Five Great Reasons to Walk the Bellin Run

April 18, 2019

By Assistant Race Director Linda Maxwell

Admittedly, the name “Bellin Run” tells only part of the story.

Sure, we have an amazing group of runners. But did you know a full one-third of our participants either exclusively walk or run-walk our event? They’ve discovered there are plenty of good reasons to dial back your pace come race day. Here are our top 5:

• Training: Training to race a 10K is great — and depending on your goals, long runs, intervals and speed work may be where your interests lie. But if you’re new to fitness, injury-prone, a former runner or someone who simply doesn’t have a ton of time to spend training, walking or walk-running may be just the ticket for you. Don’t get us wrong, you’ll still want to put in some training time – you can’t just roll off the couch and do 6.2 miles. But if you’re someone who’s already active or someone who can start logging some walking miles now, you’ll be ready for race day.

• Pre-Race Experience: Being a walker provides some definite perks come race day. For the second year, we have designated all of Baird Place Park as Corral 5 (our walker corral). This means walkers spend less time on the road and in the sun, and have more access to hydration in the park before the race begins. You’ll enjoy a special Corral 5 announcer and plenty of hydration (not to mention an ample supply of porta-potties, which no one wants to be without!)

• Family (and Friend!) Friendly: Got a kiddo in a stroller or wagon? Our walker corral is the place for you! Due to safety concerns and industry norms, the Bellin Run banned running with strollers several years back. But walkers with strollers and wagons are welcome and encouraged – and what better way to get your family and friends in on the race-day action? Being active sets a great example for little ones, and it’s a fun way for them to be a part of the event even if they can’t yet walk or run the 10K distance. Walking is definitely the most social way to experience the Bellin Run – it’s much easier to carry on a conversation at a walker’s pace than it is on the run.

• On-Course Excitement: Not to toot our own horns (well, maybe just a little …), but the Bellin Run course is awesome! From deejays and live entertainment (including the iconic Banjo Man) to themed water stations and hundreds of amazing spectators, it’s a jam-packed 6.2-mile party. This holds true no matter what your pace, but our walkers have more time to experience it — to truly embrace all race day has to offer. Participants who run for time one year and then run-walk or walk the next marvel at how much more they see when they take the time to take it all in.

• For the Health of It! Of all the great reasons to walk the Bellin Run, this one is the greatest. Our event is all about getting feet on the street in the name of health, fitness and community – and the benefits that result last long after the race-day dust has settled. Walking, quite simply, is great for your health. It can help you increase fitness, maintain a healthy weight, increase your strength and endurance and lower your risk for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It’s a boon for your mental health, too – exercise can help alleviate stress and anxiety while boosting your mood. Registering for a goal event like the Bellin Run is a great motivator to get or stay active, and participating can help build healthy habits that last. You may not be able to run forever, but walking is truly a lifelong activity.

Ready to walk? Register today at www.bellinrun.com. We’ll see you at the start line!