The run was intended to be a one-time event to help celebrate the dedication of the hospital's newly constructed additions.

Many features have been added to the run over the years such as computerized chip timing, corral starts, preferred starting positions for faster runners, post race refreshments, entertainment along the course, an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner, and a free Health Expo the night before the run.

The race begins under the Bellin Hospital skywalk on Webster Avenue and draws hundreds of spectators.

[7] The Bellin Run focuses on encouraging widespread fitness, routine exercise and healthy living.

[9][10] The Bellin Run offers diverse entertainment throughout the course, including music, designated cheering squads and street performers.

The expo features, an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner, booths with health-themed vendors, and a number of activities for children.

The Friday activities include a large playground for children, inflatable toys, live entertainment, and a meet-and-greet autograph session with the elite athletes.

Volunteers participate in activities ranging from water distribution and traffic regulation to assistance with the Friday night events and race registration.

The companies compete to determine which businesses can post the best finish times and secure the highest participation rates.

[21] It's another way Bellin Run organizers encourage members of the community to increase their physical fitness levels and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

[22] Some of the benefits of being a Corporate Challenge participant include: A team photograph, discounted rates for the spaghetti dinner, and a company tent for employees the morning of the race.

Research suggests that learning healthy habits at a younger age will likely lead to healthier lifestyle choices in the future.

These young mentors earn community service hours for their participation, and a discounted Bellin Run registration fee.

[25] Individuals who have faced recovery and rehabilitation from surgery or a major illness are invited to participate in a shortened version of the Bellin Run.

[26] My Team Triumph is a ride-along program for kids and adults who have disabilities that severely limit them from participating in road races and other similar events.

[28] The corral system start was first employed by the Bellin Run in 2011 after seven consecutive years of record-breaking attendance.

Corral system starts feature a continuous line of participants seeded by their anticipated pace.

[29] Astor Park is home to pre-race activities and locations such as the Friday Night Children's Run, the spaghetti dinner, the registration tent, elite athlete autograph session, and entertainment.

This started with Frank Shorter in 1977 and has included others such as Bill Rodgers, Rosa Mota, Joan Samuelson, Simeon Kigen, Lisa Weidenbach, Bruce Bickford, Ed Eyestone, John Campbell, Dan Held, Suzy Favor-Hamilton, Bob Kempainen, Elva Dryer, Elana Meyer, Joeseph Kimani, Uta Pippig, Tegla Loroupe, Khalid Khannouchi, Jean Driscoll, and John Kipsang Korir.

[6][33] The field of world-class runners has included former and current Olympians, national marathon champions, international elites, a number of 10K record holders and many other accomplished participants.