Disclaimer: I received free entry in the Bellin Women's Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Back to Wisconsin I went. This time to Green Bay. Let's start off this review with the fact that I started to have pretty sever pain in my left hip/glute/leg after Brewers Mini, so I knew this was going to be a challenging weekend to begin with. But in true Tia fashion, I was not about to miss out on an opportunity to show support and take part in a fun-filled 13.1 if I could muster up the strength to do so. So off we drove.
The most amazing part about the Bellin Women's races this weekend is that it was a race to celebrate women. Athletes of all abilities, spot-lighting womens health, and just women supporting women and showing how truly amazing each and every one of us really are!
From the Bellin Health Website:
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, Bellin joined forces with the Breast Cancer Family Foundation’s annual Pink Pumpkin 5K Run/Walk to create a new event for participants in Northeast Wisconsin. The partnership was a natural fit for a race that seeks to call attention to training and health issues specific to women, while also providing the opportunity for even more women to get active, organizers said.
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 as they celebrate their finish.
The weekend was filled with ALL THE PINK! From the expo/packet pick-up to the swag to the post race treats! Beautiful, inspiring women flocked Green Bay to celebrate and support one another. It was a sea PINK!
We decided to stay right at the Hyatt Regency Green Bay. Which was attached the KI Convention Center. Smart choice as not only was pack pick-up right at the convention center. But the Start Line was right outside and Finish Line was within a block or two of the hotel. Very convenient.
Because this is a smaller race, the crowd support is not as large as you would see at other races. But those who made it out there did not disappoint. From the gentle man passing out fruit snacks, to the families with all the kiddos blasting music and many just stepping out their front door to ring a cowbell. It was amazing! You felt the love the entire race.
Course scenery wasn't always amazing. But towards the end of the race you run right along the river and it is so peaceful. Stunning views of Fox River.
Post race really left me speechless. Not only are you treated to all the pink sweetness you can handle with pink lemonade, pink pumpkin frosted cookies and strawberry shortcake. But the post race meal offered was a veggie/hummus wrap. As a vegetarian, THIS WAS AMAZING! Not many races offer a post-race meal I can eat. Or even enjoy eating after running such a long distance. Major high-five on this choice!
The weekend didn't end as well as I would have liked. Mid-race the pain nearly became unbearable and I almost DNF. I was able to push through it but was left with so much pain after the race I could barely walk. Had it not been for Kyle and all of the other badass women out there giving it their all I might have given up and walked off course. Instead I was able to complete my 12th Half Marathon!! And its one I won't forget.
While this weekend was all celebrating and supporting women. There was no shortage of support from all of the men. Quite a few came out to run the races and take part in the weekends events. Hats off to those gents who wore all the pink and helped support such an amazing cause, even if it was just at a cheering section! The weekend was so much more then winning and medals!
I hope to head back out to Green Bay in the new future, take in more sights and get redemption on that 13.1 that nearly gave me my first DNF. Here is to healing quickly and seeing what inspiration will be brought to the 2020 event weekend!
If you would like to see my full review, click here: https://www.bibrave.com/races/bellin-women-s-half-marathon-reviews/13097#.XdVkb-3YrnE
Happy Running!
-Tia