Why I Run the Bellin Run: Doris Johnson Pasterski, Sobieski

April 26, 2013

I ran my first Bellin in 1979 at the age of 29. I am now 63 and preparing to run my 31st Bellin. I did accomplish my goal of running 25 Bellin Runs consecutively.  

One of my proudest memories was in 1997 when I placed 2nd in my age group with a time of 48:29. I didn’t realize I had placed until the next day when I read it in the Green Bay Press-Gazette. I knew I had made it in the Green Bay running world when Dick Lytie (one of the founders of the running movement in Green Bay) called my name over the loud speaker as I crossed the finish line.  

I’ve run Bellins in rain and extreme heat. One year I twisted my ankle at the start line and continued in pain to the finish line. That was the year Press-Gazette posted a picture of me sitting under a tree at the finish with a wet towel over my head. Yes, I was still smiling.

Last year at age 62 I decided to run the Cellcom half marathon (13.1 miles). It was my first. It was grueling but I managed to finish before they called off the race. I took that adventure off my “Bucket List.” When the race was over I made the comment that I will stick to the Bellin Run. The Johnson family has had two generations running the Bellin for more than 30 years. We all hope and pray we can continue our running tradition for many years to come.

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E-mail your reasons for running (or walking) to Femi Cole at [email protected]. Put “Why I run/walk the Bellin Run” in the subject line. We’ll be watching for your stories.