BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – A popular Brown County event returns for its 18th year this weekend.
The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon includes a weekend full of races.
A full marathon, relay marathon, half-marathon, and relay half-marathon are scheduled for Sunday.
Saturday’s events include a 5K and a 3/4 mile kids’ run.
Race Director Toni Jaeckels says the Cellcom event is the state’s largest half-marathon and second largest full marathon, behind only Milwaukee’s Lakefront Marathon.
In each of the past three years, there have been between 14,000-15,000 entrants.
“The marathon, we’re down a little bit.”
Jaeckels says roughly 12,000 runners have already signed up this year.
However, she notes registration for most events is open through Saturday.
More information is available at: http://www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com/registration/.
The course, which varies by event, starts and ends at Lambeau Field and travels through various Brown County communities, such as Ashwaubenon, De Pere, and Allouez.
Jaeckels says drivers will notice a temporary inconvenience.
“Lombardi (Avenue) is closed for a short period of time. The other road that is affected is Ridge, right behind Lambeau, because public safety wants to utilize that road for any medical vehicles that need to go to our medical tent.”
Find out more about the course and detours at: http://www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com/course-information/.
Jaeckels says the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is much more than just one weekend.
She notes training runs have been held during the 19 weeks leading up to the event.
“It’s kind of become this social event where the runners come out and look forward to seeing each other on race weekend. It’s a social thing. It’s something that kind of has taken on its own little life.”
Jaeckels says awards are handed out for the top three male and female finishers in each age group per event.
All runners also get a participation medal.
On Saturday, Jaeckels notes there is also a crash course for people who plan to line the streets.
“There’s good things that you can say to runners that will help motivate them, and things that are not so motivational. There’s ways you can navigate the course.”
