N.C. 30:49
- Noah Jahnke, Green Bay 30:54
- Trevor Wenzel, West Allis 31:15
Women’s 10K Overall
- Fiona Smith, Cary, N.C. 34:39\
- Risper Gesabwa, 35:22
- Marya Hauer, Oshkosh 36:32
- Amy Davis-Green, Sterling Heights, Mich. 37:00
- Leah Patterson, Oshkosh 37:45
The event’s 5K championship was claimed by Appleton’s Bryce Verheyen, who finished the 3.1-mile route in 16:47. Allison Vanderwegen of Kaukauna finished in 18:53 to secure the victory on the women’s side.
Here are the top 5 male and female finishers in the men’s and women’s 5K races:
Men’s 5K Overall
- Bryce Verheyen, Appleton 16:47
- Xavier Lasee, Fond Du Lac 17:19
- Logan Moore, Menasha 17:58
- Kegan Phalin, Appleton 18:02
- Eli Stevenson, Elmwood, Ill. 17:59
Women’s 5K Overall
- Allison Vanderwegen, Kaukauna 18:53
- Lia Peterson, Amherst 19:36
- Kate Schaeffer, Green Bay 19:52
- Rebekah Buboltz, De Pere 19:58
- Chloe Coch, Green Bay 20:23
The Bellin Run held a special Legends Mile to celebrate the event’s 20 Legends, participants who have participated in every single Bellin Run since the event’s inception in 1977. This final mile of the course was an energetic cheer zone with cowbells and excited spectators who welcomed participants to the finish line.
The Bellin Run’s two largest programs drew approximately 3,700 participants between them. About 2,900 individuals from 112 companies participated in this year’s Corporate Challenge, while about 800 were part of Kids for Running. Over 600 people volunteered their time for this year’s event.
Complete Bellin Run results are available at www.bellinrun.com/post-race.