You Can Meet Boston Marathon Winner Meb Keflezighi

June 5, 2014

Green Bay area running enthusiasts have a number of opportunities to meet the first American male to win the Boston Marathon in 31 years, including more exclusive events that will benefit area charities.

Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi, who won the annual event in April, will be in Green Bay to participate in the 2014 Bellin Run. But he's not running to win the race – or even be at the front of the pack – due to his training schedule. Instead, Meb’s plan is to maintain a more comfortable pace and "run with the people," said Bellin Run Executive Race Director Randy Van Straten.

“Although Meb is on a tight schedule during his short stay in Green Bay, he’ll make himself available to meet area runners, walkers and fans during a series of events, including running the Bellin Run,” Van Straten said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to interact with one of America’s most noted Boston Marathon winners.”

There are a number of ways to meet Meb, a U.S. Olympian and winner of the 2009 New York City Marathon.

The Bellin Run and Press-Gazette Media will offer local runners, walkers and fans an opportunity to run two miles with Meb during a 7:30 a.m. June 13 run. The Bellin Run Charity Fun Run with Meb presented by Press Gazette Media will benefit two local programs, myTEAM TRIUMPH and Bellin Health Thrive.

A $300 donation earns the first 50 registrants a guaranteed spot in the two-mile fun run, a professional photo, a commemorative T-shirt as well as a race bib signed by Meb, and a continental breakfast.

For an additional $100, fun run participants also can attend the Bellin Run Charity Luncheon with Meb at noon June 13 at Brett Favre’s Steakhouse, 1004 Brett Favre Pass, to hear Meb talk about his achievements. People can choose to only attend the limited-seat luncheon for a $100 donation.

Bellin Health Thrive is a wellness partnership with Green Bay Area Public School District aimed at fighting childhood obesity. The organization myTEAM TRIUMPH is an athletic ride-along program created for children, teens, adults and veterans with disabilities to give them an opportunity to experience endurance events such as triathlons or road races.

Meb will also appear at free public events on June 13, including an autograph session from 6-7 p.m. at the Bellin Run staging area at Astor Park. He also will talk at a presentation hosted by Dave McGillivray, race director of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, from 7-7:30 p.m. that evening.

On Saturday, Meb will participate in the Bellin Run 10K, which starts at 8 a.m.

Register for the Bellin Run at www.bellinrun.com.

Register for the Bellin Run Charity Fun Run with Meb presented by Press Gazette Media at www.bellinrunmebevents.eventbrite.com.