More than 1,000 participants made the eighth annual Bellin Women’s Half Marathon and fifth annual 5K a success on Saturday, Oct. 1, celebrating sisterhood through the only events of their kind in Northeast Wisconsin.
“I continue to be amazed by this event and its participants,” said Race Director Linda Maxwell. “From Friday’s Expo and Women’s Inspiration Dinner, to Saturday’s events and celebration, the spirit of this community was on full display. I’m so impressed and inspired by these incredible women.”
Four hundred forty-nine participants registered for the 13.1-mile half marathon as individuals (431 in-person, 18 virtual), while another 154 were part of two-person relay teams (148 in-person; six virtual) and 467 took part in the 5K (383 in-person, 84 virtual). The event also welcomed six teams from myTEAM TRIUMPH, the organization that pairs challenged athletes with able-bodied individuals for an inclusive race experience. The event welcomed hundreds from Northeast Wisconsin but also attracted participants from New Hampshire, Georgia, Washington, Oregon and Canada.
Invigorating cool air provided temperatures in the mid-40s under sunny skies when the races began at 8 a.m. outside the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay. Those temperatures climbed to the upper 60s by the time the course closed shortly after noon.
Dubbed “a race to empower women,” the Bellin Women’s Half Marathon was created in 2015 to celebrate and motivate female athletes of all levels and abilities. The focus also provides an opportunity to spotlight training and health issues specifically related to women, such as the unique challenges facing runners who are mothers. In 2018, the event added a 5K to allow even more women to get their feet on the street in the name of health and wellness.
The Bellin Women’s events offer a one-of-a-kind race weekend experience that starts with the Friday night Women’s Inspiration Dinner. Participants receive a unique collectible finisher medallion and quality long-sleeve finisher shirt. Runners and walkers sip pink lemonade and snack on chocolate and other delicacies on the CityDeck behind Hagemeister Park as they celebrate their finish.
Complete race results and more information are available at bellinwomenshalf.com. To view photos from the event, please visit the Bellin Women's Half Marathon & 5K Facebook page.
The eighth annual Bellin Women’s Half Marathon will be held Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023.