Bellin Run
This article contains promotional content. (April 2024) |
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| Location: Green Bay, WI First Run: June 12, 1977 Distance: 10 kilometers (6.2 mi); 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) Peak registration: 20,000 (2013) Total participants: 345,000+ (as of 2026) Official Website: www.bellinrun.com Organizer: Emplify Health by Bellin | |
The Bellin Run is an annual road race held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on the second Saturday of June with the focus on putting "feet on the street in the name of health and wellness." The event includes 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) and 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) run/walk distances. It is organized by Emplify Health by Bellin (formerly Bellin Health), which sponsors the event near its main hospital campus. Since its founding in 1977, the event has grown into a beloved and iconic road race for the Midwest.
Each year, the Bellin Run releases a custom logo to commemorate that race.
History
[edit]The first Bellin Run was held on June 12, 1977, under the name Bellin Heartwarming Run. It was organized as a one-time 10K event to mark the opening of the cardiac wing at Bellin Hospital and to promote cardiovascular fitness among area residents. The inaugural race drew 881 participants. [1]
Following the first race, participants expressed interest in a subsequent edition, and the event became an annual tradition. Participation grew steadily over the following five decades, peaking at 20,000 runners and walkers in 2013. As of 2026, the event has recorded more than 345,000 cumulative finishers since its inception. [2]
With increased participation and interest in a shorter distance option, organizers added the 5K option in 2023. [3]
The Bellin Run introduced computerized chip timing in [year].[4] The event also implemented corral starts and preferred starting positions for faster runners.[5]
Bellin Run Legends
[edit]As of 2026, 20 individuals have completed every edition of the Bellin Run since the inaugural race in 1977. These participants are recognized by race organizers with the designation Bellin Run Legends. [6]
Course
[edit]
The Bellin Run 10K and 5K courses are United States Track and Field certified.
Both courses begin and finish near Emplify Health by Bellin Green Bay Hospital on the east side of Green bay, passing through the neighboring village of Allouez. The course is largely flat, with some gradual uphill stretches and a significant downhill on the 10K course. Water stations and medical personnel are scattered throughout both courses to keep participants hydrated and safe. [7]
The course also includes live entertainment from DJs and local bands, as well as cheering squads made up of numerous community members and businesses. [8]
Race-day road closures are coordinated among the city of Green Bay, the village of Allouez and the Brown County Sheriff's Department. [9]
Bellin Run Health & Fitness Expo
[edit]In 1991, a noncompetitive children's run was added. In 1995 that run was dedicated to the memory of Dick Lytie, an avid Green Bay-area runner and Bellin Run supporter who died in the summer of 1994. Due to its popularity and size, the run now takes place on the Friday evening before the Bellin Run. It features a half mile course for kids age 10 and under. In 2011, registration for the Children's Run was more than 3,000 participants making it a large part of the Bellin Run experience. Schneider National Trucking company is the major sponsor behind the Children's Run.[10][11]
Health and Fitness Expo
[edit]On the Friday evening before the Bellin Run, Astor Park plays host to a health and fitness expo coordinated by Bellin Health. The expo features, an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner, booths with health-themed vendors, and a number of activities for children. The Friday activities include a large playground for children, inflatable toys, live entertainment, and a meet-and-greet autograph session with the elite athletes.[10][12][13]
Race registration information
[edit]Registration for the Bellin Run historically had been via conventional mail or drop-off. In 2006, Bellin Run organizers offered for the first time an online registration option. A price discount is currently offered to those who register online. In addition, organizers encourage online registration because it is more convenient for registration officials and it aligns with the race's go green initiatives. Online registration for the 2017 Bellin Run will close June 8. The price points are as follows:
| Online Registration Period | 10k Race | Children's Run | Kids for Running |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 20, 2016 – May 1, 2017 | $25 | $12 | $15 |
| May 2, 2017 - June 1, 2017 | $30 | $12 | $15 |
| June 2, 2017 - June 9, 2017 | $35 | $12 | $15 |

Free training program
[edit]Bellin Health provides free training sessions during a 12-week program called "Run a Better Bellin." The program gives runners and walkers a community setting to train for the 10K race. The program is open to walkers and runners of all experience levels.[15]
Charity
[edit]Nursing scholarship
[edit]Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the Bellin Run are used to support the Bellin College scholarship fund. The fund aids qualified nursing students. Since 1991 Bellin has contributed a portion of the Bellin Run proceeds to the scholarship fund, and as of 2011 more than $160,000 had been raised.[16][17]
Volunteers
[edit]The Bellin Run relies heavily on the participation of volunteers. Nearly 1,000 volunteers assist with the run each year. Volunteers fill a number of needs on and around the race course and its related events. Volunteers participate in activities ranging from water distribution and traffic regulation to assistance with the Friday night events and race registration. All volunteers receive a commemorative Bellin Run T-shirt.[18]
Special participation
[edit]Corporate challenge
[edit]The Corporate Challenge for the Bellin Run is a friendly competition among area companies. The companies compete to determine which businesses can post the best finish times and secure the highest participation rates.[19] It's another way Bellin Run organizers encourage members of the community to increase their physical fitness levels and embrace a healthier lifestyle.[15]
The corporate challenge fosters increased camaraderie through friendly competition.[20]
Some of the benefits of being a Corporate Challenge participant include: A team photograph, discounted rates for the spaghetti dinner, and a company tent for employees the morning of the race. Companies also compete in a T-shirt challenge to see which business designs the most creative T-shirt. Winners receive a small prize. Nearly 250 companies participated in 2011.

Kids for Running
[edit]Kids for Running is a training program designed to get kids in third through eighth grades active and health-conscious in their formative years. Several thousand kids from schools across Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula participate in the program each year culminating in their participation in the 10K race. The program is fully integrated in participating schools' physical education programs.
The Kids for Running program encourages Bellin's theme of encouraging communitywide health and fitness. Research suggests that learning healthy habits at a younger age will likely lead to healthier lifestyle choices in the future.[15][21][22]
The program, much like the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge, offers a T-shirt contest. An award is given to the student whose design for their school is deemed the best.
High School Challenge
[edit]Under this program, students and staff from area high schools compete with other schools to determine who can earn the highest participation rate in the Bellin Run (based on the percentage of the total number of students, staff and faculty). The winning school receives an award for display.
Another vehicle through which high schoolers are encouraged to participate in the Bellin Run is through the Running Buddies program. This program offers the opportunity for high schoolers to mentor younger students enrolled in the Bellin Run Kids for Running program. These young mentors earn community service hours for their participation, and a discounted Bellin Run registration fee.[23]
Back to the Road Crew
[edit]Individuals who have faced recovery and rehabilitation from surgery or a major illness are invited to participate in a shortened version of the Bellin Run. This shortened course is offered through Bellin Health's "Back to the Road" program. The program helps get orthopedic, cardiac rehab and general rehab patients active again after medical treatment. It is an invitation-only event. Participants walk or run a 1-mile route of the Bellin Run, however, some complete the entire 10K route.[24]
My Team Triumph
[edit]My Team Triumph is a ride-along program for kids and adults who have disabilities that severely limit them from participating in road races and other similar events. The disabled participants, also known as "captains," are pushed or pulled along the course in modified carriages by their "angels" or volunteers who help to chauffeur the carriages to the finish.[25]
Recent changes
[edit]Corral system starts
[edit]The Bellin Run 10K currently offers seven corrals to begin the race. There are five corrals of runners followed by a stroller division in the sixth wave. Walkers occupy the seventh wave. Stroller participants in 2009 started at the same time as walkers. The corral system was added for the 2011 race as the result of feedback from participants in 2010 Bellin Run. The change was an effort to address future growth, according to Bellin Run organizers.[26] The corral system start was first employed by the Bellin Run in 2011 after seven consecutive years of record-breaking attendance. Corral system starts feature a continuous line of participants seeded by their anticipated pace. The line moves forward until all runners and walkers cross the start line.[27]
Astor Park
[edit]Astor Park is home to pre-race activities and locations such as the Friday Night Children's Run, the spaghetti dinner, the registration tent, elite athlete autograph session, and entertainment. On race day is the landing zone for all post-race events including the awards ceremony, refreshments, post-race results, musical entertainment and more.
The transition to Astor Park was made starting in 2008 once it was determined that it offered much more space for the continually growing race event than the previously used Baird Park.[28]
Chip timing
[edit]Electronic timing chips have been used in the Bellin Run since 2000. The timing chips record when each runner passes the start line and when they cross the finish. The timing chips are typically fastened to a runner's shoe and depending on the type of timing chip, can be recycled after use. The Bellin Run has mostly employed the use of recyclable timing chips. Chip timing has led to more accurate electronic results.[29]
Parking and shuttles
[edit]Parking for the Bellin Run is available in identified lots and on city streets near Bellin Memorial Hospital. However, to help ease the congestion, there is a free shuttle service offered from off-site lots. Participants and spectators may park and be shuttled in from one of two locations: the East Town Mall former Shopko retail store (in east Green Bay), or the Bay Park Square Mall former Shopko location (near the west side of Green Bay). Shuttles pick up participants at both locations every 15 minutes from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and drop them off at Astor Park. Return shuttles run from 9 a.m. to noon.[30]
Interesting fact sheet
[edit]Elite athletes
[edit]World-class runners have always been a part of the Bellin Run. This started with Frank Shorter in 1977 and has included others such as Bill Rodgers, Rosa Mota, Joan Samuelson, Simeon Kigen, Lisa Weidenbach, Bruce Bickford, Ed Eyestone, John Campbell, Dan Held, Suzy Favor-Hamilton, Bob Kempainen, Elva Dryer, Elana Meyer, Joeseph Kimani, Uta Pippig, Tegla Loroupe, Khalid Khannouchi, Jean Driscoll, and John Kipsang Korir.[31][32]
The field of world-class runners has included former and current Olympians, national marathon champions, international elites, a number of 10K record holders and many other accomplished participants.
Notable runners
[edit]- Kristin Steede and Cathy Skell from The Biggest Loser
- Patrick Fabian, Actor and Bellin Spokesperson
- John Jones (American football executive) Former President and Chief Operating Officer of the Green Bay Packers
Past winners
[edit]- All results from official Bellin Run website.[33]
| Year | Male runner | Female runner | Male wheelchair | Female wheelchair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | X | X | ||
| 1978 | X | X | ||
| 1979 | X | X | ||
| 1980 | X | X | ||
| 1981 | ||||
| 1982 | ||||
| 1983 | X | X | ||
| 1984 | X | |||
| 1985 | X | |||
| 1986 | X | |||
| 1987 | X | |||
| 1988 | X | |||
| 1989 | X | |||
| 1990 | X | |||
| 1991 | X | |||
| 1992 | X | |||
| 1993 | X | |||
| 1994 | ||||
| 1995 | ||||
| 1996 | ||||
| 1997 | X | |||
| 1998 | X | |||
| 1999 | ||||
| 2000 | ||||
| 2001 | X | |||
| 2002 | X | X | ||
| 2003 | ||||
| 2004 | ||||
| 2005 | ||||
| 2006 | X | |||
| 2007 | X | |||
| 2008 | X | |||
| 2009 | X | |||
| 2010 | X | |||
| 2011 | X | |||
| 2012 | X | |||
| 2013 | ? | ? | ||
| 2014 | ? | |||
| 2015 | ||||
| 2016 | ||||
| 2017 | ? | |||
| 2018 | ? | ? | ||
| 2019 | ? | ? |
Winners by country
[edit]| Country | Men's Race | Women's Race | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 21 | 43 | |
| 20 | 13 | 33 | |
| 0 | 4 | 4 | |
| 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | |
Corporate Challenge Winners
[edit]| Year | Male Team | Female Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Georgia-Pacific | YMCA |
| 2007 | KI | Bellin Health |
| 2008 | KI | Bellin Health |
| 2009 | Wisconsin Public Service | Bellin Health |
| 2010 | Georgia-Pacific | Bellin Health |
| 2011 | KI | Bellin Health |
| Year | Co-Ed Team | |
| 2012 | KI |
Bellin Run Record Holders By Age Group
[edit]Key: Course record
| Female | Male | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | Name | Time | Year | Age | Name | Time | Year |
| 0-9 | Morgan Jindra | 46:01 | 2007 | 0-9 | Cameron Plate | 44:07 | 2011 |
| 10-12 | Anna Miller | 39:28 | 2008 | 10-12 | Tannor Wagner | 38:13 | 2011 |
| 13-14 | Bailey Wolf | 40:32 | 2011 | 13-14 | Greg Haanstad | 35:39 | 1984 |
| 15-18 | Allie Woodward | 34:18 | 2011 | 15-18 | Jim Orthmann | 30:55 | 1982 |
| 19-24 | Julliah Kerubo Tinega | 32:27 | 2010 | 19-24 | Joseph Kimani | 27:46 | 1997 |
| 25-29 | Tegla Loroupe | 31:48 | 1999 | 25-29 | Joseph Kimani | 28:07 | 2001 |
| 30-34 | Elana Meyer | 32:05 | 1999 | 30:34 | James Koskei | 28:01 | 2001 |
| 35-39 | Uta Pippig | 32:50 | 2001 | 35-39 | James Koskei | 29:12 | 2004 |
| 40-44 | Joan Samuelson | 35:40 | 2001 | 40-44 | John Campbell | 30:01 | 1991 |
| 45-49 | Sue Pierson | 38:02 | 2010 | 45-49 | Don Conway | 31:21 | 1986 |
| 50-54 | Joan Samuelson | 36:13 | 2009 | 50-54 | Fred L. Reeves | 33:59 | 1995 |
| 55-59 | Joan Samuelson | 38:26 | 2012 | 55-59 | Al Treichel | 35:59 | 1984 |
| 60-64 | Kitty Thomas-Ciciora | 48:08 | 2011 | 60-64 | Clive Davies | 38:15 | 1983 |
| 65-69 | Irene Stock | 49:16 | 2011 | 65-69 | Ruben Vigil | 42:14 | 1993 |
| 70-74 | Lois Gilmore | 55:01 | 2006 | 70-74 | Jerry Lardnois | 48:41 | 2006 |
| 75+ | Lois Gilmore | 58:32 | 2009 | 75+ | Jerry Lardnois | 53:59 | 2011 |
| Whlchr | Jean Driscoll | 25:51 | 1999 | Whlchr | Clayton Peters | 24:24 | 1999 |
| Jr. Whlchr | Christina Ripp | 25:53 | 1999 | Jr Whlchr | Joseph Counard | 34:56 | 2000 |
References
[edit]- ↑ "Celebrating 50 years of Bellin Run history with 50 great moments | Bellin Run". www.bellinrun.com. 2026-05-26. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- ↑ "Celebrating 50 years of Bellin Run history with 50 great moments | Bellin Run". www.bellinrun.com. 2026-05-26. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- ↑ "Online Registration Opens for 2023 Bellin Run, Including New 5K Option | Bellin Health". bellin.org. 2023-05-26. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- ↑ "2015 Bellin Run features thousands of athletes, updated technology". WTAQ. 2015-06-13.
New for the 2015 Bellin Run is that runners will use time chips attached to their racing bibs. In the past, participants wore timing chips attached to their shoes.
- ↑ Tameez, Hanaa'; Srubas, Paul (2015-06-13). "Bellin Run draws 16,539 in 39th year". Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Participants started in five corrals, ranked from elite runners back to walkers...
- ↑ "Celebrations Kick Off for 50th Annual Bellin Run | Bellin Run". www.bellinrun.com. 2025-12-16. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- ↑ "Bellin-Run-Course-Map.pdf". gundersen.widen.net. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- ↑ "Plan Ahead | Lodging, Parking and Drug Testing Information". www.bellinrun.com. 2024-10-14. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- ↑ "Plan Ahead | Lodging, Parking and Drug Testing Information". www.bellinrun.com. 2024-10-14. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- 1 2 "Green Bay Press-Gazette: Archives". Pqasb.pqarchiver.com. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - Children s Run & Fun Event". Bellinrun.com. 2010-06-12. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - Elite Athletes of the Bellin Run 10K Race in Wisconsin". Bellinrun.com. 2010-06-12. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/99999999/GPG0101/606060447/Bellin-Run-fosters-community-legacy-of-healthy-living&template=artsemantics&server=MOC-WN0403 [permanent dead link]
- ↑ "Bellin Run Registration". Race Partner. Archived from the original on 2017-04-12. Retrieved 2017-04-11.
- 1 2 3 http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20106270613 [dead link]
- ↑ "News from Bellin College". Bellincollege.edu. Archived from the original on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - Bellin Run Aids Nursing Students - Bellin Run 2010". Bellinrun.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - Volunteers Needed for the Bellin Run - Bellin Run 2010". Bellinrun.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - Corporate 10K Race Challenge". Bellinrun.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - Companies Compete During Corporate Challenge - Bellin Run 2010". Bellinrun.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - Kids for Running". Bellinrun.com. 2010-06-12. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Parents look for ways to keep kids in shape, healthy | greenbaypressgazette.com". Green Bay Press Gazette. 2010-05-30. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - High School 10K Race Challenge". Bellinrun.com. 2010-06-12. Archived from the original on 20 July 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - Back to the Road Crew Rehabilitation Course for Rehab Patients". Bellinrun.com. 2010-06-12. Archived from the original on 20 July 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Myteam Triumph". Myteam Triumph. Archived from the original on 2010-06-20. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - One More Wave Start to be Added - Bellin Run 2010". Bellinrun.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Crazylegs Classic 2010 Wave Start". Crazylegsclassic.com. 2010-04-24. Archived from the original on 2010-06-12. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - 10K Race Events for Bellin Run". Bellinrun.com. 2010-06-12. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - Timing Chips ChampionChip Timing System". Bellinrun.com. 2010-06-12. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - Parking and Shuttles - Bellin Run 2010". Bellinrun.com. 2010-06-12. Archived from the original on 20 July 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ "Bellin Run 2010 - Bellin Run 2010 10K Road Race - Event & Registration Information". Bellinrun.com. 2010-06-12. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ↑ http://www.wbay.com/global/story.asp?S=12638325&clienttype=generic&mobilecgbypass [dead link]
- 1 2 3 4 "Bellin Run 2010 - Past Race Results and Record Holders". Bellinrun.com. 2010-06-12. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
