DE PERE – The relationship John Schopf has built with his father, John Schopf Senior, around their mutual love of running has led them to compete in over 140 together since 2011 — however, this year’s Bellin Run will mean much more to the father-son duo.
After a tragic accident on Sept. 15, 2024, John Sr. was left with severe injuries that the doctors said could impact his ability to participate in competitive runs for at least a year to a year and a half.
Yet, just nine months later, John Sr. and his son have plans to participate in the 2025 Bellin Run together.
“They were going to get a carwash on a Sunday night in Sturgeon Bay and a car hit the driver side door, where my father was. He sustained a broken leg, pelvis, scapula, and ribs and he was brought to St Vincent Hospital in a helicopter. My mother was in the passenger seat and suffered a broken pelvis, ankle, and sternum. I remember that night like it was yesterday. It was horrifying,” said John.
“I was watching football and I saw I had a missed call. I saw the voicemail text mentioned it was Door County Memorial Hospital, so I called back immediately. Unfortunately, the only news the caller could give me was that my mother was at that hospital and my dad was airlifted to St Vincent. Whenever someone from Door County is airlifted to Green Bay, the worst-case scenario floods your mind.”
John, a De Pere resident, said that he made his way to the hospital to meet his parents despite the onslaught of terrible thoughts and worries overwhelming him.
“I called my mom on the way to the hospital and a nurse picked up. She gave the phone to my mom and her voice was shaky saying she was very worried about my dad,” said John.
“My wife was able to meet me before going to see him and he was laying on the hospital bed with a neck brace,” said John.
“My dad was alert, but he was a little foggy. A while later, we were informed my mom was in transit to Green Bay as they discovered her broken pelvis, which needed to be reviewed closer. Both were told they would make full recoveries. It was a long night of unknowns, but a night that changed our lives and we are so appreciative of the doctors and nurses that were there to help my mom and dad.”
Despite the long road ahead for the couple, John said that he was proud of how his parents braved the next steps together with a positive attitude
“My dad needed surgery the following two days to repair his leg and pelvis, while my mom was able to heal without requiring surgery,” said John.
“My dad’s first question to the surgeon was if he would be able to run again and the doctor told him 12-18 months and he’d be running. My dad is the kind of guy that will set a goal to do it in 11 months and 29 days.”
According to John, both of his parents have been working hard to see a full recovery and return to a normal lifestyle.
The Bellin Run will be John Sr.’s first race back since the accident.
“They have both made incredible progress. My dad has been working out multiple times a week, sometimes overdoing it, because that’s who he is. He’s been timing himself on the treadmill and taking multiple walks a day. He’s been adding in running a few laps at the local YMCA and is eager to see what’s next. The plan this year is to see how things go with no expectations. We plan to sign up for the Bellin soon,” said John.
“Our outlook on running and walking and life in general has changed. From the night of the accident to 6 months later, the support we’ve received from family, friends, and co-workers has truly been incredible. Watching my parents progress day by day, week by week, has made me very proud to be a part of such an amazing family,” said John.
John and his father hit their 100th run together in June of 2020. Five years later, they are looking to run together again for the first time in nine long months.
John said that running with his father has been a significant part of his life and he is anxiously awaiting their return to the finish line.
“The bond that my father and I have is unlike any other. The countless miles and stories we’ve been able to share together has truly been an honor. We’re always discussing what race is next and how each run is going in between races,” said John.
Now that John Sr. is on his way to making a full recovery, the Schlopf family has a lot to be thankful for in this year’s Bellin Run.
“Being able to participate in the Bellin Run this year means everything to our family. We’ve been running in races for almost 15 years, and Bellin Run has been one of the yearly races with my niece and dad. My niece also runs and it’s been truly amazing watching three generations running together. Other races we run and finish separately, but for the Bellin Run we always finish together and as a family,” said John.
“When the accident occurred in September, I know my dad had doubts about ever being able to run again. He listened to the doctors and nurses and understood he would need to take the necessary steps to get back to the normalcy of walking and then running, and that’s exactly what he did. At first he was told he would be able to run in 12-18 months, but he started running just six months after the accident. He’ll say it wasn’t pretty, but it was a big step to getting to where he wants to go.”
John said that one of the biggest factors that brought him relief the night of the accident was the news that his father’s commitment to exercise would be a big benefit during his recovery.
“The physical health benefits were felt immediately. Upon arrival at the ER, the first comment from the trauma team was how being such an avid runner built incredible strength in my dad’s legs and it not only saved my dad from further serious injuries, but it would also lead to a smoother recovery. Mentally, it was a challenge for him to know if he would ever run again, but from that point forward, it gave my dad and our family hope and encouragement,” said John.
According to John, not only did his dad’s physical health bring him a faster recovery, but his mental and emotional approach to getting better brought strength and positivity to the entire family as well.
“Watching how my dad reacted in such a positive light has honestly changed my life in so many ways. What my parents both had to endure mentally and physically from the accident through months of rehab has been difficult, but if they can overcome obstacles like that, obstacles in my life don’t seem as daunting. If my dad can run six months after a horrific accident, I can get outside and run an extra day, or add another mile to my run, or even just another block,” said John.
“My dad could have used excuses that he was sore and in pain and not pushed himself but he hasn’t. He’s been training and he knows it’s a long recovery, but he’s putting in the work to get to where he wants to go. There’s no reason for me to not do the same. It’s truly been inspiring to see how far a positive attitude can not only take one person but how far it can take an entire family.”
Though John and his father have participated in organized races for years together, running is something that the entire Schopf family has embraced. According to John, their many years of running have given the family several cherished memories.
“Our favorite memory was from the Quarter Marathon at Run Wild in Sturgeon Bay in 2021. At that time my dad and family, who were there cheering us on, thought my girlfriend, Brittany, was there to cheer us on as well, but as we crossed the finish line she was wearing a shirt that had ‘girlfriend’ crossed out and it now said ‘fiancé’. Of course, there was extra excitement to that entire run and my legs felt like Jell-O as I was about to announce the most exciting news to my family and my dad,” said John.
As the Schopf duo continues to compete in races together, John said that they are fortunate to be able to look back at over a decade of running together and reflect on what their experience has taught them.
“My dad will say that if he can start running at the age of 55 and run so many races, anyone can do it,” said John.
“My best advice is everyone has a first race. Picking up running can be intimidating, but there are people encouraging you the entire way. Participating in the Bellin brings a sense of community, no matter how long it takes you. It is the fun atmosphere and the friendly faces cheering you on throughout the entire course that is so welcoming. People always talk about having a runner’s high and the Bellin Run provides that every year,” said Schopf.
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