Registration for the 2019 Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is now open. The event will celebrate its 20th year May 18-19, 2019. Runners can register now for the marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, half marathon relay, 5K or WPS Kids’ Power Run. The event has become a tradition for people of all ages over the last two decades.
“Cellcom Green Bay Marathon weekend is something that runners near and far, volunteers, and even local businesses look forward to year after year. We are excited to be celebrating 20 years of not only offering participants an opportunity for wellness and a path for achieving their goals, but also making a difference in the community,” said Toni Jaeckels, race director for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.
An exciting change is on tap for the 2019 race weekend. Start and finish lines for all events will make a move. The distance events on Sunday, May 19 will start and finish in downtown Green Bay. The 5K on Saturday, May 18 will start and finish near Green Bay Distillery. All events, including the WPS Kids’ Power Run, will still make the signature lap around Lambeau Field.
“This move allows us to introduce new courses for all of our events, while still giving people the opportunity to circle Lambeau Field. The event started downtown for our first seven years, so it is fun for us to go back to our roots and give runners some new scenery,” said Jaeckels. “Our Prevea Health & Fitness Expo and packet pick-up will still take place at Lambeau Field, so runners will still get that great Lambeau Field energy before the race.”
Downtown Green Bay is eager to welcome the start and finish lines back.
“Marathon runners have been able to enjoy the Fox River Trail, City Deck and running down Broadway for many years, but having runners start and finish in the heart of downtown Green Bay is going to bring a lot of excitement and opportunity. Downtown businesses are going be able to roll out the red carpet for spectators and runners and really have a lot fun,” said Jeff Mirkes, executive director of Downtown Green Bay, Inc. and board member for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.
The event will once again offer resources and support to help get runners to the finish line. Cellcom Green Bay Marathon health partner Prevea offers training plans for each of the distances and free training runs every Saturday starting in January. There is also a First Timers program with weekly training tips, inspiration and an experienced runner to answer any questions that arise.
“The sport of running can seem intimidating from the outside. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to not only run our event, but be successful. Anyone can be a runner and we have the tools to get you there,” said Jaeckels.
Runners can also register for the Run for a Reason program, which allows runners to raise funds for the marathon’s charity partners in exchange for a free entry into the marathon or half marathon. Participants must raise $300 to receive their free entry. Over the past 19 years, the non-profit event has generated over $1.4 million in proceeds for local charities.
Participants can register at early bird rates through January 9. For more information or to register, visit www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com.