By Jonathan Timm
Contributing Writer
GREEN BAY – Unable to participate in one of Green Bay’s most empowering events? Look no further than to sign up as a volunteer for the 9th annual Bellin Women’s Half Marathon and 5K. It’s an opportunity to contribute in the midst of sport, while providing a safe experience for the competitors.
Saturday Oct. 7 has been circled on the calendars of many local female runners looking to “run it back” for another year of the annual Bellin Women’s Half Marathon & 5K. This popular event had over eleven hundred participants last year in efforts to provide an empowering experience for the women of the Green Bay area and beyond.
“We are looking for ways to better engage with the women in our community,” said race director Linda Maxwell. “Oftentimes they’re taking care of their families, and oftentimes not looking out for themselves. So we wanted to provide the resources and inspiration for them to be more active.”
For Maxwell, that resource is the Bellin Women’s Half Marathon.
As for logistics, both the 5K and half marathon race will begin at the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay. From there, the 5K route goes toward the east side of the river, while the half marathon trickles into De Pere.
While the event is heavily centered around physical activity being a key component to promoting overall health, the Bellin Women’s Half Marathon and 5K also highlights as an opportunity for social gathering and comradery.
Participants will also have an opportunity to soak up some extra motivation and tips on the night prior to the run. Pulaski native and American olympic biathlete Deedra Irwin will be speaking at the Women’s Inspiration Dinner that takes place on the eve of the race.
“We have a keynote speaker every year, so our participants can fuel up both mind and soul,” Maxwell furthered.
When giving the speech, Irwin will also further the participants on this year’s race theme, “SHINE”.
“It’s usually an empowering word that we build around.”
Previously, the Bellin Women’s has had themes such as “determined”, “stronger” or “fearless” during the events now 9th year in the running.
With the foundations being laid out, a final objective in the race that is necessary are the volunteers from community members. Primarily, course marshals.
“Our event could not happen without the support of our local volunteers. We have a special need for volunteers on the 5K course as course marshalls. It’s a fun way to support the women in our community by keeping them safe, but also it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the day and cheer them on.”
Race day volunteer shifts are approximately an hour long. Volunteers will also be receiving a free shirt to represent the race and themselves for giving their time. They will also be given a front row view in the race as a spectator.
For more information on how you can “shine” as a course marshall or serve as additional race day help, visit bellinwomenshalf.com and click the volunteer tab.