Nationwide money fears do little to slow signups for annual event
GREEN BAY — The nation’s money woes have had little effect on registration for the 33rd annual Bellin Run, in fact, the opposite is expected, according to organizers.
This year’s 10K (6.2-mile) Bellin Run will take place at 8 a.m., Saturday, June 13. Registration has been steady and nearly on par with last year’s numbers, said race director Randy Van Straten.
“It’s good to see that there hasn’t been a dip in registrations, even though everyone is feeling the pinch of the struggling economy right now,” he said. “I think the steadfast support we’re seeing speaks volumes of the importance of this event to our Northeast Wisconsin communities.”
Race organizers say the Bellin Run event offers a healthy, fitness-friendly event for families, friends, casual runners, walkers, wheelchair racers and others. It’s also an affordable outing, complete with accompanying events, free screenings, educational sessions and featured guests.
“Things are fairly tight right now and most people are curbing their spending and finding ways to cut out unnecessary costs,” said Bellin Run operations director Dave McGillivray. “But the Bellin Run is an ideal outing for the whole family and offers tremendous value which is ideal for these tough economic times. We typically notice that during a weak economy, registration numbers tend to increase for participatory events.”
The 2008 Bellin Run drew 15,149 registrants. This year, race organizers are preparing for even more participants – even with the soured economy. Already, registrants for the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge and the Kids for Running programs are seeing increases. The Corporate Challenge last year drew 101 company teams. As of late April, it already has drawn 121 company teams. The Kids for Running program had drawn 50 area schools by early April, up nine schools from last year’s total.
“I’m attributing this growth to people’s focus on fitness and wellness,” said Carol LeGate, Corporate Challenge coordinator. “It’s a morale booster, fosters comraderie and is a fun event for your company.”
Such growth is why the Bellin will institute new changes this year, Van Straten said. “We’re going to use staggered starts called wave starts. They should help us ease congestion and give all participants a smoother, more enjoyable experience.”
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 a safer, less congested experience for participants. The Bellin Run will employ seven wave starts.
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.
