Attendance for 2009 Bellin Run is up, current counts show
GREEN BAY — Participants at the 33rd annual Bellin Run will have their times recorded via a computerized chip that easily attaches to a running shoe. And in keeping with the run event’s efforts to be green, the chips are recyclable.
The timing chip enables participants to receive a more accurate time. Participant’s times are recorded when their chips cross sensors at the start and finish line. Each Bellin Run participant will receive instructions on how to use their timing chip.
“We’ve used this dependable chip technology for several years,” said Randy Van Straten, Bellin Run race director. “The change to a recyclable timing chip fits in nicely with our concerted focus on going green and reducing the stress our event puts on the neighboring environment. We’re just trying to be a good neighbor and a good steward, really, by offering recyclable timing chips and reducing the impact of that potential waste.”
Timing chip recycling bins will be placed along the route to post-race activities at Astor Park. Extra recycling bins will hold empty drink bottles and other recyclables.
Other green initiatives include online goodie bags. A virtual goodie bag gives visitors the option to print only those coupons and offers and items that are of interest to them, reducing the need for the plastic goodie bags traditionally given out on race weekend while also helping to trim paper waste.
A strong push for online registration is another green measure, which, as in the case of goodie bags, is designed to reduce paper waste.
Also, run organizers will offer a shuttle service to cut down on area traffic. The service, first introduced during last year’s event, will pick up people (every 15 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.) from the Shopko store at East Town Mall, 2430 E. Mason St., Green Bay; and the Shopko store at Bay Park Square Mall in Ashwaubenon. Those using the shuttle service will be dropped off at Astor Park. Return shuttles run from 9 a.m. to noon.
The 10K (6.2-mile) Bellin Run will take place on Saturday, June 13. Last year’s event drew a record 15,149 registrations. A recent count of registrants for the 2009 Bellin Run revealed that 10,295 people – with 3,774 being first-timers – had registered for the event. At this time last year, 8,853 people had signed up.
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.
