We are excited to announce that we are going to a “wave start” for all 2015 Cellcom Green Bay Marathon events.  A wave start consists of staggered starts of groups of participants instead of one mass start for all participants.  There is a short “break” between the start of each wave.   Participants are assigned to the appropriate wave based on the estimated pace that was entered when they registered.  Participants are allowed to move “back” waves but are not allowed to move “up” waves.  For example, if you are assigned to Wave C, you can start in any wave from C to F but you cannot start in waves A or B.  This will allow people who want to run together the opportunity to do so as the faster runner can move back to the same wave as the slower runner.  A wave start will not affect a participant’s time.  Since we use chip timing, a participant’s time does not begin until the start line is crossed and ends when the finish line is crossed.

By going to a wave start, we can provide our participants a more enjoyable race experience.  One of the bigger concerns participants have expressed to us is that the start line is very congested and hectic.  We want participants to start their race with a positive experience and carry that throughout the day.  A wave start allows for less congestion from start to finish.  Participants will line up with others who will run a similar pace.  This should help you settle into your pace right from the start rather than having to speed up and slow down as you dodge slower participants.  It also will help reduce some of the stress on the first couple of water stations and port-a-potties.  We also hope this will alleviate some of the congestion in the Lambeau Field tunnel (it certainly will not hurt it).  However, runners at the most popular paces (roughly 2 hours for the half-marathon and 4 hours for the marathon) should still expect to experience some congestion due to the number of people at that pace.

 The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon has signed on with local vendors for two prominent pieces of race day. Medalcraft Mint, based in Green Bay, will create the race day medals that all finishers receive. Run Away Shoes, with locations in Green Bay, Appleton and Oshkosh, will source the t-shirts for both participants and volunteers.

“The marathon is known for giving a boost to the local economy on event weekend with 13,000-plus runners and spectators coming to town, but the impact really extends beyond that through partnerships with local businesses,” said Larry Lueck, interim race director for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. “We’re excited to have Medalcraft and Runaway Shoes on board in a big way for the 2015 event.”

Medalcraft Mint was founded in Wisconsin in 1948 and produces award medals and other commemoratives. They are known throughout the industry for their award-winning artists and craftsmen and unmatched quality. A recent claim-to-fame was the minting of the coin that was used for the Super Bowl coin toss. The company will produce medals for the 5K, marathon, half marathon and marathon relay.

“Completing a running event is a big accomplishment and deserves recognition,” said Jerry Moran, president of Medalcraft Mint. “We’re excited to be a part of the premier running event in our area and provide runners with a unique, high-quality medal to celebrate their success.”

Run Away Shoes, a specialty running store in Northeast Wisconsin, will be the t-shirt vendor for the event. The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon orders over 17,000 shirts for participants and volunteers.

“We’ve been involved in the event for a number of years, as an exhibitor and as participants. We’re excited for the opportunity to expand our relationship as a vendor,” said Ross McDowell, owner of Run Away Shoes. 

Register for the half or full marathon between  January 28 – February 6 for your chance to win a  Misfit Shine activity tracker from Cellcom.

The Misfit Shine is a fitness and sleep monitor that can be worn on your wrist with the included band or clipped just about anywhere else for ultimate versatility.

1. Set your goal – Use points to easily measure all your activities, such as walking, running, swimming and cycling.
2. Track your progress – Tap your Misfit Shine to see how close you are to reaching your goal.
3. Have fun with friends – Find your friends and view each other’s accomplishments for a little friendly competition.

Misfit Shine syncs wirelessly with the Misfit App for IOS, Android and Window.

Click here to register by midnight on February 6 for your chance to win. Five winners will be chosen to receive a Misfit Shine.

The Prevea Training Runs are back again this year to get participants ready for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. Prevea Health is proud to be the official health partner of the 2015 Cellcom Green Bay Marathon and is committed to helping participants of all fitness levels achieve success.

The first training run of the free, 18-week program will take place this Saturday, Jan. 10 and continue every Saturday through May 9. Participants will meet at Green Bay Distillery, 835 Potts Ave. in Ashwaubenon at 7 a.m. for announcements and a group warm-up before heading out on a guided run.

“This is the perfect opportunity to get your miles in alongside hundreds of other runners preparing for race day,” said Mike LaMere, Prevea Training Run Director. “It’s also a great way to de-stress, socialize and get your long run in for the week.”

Free water and Gatorade will be available along the course each week, and free injury screenings from Prevea Health Sports Medicine experts will also be available after each run at Green Bay Distillery.

To get the full Prevea Training Runs schedule, and to learn more about other Prevea Health resources that will help prepare participants for Cellcom Green Bay Marathon events, visit http://www.prevea.com/Cellcom-Marathon/.

Larry Lueck has been appointed as the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon race director for the 2015 season.

Lueck has served as the marathon’s first-timers director since the program’s inception in 2006 and has helped over 17,000 novices train and complete their first marathon or half marathon. His ability to get new runners excited and provide the motivation and inspiration needed to overcome the fear of running a daunting distance has earned him the nickname of ‘The Pied Piper’.  He has also served on the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon’s operations team for nine years.

With Lueck’s leadership, the marathon staff and operations team will continue to move forward with planning the 16th annual Cellcom Green Bay Marathon, which will take place May 15-17, 2015.

“I am honored and appreciate the trust and confidence the Board has in me to lead this highly respected community event for 2015,” Lueck said. The new race director emphasized that his first priority will be to look forward.  “I’m excited to begin working with the strong, capable staff and operations team that is already in place. Together, I have no doubt we will deliver an outstanding event for both participants and spectators in 2015.”

An avid runner, Lueck has finished the marathon for all 15 years of the event and is the director of the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon Legends Club.