The Bellin Run is a 10K (6.2-mile) race held annually on the east side of Green Bay, Wisconsin

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Green Bay is a city in and the county seat of Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, located at the head of Green Bay, a sub-basin of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Fox River. It has an elevation of above sea level and is located north of Milwaukee. As of the 2010 United States Census,...

, just outside Bellin Memorial Hospital, the race's founding organization. The first Bellin 10K was held on June 12, 1977 and was known as the Bellin Heartwarming Run designed to promote cardiovascular fitness and wellness. The run was intended to be a one-time event to help celebrate the dedication of the hospital's newly constructed additions. The run drew 881 participants.

The following January, Bellin began receiving calls about when the next running event would be scheduled. Bellin officials decided to hold a second run, titled the Bellin 10K Run, to see if it would be as successful as the first. More than 1,100 runners participated in the second run and a new tradition was born.

Over the years the event has grown in stature and overall participation. By 2009, the Bellin Run was among the top 10 largest timed 10K races in the nation. In 2011, a record 18,701 people registered for the event. The course is United States Track and Field certified and the run is sanctioned by the Athletics Congress. Many features have been added to the run over the years such as computerized chip timing, corral starts, preferred starting positions for faster runners, post race refreshments, entertainment along the course, an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner, and a free Health Expo the night before the run.

Course

The Bellin Run is a 10K (6.2-mile) road race. The race begins under the Bellin Hospital skywalk on Webster Avenue and draws hundreds of spectators. The race brings participants south on Webster Avenue and continues through the streets of Green Bay and the neighboring community of Allouez before returning to the Webster Avenue finish line. The course is relatively flat, with the exception of an extended downhill stretch on Greene Avenue in Allouez. The race creates a number of road closures that morning to ensure safety, and a collaboration of safety departments from the city of Green Bay, the village of Allouez and the Brown County Sheriff's Department help to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. Times are given at each mile point and water stations are located at 1.8, 3.4, 4.7 and 5.7 mile distances. Medical personnel are available on the course for any person in need of assistance.

Focus on health and overall well-being

The Bellin Run focuses on encouraging widespread fitness, routine exercise and healthy living. The annual event is designed to be a competitive race that also includes casual runners and walkers,a community building event that promotes regular physical fitness and improved nutrition.

Entertainment

The Bellin Run offers diverse entertainment throughout the course, including music, designated cheering squads and street performers. This is meant to help entertain the runners as they pass by, while also entertaining neighboring families that live on or around the course.

Children’s Run and Fun event

In 1991, a noncompetitive children’s run was added. In 1995 that run was dedicated to the memory of Dick Lytie, an avid Green Bay-area runner and Bellin Run supporter who died in the summer of 1994. Due to its popularity and size, the run now takes place on the Friday evening before the Bellin Run. It features a ½-mile course for kids age 10 and under. In 2011, registration for the Children’s Run was more than 3,000 participants making it a large part of the Bellin Run experience. Schneider National Trucking company is the major sponsor behind the Children’s Run.

Health and Fitness Expo

On the Friday evening before the Bellin Run, Astor Park plays host to a health and fitness expo coordinated by Bellin Health. The expo features, an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner, booths with health-themed vendors, and a number of activities for children. The Friday activities include a large playground for children, inflatable toys, live entertainment, and a meet-and-greet autograph session with the elite athletes.

Race registration information

Registration for the Bellin Run historically had been via conventional mail or drop-off. In 2006, Bellin Run orgainzers offered for the first time an online registration option. A price discount is currently offered to those who register online. In addition, organizers encourage online registration because it is more convenient for registration officials and it aligns with the race's go green initiatives. Registration options for the 2011 Bellin Run were as follows:

Registration Method	Feb 1-May 15	May 16-Jun 9	June 10
Online	$18	$23	Closed
Mail in or drop-off	$21	$26	$28

Free training program

Bellin Health provides free training sessions during a 12-week program called “Run a Better Bellin." The program gives runners and walkers a community setting to train for the 10K race. The program is open to walkers and runners of all experience levels.

Nursing scholarship

Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the Bellin Run are used to support the Bellin College scholarship fund. The fund aids qualified nursing students. Since 1991 Bellin has contributed a portion of the Bellin Run proceeds to the scholarship fund, and as of 2011 more than $160,000 had been raised.

Volunteers

The Bellin Run relies heavily on the participation of volunteers. Nearly 1,000 volunteers assist with the run each year. Volunteers fill a number of needs on and around the race course and its related events. Volunteers participate in activities ranging from water distribution and traffic regulation to assistance with the Friday night events and race registration. All volunteers receive a commemorative Bellin Run T-shirt.

Corporate challenge

The Corporate Challenge for the Bellin Run is a friendly competition among area companies. The companies compete to determine which businesses can post the best finish times and secure the highest participation rates. It's another way Bellin Run organizers encourage members of the community to increase their physical fitness levels and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

The corporate challenge fosters increased camaraderie through friendly competition.

Some of the benefits of being a Corporate Challenge participant include: A team photograph, discounted rates for the spaghetti dinner, and a company tent for employees the morning of the race. Companies also compete in a T-shirt challenge to see which business designs the most creative T-shirt. Winners receive a small prize. Nearly 250 companies participated in 2011.

Kids for Running

Kids for Running is a training program designed to get kids in third through eighth grades active and health-conscious in their formative years. Several thousand kids from schools across Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula participate in the program each year culminating in their participation in the 10K race. The program is fully integrated in participating schools' physical education programs.

The Kids for Running program encourages Bellin's theme of encouraging communitywide health and fitness. Research Suggests that learning healthy habits at a younger age will likely lead to healthier lifestyle choices in the future.

The program, much like the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge, offers a T-shirt contest. An award is given to the student whose design for their school is deemed the best.

High School Challenge

Under this program, students and staff from area high schools compete with other schools to determine who can earn the highest participation rate in the Bellin Run (based on the percentage of the total number of students, staff and faculty). The winning school receives an award for display.

Another vehicle through which high schoolers are encouraged to participate in the Bellin Run is through the Running Buddies program. This program offers the opportunity for high schoolers to mentor younger students enrolled in the Bellin Run Kids for Running program. These young mentors earn community service hours for their participation, and a discounted Bellin Run registration fee.

Back to the Road Crew

Individuals who have faced recovery and rehabilitation from surgery or a major illness are invited to participate in a shortened version of the Bellin Run. This shortened course is offered through Bellin Health's “Back to the Road” program. The program helps get orthopedic, cardiac rehab and general rehab patients active again after medical treatment. It is an invitation-only event. Participants walk or run a 1-mile route of the Bellin Run, however, some complete the entire 10K route.

My Team Triumph

My Team Triumph is a ride-along program for kids and adults who have disabilities that severely limit them from participating in road races and other similar events. The disabled participants, also known as "captains," are pushed or pulled along the course in modified carriages by their "angels" or volunteers who help to chauffeur the carriages to the finish.

Corral system starts

The Bellin Run 10K currently offers seven corrals to begin the race. There are five corrals of runners followed by a stroller division in the sixth wave. Walkers occupy the seventh wave. Stroller participants in 2009 started at the same time as walkers.
The corral system was added for the 2011 race as the result of feedback from participants in 2010 Bellin Run. The change was an effort to address future growth, according to Bellin Run organizers.
The corral system start was first employed by the Bellin Run in 2011 after seven consecutive years of record-breaking attendance.
Corral system starts feature a continuous line of participants seeded by their anticipated pace. The line moves forward until all runners and walkers cross the start line.

Astor park

Astor Park is home to pre-race activities and locations such as the Friday Night Children's Run, the spaghetti dinner, the registration tent, elite athlete autograph session, and entertainment. On race day, although the park is the designated location for last-minute registrations, it also is the landing zone for all post-race events including the awards ceremony, refreshments, post-race results, musical entertainment and more.

The transition to Astor Park was made starting in 2008 once it was determined that it offered much more space for the continually growing race event than the previously used Baird Park.

Chip timing

Electronic timing chips have been used in the Bellin Run since 2000. The timing chips record when each runner passes the start line and when they cross the finish. The timing chips are typically fastened to a runner's shoe and depending on the type of timing chip, can be recycled after use. The Bellin Run has mostly employed the use of recyclable timing chips. Chip timing has led to more accurate electronic results.

Parking and shuttles

Parking for the Bellin Run is available in identified lots and on city streets near Bellin Memorial Hospital. However, to help ease the congestion, there is a free shuttle service offered from off-site lots. Participants and spectators may park and be shuttled in from one of two locations: the East Town Mall Shopko retail store (in east Green Bay), or the Bay Park Square Mall Shopko location (near the west side of Green Bay). Shuttles pick up participants at both locations every 15 minutes from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and drop them off at Astor Park. Return shuttles run from 9 a.m. to noon.

Elite athletes

World-class runners have always been a part of the Bellin Run. This started with Frank Shorter

Frank Shorter

Frank Charles Shorter is a former American long-distance runner who won the gold medal in the marathon at the 1972 Summer Olympics. His victory is credited with igniting the running boom in the United States of the 1970s....

 in 1977 and has included others such as Bill Rodgers

Bill Rodgers (athlete)

William "Bill" Henry Rodgers is an American runner and former American record holder in the marathon who is best known for his victories in the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon in the late 1970s...

, Rosa Mota

Rosa Mota

Rosa Maria Correia dos Santos Mota, GCIH, GCM is a Portuguese former marathon runner, one of her country's foremost athletes. She is also considered to have been one of the best marathon runners of the 20th century....

, Joan Samuelson, Simeon Kigen, Lisa Weidenbach, Bruce Bickford

Bruce Bickford (athlete)

Bruce Emery Bickford is a retired long-distance runner from the United States. He claimed the gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games in the Men's 10,000 metres, and represented his native country in the 1988 Summer Olympics. He set his personal best in the 10,000 metres in 1985 in Stockholm,...

, Ed Eyestone

Ed Eyestone

Edward D. Eyestone is a two-time Olympic marathoner and long distance runner. Eyestone graduated from Bonneville High School in Washington Terrace, Utah and was the Utah State High School State Champion in cross-country and track and field.- Collegiate career :Eyestone attended Brigham Young...

, John Campbell, Dan Held, Suzy Favor-Hamilton

Suzy Favor-Hamilton

Suzy Favor-Hamilton is a former American professional middle distance runner.-Biography:Suzy Favor-Hamilton was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin to Conrad and Rachel Favor. She began running at age nine, and then attended and competed at Stevens Point Area Senior High, graduating in 1986...

, Bob Kempainen

Bob Kempainen

Robert Kempainen, MD is a retired long-distance runner from the United States, who represented his native country twice at the Summer Olympics, starting in 1992 . He was the 1990 US National Cross Country Champion. He finished 2nd at the 1993 New York City Marathon in 2:11:03...

, Elva Dryer, Elana Meyer

Elana Meyer

Elana Meyer is a former long-distance runner from South Africa, who won the silver medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in the 10,000 metre event....

, Joeseph Kimani, Uta Pippig

Uta Pippig

Uta Pippig is a female long-distance runner, and the first woman to win the Boston Marathon three consecutive times . She also won the Berlin Marathon three times , the New York City Marathon once , and she represented Germany in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics...

, Tegla Loroupe

Tegla Loroupe

Tegla Chepkite Loroupe is a long-distance track and road runner, and a global spokeswoman for peace, women's rights, and education....

, Khalid Khannouchi

Khalid Khannouchi

Khalid Khannouchi is a Moroccan American marathoner. He was born in Meknes, Morocco. He is the former world record holder for the marathon and held the former road world best for the 20 km distance. He is one of only five men to break the marathon world record more than once, and one of only four...

, Jean Driscoll

Jean Driscoll

Jean Driscoll is an American wheelchair racer. She won the women's wheelchair division of the Boston Marathon eight times, more than any other female athlete in any division. Her wins in Boston included seven consecutive first place finishes from 1990 to 1996...

, and John Kipsang Korir

John Kipsang Korir

John Korir is a Kenyan athlete who specializes in road running.John Korir was born in 1975 in Mulot village, Bomet District. He represents Kipsigis people, a Kalenjin sub-tribe....

.

The field of world-class runners has included former and current Olympians, national marathon champions, international elites, a number of 10K record holders and many other accomplished participants.

Past winners

• All results from official website.

  Year	Male runner	Female runner	Male wheelchair	Female wheelchair
  1977			X	X
  1978			X	X
  1979			X	X
  1980			X	X
  1981
  1982
  1983			X	X
  1984				X
  1985				X
  1986				X
  1987				X
  1988				X
  1989				X
  1990				X
  1991				X
  1992				X
  1993				X
  1994
  1995
  1996
  1997			X
  1998			X
  1999
  2000
  2001				X
  2002			X	X
  2003
  2004
  2005
  2006				X
  2007				X
  2008				X
  2009				X
  2010				X
  2011				X

Winners by Country

Country	Men's Race	Women's Race	Total
	19	19	38
	15	6	19
	0	4	4
	0	2	2
	0	2	2
	0	1	1
	0	1	1
	1	0	1

Corporate Challenge Winners

Year	Male Team	Female Team
2006	Georgia-Pacific Georgia-Pacific Georgia-Pacific LLC is an American pulp and paper company based in Atlanta, Georgia, and is one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, building products and related chemicals. As of Fall 2010, the company employed more than 40,000 people at more...	YMCA YMCA The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
2007	KI	Bellin Health
2008	KI	Bellin Health
2009	Wisconsin Public Service	Bellin Health
2010	Georgia-Pacific Georgia-Pacific Georgia-Pacific LLC is an American pulp and paper company based in Atlanta, Georgia, and is one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, building products and related chemicals. As of Fall 2010, the company employed more than 40,000 people at more...	Bellin Health
2011	KI	Bellin Health

Bellin Run Record Holders By Age Group

Female				Male
Age	Name	Time	Year	Age	Name	Time	Year
0-9	Morgan Jindra	46:01	2007	0-9	Cameron Plate	44:07	2011
10-12	Anna Miller	39:28	2008	10-12	Tanner Wagner	38:13	2011
13-14	Bailey Wolf	40:32	2011	13-14	Greg Haanstad	35:39	1984
15-18	Allie Woodward	34:18	2011	15-18	Jim Orthmann	30:55	1982
19-24	Jelliah Tinega	32:27	2010	19-24	Joseph Kimani	27:46	1997
25-29	Tegla Loroupe Tegla Loroupe Tegla Chepkite Loroupe is a long-distance track and road runner, and a global spokeswoman for peace, women's rights, and education....	31:48	1999	25-29	Joseph Kimani	28:07	2001
30-34	Elana Meyer Elana Meyer Elana Meyer is a former long-distance runner from South Africa, who won the silver medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in the 10,000 metre event....	32:05	1999	30:34	James Koskei James Koskei James Koskei is a Kenyan runner.At the 1999 World Cross Country Championships he finished fifth in the short race, earning a place on the Kenyan team that won the team competition....	28:01	2001
35-39	Uta Pippig Uta Pippig Uta Pippig is a female long-distance runner, and the first woman to win the Boston Marathon three consecutive times . She also won the Berlin Marathon three times , the New York City Marathon once , and she represented Germany in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics...	32:50	2001	35-39	James Koskei James Koskei James Koskei is a Kenyan runner.At the 1999 World Cross Country Championships he finished fifth in the short race, earning a place on the Kenyan team that won the team competition....	29:12	2004
40-44	Joan Samuelson	35:40	2001	40-44	John Campbell	30:01	1991
45-49	Sue Pierson	38:02	2010	45-49	Don Conway	31:21	1986
50-54	Joan Samuelson	36:13	2009	50-54	Fred L. Reeves	33:59	1995
55-59	Cheryl Neumann	43:14	2011	55-59	Al Treichel	35:59	1984
60-64	Kitty Thomas-Ciciora	48:08	2011	60-64	Clive Davies	38:15	1983
65-69	Irene Stock	49:16	2011	65-69	Ruben Vigil	42:14	1993
70-74	Lois Gilmore	55:01	2006	70-74	Jerry Lardnois	48:41	2006
75+	Lois Gilmore	58:32	2009	75+	Jerry Lardnois	53:59	2011
Whlchr	Jean Driscoll Jean Driscoll Jean Driscoll is an American wheelchair racer. She won the women's wheelchair division of the Boston Marathon eight times, more than any other female athlete in any division. Her wins in Boston included seven consecutive first place finishes from 1990 to 1996...	25:51	1999	Whlchr	Clayton Peters	24:24	1999
Jr. Whlchr	Christina Ripp	25:53	1999	Jr Whlchr	Joseph Counard	34:56	2000