Program encourages fitness, healthy lifestyle in local companies
GREEN BAY — Local businesses will go toe-to-toe on Saturday, June 13, but not in the traditional sense of the term, as in comparing sales numbers and profitability.
Currently, nearly 130 Green Bay-area companies and 4,100 employees are set to compete during the 33rd annual Bellin Run, trying to see which businesses can post the best finish times, secure the highest participation rate, and eventually claim bragging rights until the 2010 Bellin Run.
“The employees competing in the Bellin Run via the Corporate Challenge take particular pride in participating in the race while representing their companies,” said Randy Van Straten, Bellin Run race director. “In turn, the companies benefit from having a more physically fit and subsequently healthier workforce.”
Companies participating in this year’s event range in size from 10 employees to more than 2,000. The number of members on each team ranges from two to more than 140 members. Teams may opt to run or walk the 10K (6.2-mile) road race. Participation by Corporate Challenge teams is tracked for the presentation of participation and timing awards at race day’s end.
“Competing in the Corporate Challenge is a great way for a business to promote and encourage a healthier lifestyle,” said Carol LeGate, Corporate Challenge coordinator. “Participation also fosters an atmosphere of enhanced camaraderie.”
One local company taking on the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge is Wipfli LLP, CPAs and Consultants. As the lead sponsor of the program and participant since 2004, Wipfli is challenging its employees to incorporate wellness year round.
“With the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge, we’ve been able to emphasize the importance of wellness by incorporating healthy living in everything that we do,” said Kendra Griepentrog, Corporate Challenge coordinator for Wipfli. “Skill level doesn’t matter. What does matter is getting out and at least using this event to start or continue a healthier lifestyle. An added benefit is meeting new people within the company who you may not have known before. It’s a great way to help employees build stronger relationships.”
There is no charge to the company to join the Corporate Challenge. Employees pay the normal Bellin Run registration fee. The company and team enjoy the benefits, including an employee training program, pasta dinner discounts, free Corporate Challenge training T-shirts and much more.
For more information about the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge, or to sign up, contact Carol LeGate at (920) 680-6262 or visit www.bellinrun.com.
Online registration for the Bellin Run is underway at www.bellinrun.com. 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.
