GREEN BAY — The legendary road race that started as a one-time event in 1977 will celebrate its 50th anniversary Saturday, June 13, as runners and walkers line up for the iconic Bellin Run 10K and popular newer 5K. Online registration is open and organizers are planning special celebrations to mark the golden anniversary milestone. Details were shared today during a news conference held at Emplify Health by Bellin Green Bay Hospital, just steps away from the event’s start/finish line.
“We are preparing to celebrate an incredible five decades of getting feet on the street in the name of health and wellness, and the excitement level is off the charts,” said Executive Race Director Randy Van Straten. “More than just a road race, the Bellin Run has become a year-round healthy motivator, a treasured community event and a not-to-be-missed annual tradition for participants, volunteers and spectators alike. We’re going to do it up right, and we want everyone to be a part of it.”
Eight hundred eighty-one participants toed the line for the first Bellin Run, which was supposed to be a one-time event to celebrate the opening of the cardiac wing at Bellin Hospital and promote cardiovascular fitness. Participants soon began asking when the next year’s event would be held, and a new tradition was born. Participation peaked at 20,000 runners and walkers in 2013, and 20 individuals — known as Bellin Run Legends — have completed every single Bellin Run since the event’s inception. To date, the event has welcomed more than 345,000 total participants.
“Looking back over the decades, there are countless memories, milestones and stories associated with this incredible event,” said Assistant Race Director Linda Maxwell. “Whether you’re a first-time walker, a speedy personal record-seeker, someone who’s part of a family tradition or even one of our indominable Bellin Run Legends, the underlying theme is the same — healthy movement matters, and it’s fun. This is a community, and a road race, like no other.”
Race organizers today shared that the June 13 event will welcome back Frank Shorter, the iconic marathoner who won the first Bellin Run in 1977, along with fellow legendary runners Joan Benoit Samuelson and Bill Rodgers. On-course entertainment will include a musical tour through the decades, and participants can look forward to throwback fun, as well as community events and additional celebrations, leading up to and on the big day.
During today’s news conference, several Bellin Run Legends helped unveil this year’s custom Bellin Run logo, continuing the beloved tradition of a new logo for every Bellin Run. The specially designed 50th anniversary edition includes a heart, an intentional and meaningful connection back to the original logo from 1977. All participants will receive an official Bellin Run technical T-shirt featuring this year’s logo, and will have the option to purchase a replica 1977 original Bellin Run race T-shirt with registration.
The Bellin Run opens registration in December to give people a goal to stay active throughout the year, even during the colder months, organizers said. The Bellin Run welcomes individuals at all levels of running and walking ability with the 10K, 5K and Children’s Run. The 10K and 5K events also offer a virtual option for those who can’t make it in person.
The Bellin Run hosts free weekly run/walk training events, which will begin March 25. Sessions begin at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Bellin Health Titletown Sports Medicine & Orthopedics and are open to all levels and abilities. For school or corporate training programs, interested parties may contact [email protected] for turnkey programming and support. The Bellin Run also is looking for captains and coaches for these programs; those interested are asked to email [email protected] if they are interested in helping improve the health of our community by getting more “feet on the street”!
Early registration for the Bellin Run’s 10K and 5K events (in-person or virtual options) is $30, while the half-mile June 12 Children’s Run costs $15. Sign-up is quick and easy at www.bellinrun.com.
The 50th annual Bellin Run will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 13. For more information or to register, visit bellinrun.com. Follow the Bellin Run on Facebook, X and Instagram.
NOTE: Members of the news media are invited to click here for throwback Bellin Run photos. Caption information is as follows:
- 1977_Bellin_Run: Used with permission from the Neville Public Museum, this on-course photo was taken during the inaugural Bellin Run on June 12, 1977.
- BillRodgers and RodgersIMG: Bill Rodgers, better known as “Boston Billy” for his four Boston Marathon wins, was the 1978 Bellin Run champ and has returned many times since to run the 10K course. He will be among the running icons returning to Green Bay for the 50th annual Bellin Run on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
- FrankShorter-Park Finish: Legendary marathoner Frank Shorter won the inaugural Bellin Run in 1977 and is shown here near the finish line, which at that time was in Baird Place Park. Shorter will be among the running icons returning to Green Bay for the 50th annual Bellin Run on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
- George Kerwin w Frank Shorter 1: Former Bellin Health CEO George Kerwin, one of the architects of the original Bellin Run, is pictured with1977 Bellin Run champ Frank Shorter during inaugural race festivities. Shorter will be among the running icons returning to Green Bay for the 50th annual Bellin Run on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
- Joan Samuelson: Longtime friend of the Bellin Run Joan Benoit Samuelson is perhaps best known for winning the first-ever Women’s Olympic Marathon in 1984. She is a multi-time Bellin Run overall female and age-group champ, and will be among the running icons returning to Green Bay for the 50th annual Bellin Run on Saturday, June 13, 2026.