Bellin Run Turns 50: A Community‑Wide Celebration of Health and Togetherness
The Bellin Run has just celebrated its 50th year, turning a simple charity race into a regional tradition that brings together thousands of people. The event started in 1977 with a handful of runners and has grown to include a 5K, a 10K, and more than 8,000 participants who cross the finish line on June 13.
A Farmer Turned Legend
A key figure in this story is Nic Lyons, a farmer from Manitowoc who first ran to stay fit for wrestling. He discovered he was better at running and joined the inaugural Bellin Run in 1977. Even after decades of working on a farm with low weekly mileage, he qualified for the 100th Boston Marathon in 1996. Now in his seventies, Lyons will walk the course with his wife, honoring the race’s spirit more than its competition.
“It’s about everyone moving,” Lyons says, pointing out that whether participants are running or walking they’re all working toward better health. This inclusive approach has made the race a community cornerstone.
Race Day Overview
- Start Time: 8 a.m. in front of Bellin Hospital
- Course: Wind through residential streets, ending with a shared finish that encourages camaraderie among walkers, first‑timers, and seasoned runners alike.
- Director’s Note: 20 % increase in registrations this year, with many returning after the pandemic break.
Pre‑Race Festivities
On June 12, a health and fitness expo will host:
- Vendor booths
- Sports‑medicine resources
- Autograph sessions with elite athletes
- Pasta dinner
- Q&A panels
A children’s half‑mile run will also take place around the park that evening, reinforcing family involvement.
Training and Preparation
Linda Maxwell highlights the importance of pre‑race training runs organized by the event. “The real health benefits come from regular activity, not just a single day of running,” she says. The event is therefore as much about the journey to get ready as it is about the final celebration.
Family Tradition
Lyons’ family has embraced the run:
- All four of his children have participated.
- Two grandsons—Coleman Lensey from Michigan Technological University and Bennett Story, a senior who helped his high school win state cross‑country titles—are serious competitors.
“It’s something that grows in you,” Lyons remarks, encouraging newcomers to simply show up and test their limits.
Registration Details
- Online: Until 2:30 p.m. on June 11
- In‑person: June 12, 3–8 p.m. at the Astor Park registration tent
For more details, visit bellinrun.com.
