Hey Newbie! You Can do the Bellin Run, No Problem

May 16, 2014

Participating in a road race can be intimidating, even for seasoned runners. But the Bellin Run shouldn’t be intimidating in any fashion, even for those who have never run a road race before.

The 38th annual Bellin Run is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, June 14. The 10K (6.2-mile) run/walk snakes through the city of Green Bay and the village of Allouez. It drew a record 20,000 registrants in 2013. But don’t let that rattle you.

The race welcomes participants of all skill levels – world-class competitors as well as casual runners and walkers.

“You’ll see very quickly that the Bellin Run hosts a wide variety of participants,” says assistant race director Linda Maxwell. “Our goal has always been to encourage people to adopt healthier living though fitness. The Bellin Run is a catalyst for such lifestyle changes as people train for the event and begin following a course of physical activity conducive to healthier living.”

And anyone can complete the Bellin Run 10K, even first-timers, Maxwell said.

“You’ll be in good company with lots of other first-time participants,” she said. “The first time around, set a goal, train and do your best, but be sure to enjoy the experience.”

Those still on the fence about participating can check out the free Bellin Run training sessions. The sessions help train prospective participants for the June 14 run/walk. Sessions are held every Wednesday evening at Bellin Fitness West and Bellin Fitness East right up until race week.

Click here for more information on the Bellin Run training sessions

“You can complete the Bellin Run even if you’ve never been much of a runner or walker,” said Nate Vandervest, lead trainer for the Bellin Run training sessions. “To a first-timer it may seem like an insurmountable task. It isn’t. Join us and train for the run. We’ve got people of all performance levels here.

“Trust me, once you line up in your designated corral on race day and the excitement of the crowd washes over you, you’ll know that you made the right decision. You can do it,” Vandervest said.

The 38th annual Bellin Run is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 14. Registration is $25 through June 1.