Move expected to help ease congestion, increase safety
GREEN BAY — Bellin Run planners will institute wave starts for the 33rd annual event in anticipation of another record-breaking registration count.
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 less congested experience 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 consisting of 2,000 to 2,500 participants based on their projected times, said race director Randy Van Straten.
“The fastest racers will start in wave one at 8 a.m.,” he said. “After the first starting gun is fired and wave one starts, wave two runners will head into the starting corral. About five minutes after the first wave start, the race gun will fire again, indicating the start of the second wave. We’ll continue this process for about a half an hour until all seven waves have started.”
Participants should welcome the change, Van Straten said.
“We should see significantly less congestion at the starting area, on the course, at the water stations and at the finishing area,” he said. “It’s important to note that although our starting system is different this year, the start, finish and race course will remain the same as last year.”
The race experienced steady growth in each of the last four years, Van Straten said. In 2008 it was the fourth largest 10K run in the United States.
“We saw about 2,000 more participants than in 2007,” he said. “We recorded 250 people per minute at various periods crossing the finish line. That was eye-opening. We needed to make improvements to offer a safer, less dense and more enjoyable event.”
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.
