The Bellin Run I feel like a my classic 10k race, it’s a family favorite and a sign of the start of summer. This race goes right past my house so it’s pretty mandatory that I run it.
The night before race day Astor Park is filled with families and music, the neighbor is turned into a small party and it’s amazing. They have the big dino jumps and free face painting for the kids along with a kids run that circles the park. My Team Triumph is also there having their Captain’s run around the park. The expo center is mostly filled with local support teams, heart healthy items and things to improve your overall health. They also have a pasta dinner that includes gluten free options!
This is not really a race to expect to PR at, its filled with a ton of runners, walkers and kids so it’s super crowded. However the plus side to that is there is crowd support the whole way!
They had a wide variety of finish line snacks including some yummy gluten free bars. Also you can’t go wrong with a race that offers free photos!

This was my first marathon so of course it was amazing. The expo and packet pick up were fun and full of energy! Tons of vendors give things away and quality merchandise, I wanted to buy everything and according to my credit card I did. I also had some extra time that evening and took a walk around the school campus, it was beautiful! It definitely got me excited for the morning.
Race morning was easy, the busses were easy to find and there seemed to be plenty lined up. At the start they had tons of porta potties and gear check was simple. While gathered at the start line the race directors gave us words of encouragement and wished us a safe strong run. I was touched by the words, never in all my races has this been done. The course it’s self was hilly but beautiful. The hills were tough but there was a ton of support along the route. I was proudly a part of the back of the pack crew and I never felt left out. I finished just beyond the cut off time but everything was still up and they excitedly called out my name. I was filled with emotions and met an amazing volunteers who made sure I got hugs and plenty of food and water.
Later that week I got my free race photos and the best part was a free finish line VIDEO! It was amazing and secretly I was glad that I finished alone because I didn’t have to share my video with anyone.

Holy hard race! I included this race as a training run for my full marathon in the spring, I wasn’t looking for any PRs the only thing I knew about this race is that it was hilly. So what’s a couple hills no big deal!
The race is full of some crazy hills! This was one of my toughest runs ever, I was happy when it was over. The race starts with a giant hill that I was ok with then loops around a few more hills for 13.1 miles! At the end of this race my legs were on fire and my poor toes were just full of blisters.
This is a no frills race no photos, no great packet pick up, nothing special at the finish line, just your typical banana, bagels and water. The race is hosted at a local school so you can shower at the end of the race. It is also now ran by a local running club (Green Bay Running Club) is a small race that will hopefully grow over the next few years. This has the potential to be an amazing local race.

Hands down one of my favorite races ever, not just because I have ran it from the beginning or because I got to design this years race bag! BWHM is truly a lovely race. They strive to make it a race for everyone, offering twice a week training runs, free walk in health clinic for all the aches and pains plus this year the addition of a 5k.
Packet pick up was a breeze with easy shirt exchanges and super short lines. The expo was short and sweet but filled with mostly local vendors and the Bellin support team. The best part is the amazing pasta dinner (with gluten free options) with an inspirational key note speaker. The room was filled with love, laughter and support.
Race day morning I walked down the trail (I only live about a mile away) to the KI Center it was great to have a warm space and real bathrooms. The course is mostly flat and winds through Green Bay and DePere. Near the finish line you enter a small tunnel and emerge a finisher.
During the race I managed to injure my foot pretty good, but I finished with a new PR. Bellin support did amazing getting my foot evaluated and quickly iced up. They also were made sure that I had family waiting to drive me home and that I was properly hydrated.
The best part of this race, besides my amazing bag, is the medal. It’s a simple medal on necklace that you could wear everyday, don’t get me wrong I love my big medals but they would be a bit much to wear everywhere and kinda clash with my work clothes. Also you get free photos! I look forward to racing this one again in 2019!