GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – For the first time in a few years, runners were back on the streets for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.
‘Together Again’ is the theme of this year’s race.
Todd Chartnetski ran the half marathon Sunday morning, saying it’s good to be back.
“I think there’s a feeling out period here, the attendance is good,” said Chartneski. “I think next year you’re going to see a lot more people. Kind of through COVID, people got out of shape and now they’re getting the fever back.”
COVID-19 put the marathon on pause the past two years. Before that, flooding and extreme heat were to blame.
“We are just excited for the energy race day has brought, both for the runners and the community,” said marathon spokesperson Tammy VanDenBusch.
VanDenBusch adds on top of the break caused by the pandemic.
“We didn’t actually host our full marathon in 2019. So it’s been a little bit longer for that 26.2 distance, so all the sweeter to be out here and kind of chasing goals again.”
The marathon is not only welcoming back past runners, but new ones too.
This is Alex Andre’s first 5K, and she’s been preparing since last month.
“My mom got a treadmill. She’s letting me work out and letting me run on it.”
Andre adds she chose the Green Bay Marathon because she’s no stranger to part of the route.
“When I was four, I did one mile in Lambeau Field, so I want to do it again.”
Event planners say around 3,600 runners participated in the races this year.
While it’s a number lower than expected, they call it a good turn out for both organizers and runners.
But as for Chartneski:
“This is my 20 something Green Bay Marathon, I’ve only missed two since the start. I’m glad to keep running. Birthday is tomorrow. Running at 56 and feeling good.”
