BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — After 25 years, racers crossed the finish line at the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon for the final time Sunday.
“It’ll be sad that this is ending. You know, this has gone on for so many years and I really hope somebody digs down deep and decides to continue doing it because I think it’s a good attraction for Green Bay,” said Lottie St Andre, who was watching runners.
There were plenty of supporters cheering runners on as they weaved their way through Ashwaubenon, Allouez and Green Bay.
Spectators all hope a different title sponsor will take the baton and continue what’s become a yearly tradition in the area.
“We also go to other area marathons and do that also, so it’d be nice if we could keep one in Green Bay,” said Sara Strombeck.
Cellcom encourages someone else to take over the event, as they’re ready for new beginnings.
“I think we want to look at what else we can do, and so we’re always changing and going where the community kind of needs us to go. And, so it’s been a great 25 years and we’re looking forward to another 25 years doing something just as great,” said Brighid Riordan, CEO of Nsight & Cellcom.
Menasha native Kathy VanDehy was first to cross the finish line in the women’s marathon.
While it feels good to have her name etched in the record books, she’s also sad about the end of the storied event.
“I want the running community in the Fox Cities to continue to build and obviously not having Cellcom anymore, that could hinder that running community,” said VanDehy.
Others like Samuel Dean, share similar feelings.
“I wanted to keep coming back but I, we actually signed up for this race with the intention of continuing to do it in the future,” said Dean.
Running in Sunday’s half marathon event wasn’t enough by itself for Dean.
He also happened to juggle throughout the race.
“It’s really nice because it kind of takes your mind off the pain of running,” added Dean.
Runners and community members all hope future marathon’s will be held in town.
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