Bellin Run registers 18,213 runners, walkers
June 14, 2014
Kiprono is three-time Bellin Run champion
GREEN BAY — Allan Kiprono of Kenya reclaimed his Bellin Run crown on Saturday with a time of 28:41.
Kiprono, now a three-time Bellin Run champion, bested defending Bellin Run champion Lani Rutto Kiplagat of Kenya who placed second with a time of 29:44. 
Boston Marathon winner and Bellin Run first-timer Meb Keflezighi placed third with a time of 29:58. Keflezighi, in Green Bay to participate in charity events and the 10K, had said he planned to run “a comfortable race at a comfortable pace.” The marathoner had expressed little interest in competing at the 6.2 mile distance, saying he planned to “run with the people.” Whether it was gamesmanship or a change of heart just prior to the race, Keflezighi stayed with the lead pack for the race’s first 2 miles, before falling back. After crossing the finish line, the 39-year-old U.S. Olympian backtracked on the course several times to run with other participants and then spent time congratulating finishers and posing for photos in the finisher’s area.
The Bellin Run registered 18,213 runners and walkers for Saturday’s annual 10K run/walk event. The registration total is dip from last year’s record count of 20,000 which was inspired in large part by the patriotic swell and nationwide show of solidarity generated in the aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.
Risper Gesawba of Kenya easily captured her fourth consecutive title in the women’s division. Her time was 32:53. Newcomer Agnes Cheserek of Kenya finished second with a time of 33:15. Kellyn Johnson, a Wisconsin native now residing in Flagstaff, Ariz., placed third at 33:33.
Other male athletes invited by the Bellin Run had the following times:
• Mike Morgan, Nebraska: 31:24
• Benson Cheruiyot, Kenya: 30:43
• Philemon Cheboi, Kenya: 30:54
• Bill Rodgers, Massachusetts: 46:57
Other female athletes invited by the Bellin Run had the following times:
• Millicent Kuria, Kenya: 33:50
• Joan Samuelson, Maine: 38:55
• Uta Pippig, Colorado: 1:14:39
The overall course records did not fall. Joseph Kimani retains the men’s course record of 27:46 set in 1997 and Tegla Loroupe holds the women’s course record with a time of 31:48 set in 1999.
Local and state notables include Holly Nearman of Milwaukee (38:04; 6th overall), Brian Finnel of Madison (31:06; 6th overall), Armando Torres of Green Bay (32:06; 8th overall), Amy Wichman of Appleton (38:45; 8th overall), Jason Ryf of Oshkosh (32:06; 9th overall), Andy Ashenden of Grafton (32:17; 10th overall), and Corissa Conard of La Crosse (39:10; 13th overall).
The temperature Saturday was 53 degrees and partly sunny at the 8 a.m. start of the race.
Complete Bellin Run results are available through the Bellin Run web site at www.bellinrun.com.
