Accomplished runners, author are highlights of the day
GREEN BAY — Bellin Run activities officially kick off on Thursday with a runners’ clinic and a fun run event featuring two American running legends who are also past Bellin Run champions.
The events are precursors to the Bellin Run’s traditional Friday and Saturday events. The 33rd annual run takes place on Saturday, June 13. Last year’s event drew 15,149 registrants. This year’s numbers are on pace to top that mark.
The Thursday Night Runner’s Clinic, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, will feature a keynote address by author Lynda Drews, a local runner and author of “Run at Destruction,” a true-crime murder mystery.
Following the keynote address, former Bellin Run champions and Olympians Bill Rodgers and Joan Samuelson will lead participants on a 2-mile fun run at 7 p.m. beginning at Astor Park near Porlier and Clay streets in Green Bay. The park is the new site of pre- and post-race festivities, a move necessitated by the continued growth of the event. The Bellin Run experienced record growth the last four consecutive years.
“We have lots of attractions for our participants this year,” said Randy Van Straten, race director. “Thursday’s events are a sampling of some of the programs we’ve got lined up. How often is it that you get to chat with an acclaimed author, or run with former Olympic champions? We’re giving our participants those opportunities and more.”
Friday features include the Health & Fitness Expo, offering health education, athletic training consultations, fitness and equipment vendors and nutrition information. A Bellin Run apparel sale, the traditional spaghetti dinner, elite athlete autograph session and the Kids Run & Fun Event are other events taking place on Friday.
“Race day has its share of attractions, too, even on the course,” Van Straten said.
Runners and walkers will be buoyed by the sounds of Banjo Man at the 1.9-mile marker, the Rocky Theme Song at the 2.5-mile marker, the Parrotheads at the 3.1-mile marker, and a country band, cheer squad and live DJ at the 4.1-, 4.8- and 6-mile markers respectively.
Post-race activities, at Astor Park, include entertainment, refreshments and the awards ceremony.
Online registration for the Bellin Run is underway at www.bellinrun.com. Late online registration June 1-11 is $20. Mail-in registration June 1-11 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.
