Green Bay Marathon spots filling up fast
More than 10,000 have registered for the May 21-22 races
GREEN BAY - Registration for next month’s Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is running ahead of last year’s pace.
That has first-year race director Toni Jaeckels encouraging those who are considering participating in the May 21-22 race weekend to sign up soon.
Spots for the 17th year of the marathon and the event's shorter races are filling fast with more than 10,000 registered.
Jaeckels said Friday the half marathon is at nearly 90 percent capacity with fewer than 800 spots left in a field of 6,000.
“Normally, when we hit 90 (percent), that’s when people are like, ‘OK, I better get off the couch and get registering,’” she said.
The marathon, which will be the morning of May 22, is almost at 75 percent capacity with 1,450 of 2,000 spots taken. The marathon relay of 200 teams sold out last month.
Registration also has been strong for the 5K and WPS Kids’ Power Run, which are May 21 and have uncapped entries. Jaeckels said more than 2,000 have signed up for the 5K.
She expects the numbers in all races to make another jump by the end of next week.
That’s because registration fees increase at midnight April 30.
Jaeckels is optimistic the turnout for marathon weekend will exceed last year’s total of more than 13,700 finishers and possibly reach 15,000.
She attributes a few factors to this year’s promising numbers.
One was moving the start of registration from December to September.
“That really allowed people the opportunity to commit early, specifically to those longer distances,” Jaeckels said.
She said favorable winter weather allowed participants to get a head start on their training.
“And, I think that there’s such a focus, not only in this community but nationwide, about getting healthy,” Jaeckels said.
Online-only registration will be available until midnight May 15 at cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com
Late registration will be taken at the Prevea Health & Fitness Expo on May 20 and 21 at the Lambeau Field Atrium.
tmcmaho2@greenbay.gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ToddMcMahon23
Green Bay Marathon Schedule
Friday, May 20
3-7 p.m. – Prevea Health & Fitness Expo
Saturday, May 21
9 a.m. – 5K
10 a.m.-7 p.m. – Prevea Health & Fitness Expo
10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – WPS Kids’ Power Run
Sunday, May 22
7 a.m. – Marathon
8 a.m. – Half marathon