Boston Marathon director returns to assist annual run event
GREEN BAY — In anticipation of another year of record-breaking registration numbers, organizers of the 33rd annual Bellin Run are instituting changes designed to ease congestion and reduce the impact the 6.2-mile race has on the environment.
“We learned a lot from the growth we experienced last year,” said Randy Van Straten, Bellin Run race director. “We saw about 2,000 more participants than the year prior making for 15,149 registrants. At certain points during last year’s race, we recorded 250 people per minute crossing the finish line. We needed to make preemptive changes to offer a safer, less congested, enjoyable event for all participants.”
Changes this year include the use of seven wave starts. The use of wave starts will help better disperse participants in order to ease congestion at the starting area, on the course, at the water stations and at the finishing area, Van Straten said. In addition, the same start, finish and race course remains the same as last year.
Other changes this year:
· The expo and race festivities will move to Astor Park at Porlier and Clay streets
· The children’s race will take place on the perimeter streets of Astor Park
· A return to disposable timing chips; can be recycled
Also new this year, are online goodie bags which will help reduce paper waste. They are part of a green theme this year.
The virtual goodie bag allows visitors to print only those coupons and other offers and items that are of interest to them, reducing the need for the plastic goodie bags traditionally given to participants on race weekend.
For assistance with a run that last year was the fourth largest timed 10K race in the nation, Bellin is again joining forces with Dave McGillivray, race director of the Boston Marathon and president of DMSE Sports Inc. – which specializes in creating, marketing and producing mass participatory athletic events throughout the United States and abroad.
McGillivray’s role with the Bellin Run will be to work in partnership with Bellin’s existing team. As the operations director, McGillivray will assist with overall race logistics, which includes start and finish line layout, course layout, water stations, course monitors, signage, road closures and overall setup and takedown of the event.
“With the return of Dave McGillivray and his team, along with input from many of last year’s participants, we’re creating a platform that will allow us to plan another successful race not only for 2009, but for the years to come,” Van Straten said. “That includes the use of wave starts to ease congestion at the starting and finish line, and our green efforts to ease any impact on the environment.”
While the Bellin Run features world-renowned athletes, organizers say it will remain a race for everyone. “Whether you’re 8-years-old or 80, whether you run or walk, or whether you go it alone or team up with a friend, the Bellin Run is a way for you to start, or maintain, a healthier lifestyle,” Van Straten said.
Online registration for the Bellin Run began February 23 at www.bellinrun.com. Registration is $17 through May 31 and $20 from June 1-12. All participants receive a Bellin Run T-shirt, timing chip and a results book.
