Good-natured fun highlights popularity, importance of annual race
GREEN BAY — During a February 24 morning press conference announcing changes to this year’s Bellin Run, County Executive Tom Hinz took the opportunity to issue a challenge to Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt – “Try to beat my Bellin Run time.”
The challenge was issued in fun and all in attendance had a good laugh, including Schmitt, but the incident spotlighted the popularity and importance of the annual 10K (6.2-mile) run to Northeast Wisconsin. And, although made in fun, Schmitt has since accepted the challenge.
“Oh, I’ll beat him,” Schmitt said. “I’m up for the challenge. I have every intention of running with Tom. Tom and I are committed to looking for ways to promote healthy lifestyles in our community and as community leaders, we want to lead by example. When you get an event like the Bellin Run, it offers a great, economic way for us to promote healthy living.”
Hinz applauded Schmitt for accepting his challenge, but said he planned to wait for Schmitt at the finish line – if spotted a few minutes at the start. Hinz said he’ll propose to Schmitt that the winner of their challenge buy the loser a burger from Al’s Hamburger.
“Out of respect for his elders I’m asking him to spot me about 10 minutes,” Hinz joked. “I would do the same for him.”
Hinz said he welcomed the opportunity to promote overall community health and fitness.
“There are so many benefits to leading a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “It helps me physically, I feel great mentally. Besides, people in government should try to be role models in the community. Participating in fitness events like the Bellin Run is a great way to lead by example.”
Bellin Run race director Randy Van Straten says he relishes the excitement generated by the Bellin Run and its focus on enhanced health for the community.
“It’s a great opportunity to educate new participants about the health benefits of physical activity and proper nutrition while also serving as an opportunity to help reinforce those benefits to our repeat participants,” he said.
A new feature for this year’s Bellin Run includes the use of wave starts. Wave starts consist of staggered starts of smaller groups instead of one huge start for all participants. Runners are placed in waves of similarly paced participants. Each wave has its own start with a short interval between waves. This creates less congestion for participants, ensuring a safer, enjoyable experience for all.
The 2009 Bellin Run – scheduled for 8 a.m., Saturday, June 13 – will consist of seven waves of 2,000 to 2,500 participants based on their projected times, Van Straten said.
Online registration for the Bellin Run began February 23 at www.bellinrun.com. Early online registration is $17 through May 31. Mail-in registration is $20. Late online registration June 1-11 is $20. Mail-in registration June 1 through June 11 is $23. On race weekend, participants can register after 4 p.m. June 12 through race day for $25 at the Astor Park registration tent. All participants receive a Bellin Run T-shirt.
