Event officials institute measures for a smooth experience
GREEN BAY — Completing a mass participatory road race event like the Bellin Run is a personal accomplishment for many. Bellin Run organizers don’t want that euphoria to be tarnished by injury or disappointment, so they’re ensuring safety is a priority.
Last year’s event drew a record 15,149 registrants after four consecutive years of growth and was ranked the fourth-largest 10K road race in the United States. Event organizers expect to see even more growth during the 33rd annual race on Saturday, June 13.
“The continued growth makes the focus on safety even more important,” said race director Randy Van Straten. “We have some very basic safety guidelines that should, for the most, part eliminate any unnecessary injuries or safety incidents.”
No pets are allowed on the race route. Neither are rollerblades, rollerskates, bikes, scooters or skateboards. Personal audio devices should be played at a listening level that allows the wearer to hear others around him or her. “Follow these simple rules and you should enjoy a safe Bellin Run experience,” Van Straten said.
A courtesy shuttle will circle the run route after the last few participants have crossed the finish line and offer ride service to any who are unable to finish on their own. Volunteers will shadow race participants on bicycles – off the course – in case medical or other assistance is needed.
“Running or walking the course is the best part of race day for many people, and our job is to make sure it’s a safe experience for everyone,” Van Straten said.
In addition to the basic safety guidelines for participants, Bellin will introduce wave starts as an effort to address safety in light of the anticipated growth this year.
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 will consist of several waves consisting of 2,000 to 2,500 participants based on their projected times, Van Straten said.
“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 six or seven waves have started.”
Online registration for the Bellin Run is underway 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.
