GREEN BAY — Kids ages 12 and younger will have their own spotlight and a bigger stage of sorts during the 33rd annual Bellin Run on Saturday, June 13. That’s because the Kids Run & Fun Event will move from Baird Place Park to a larger area at Astor Park.
The move comes amid a handful of new logistical changes – such as the implementation of wave starts – designed to enhance the race day experience by lessening congestion on and around the Bellin Run course.
“Last year we had periods where we recorded about 250 people per minute crossing the finish line,” said Bellin Run race director Randy Van Straten. “We knew right then that we had to make changes to ensure participants enjoy a safer, less congested event.”
Moving the Kids Run & Fun Event to Astor Park is part of the effort to create a more enjoyable event, Van Straten said.
The “Fun” at the children’s race will include giant inflatable obstacle courses, family entertainment and treats. The “Run” is the Dick Lytie Children’s Run, an event that has grown to more than 700 participating kids since its early 1990s inception.
“It’s important to be able to provide this sort of event for our kids, especially as we as parents and guardians try to encourage our young ones to establish healthy habits early in life,” said Randy Van Straten, Bellin Run race director. “The Run & Fun offers a stage for kids to showcase their running skills and celebrate their accomplishments. Its success shows just how much families are focused on participating in healthy activities together.”
This year’s Children’s Run will feature two courses for children ages 12 and younger. The following is the schedule of kids’ runs:
Roosevelt Street Start:
6 p.m. Ages 4 and younger (1/4 mile)
6:15 p.m. Ages 5-6 (1/4 mile)
Clay Street Start:
6:30 p.m. Ages 7-8 (1/2 mile)
6:45 p.m. Ages 9-10 (1/2 mile)
7 p.m. Ages 11-12 (1/2 mile)
All children will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s award. The Dick Lytie Children’s Run is a non-competitive fun run where all participants are winners.
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.
