Dick Lytie Classic - Virtual 2024

Short review

Dick Lytie Classic Going Virtual After much discussion the Green Bay Running Club has decided that Dick & Deb would want the race tradition to continue, but in a safe manner to participants and volunteers.  We have decided to run it as a virtual race but with a few twists. It will take place from Saturday, March 20 through Sunday, March 28.  There will still be 3 races - 3 mile, 15k, and half marathon.  We are going to use the running app RaceJoy which will allow us to time you.  You are encouraged to run the Dick Lytie Classic race courses (courses are on the Dick Lytie website and will be loaded onto the RaceJoy app).  However, you also have the option of running the race anywhere!  All participants will receive the Dick Lytie event specific t-shirt.
We are not going have age group awards this year, but participants who submit their results will be eligible for randomly drawn gift certificates.  Here is a list of businesses we have gift cards from for the raffle: PDQ Car Wash, Festival Foods, Take Five, Badger State Brewing Co, Copper State Brewing Co, Ahnapee Brewing, Captains Walk Winery, Run Away Shoes, Voyageurs Bakehouse & Foth.

Another addition this year is the "Mighty Lytie Challenge".  Those choosing this option will run all three races and have 9 days to complete the challenge.  In addition to the t-shirt you will also get additional GBRC swag which could include socks, gloves, bondi bands and cinch bags.

Register by the end of the day on March 19th to get a t-shirt.  Registrations after the 19th will NOT get a shirt!    T-shirts can be picked up at Run Away Shoes (2901 Ramada Way, Green Bay) beginning Saturday, March 27. Early bird registration will be $25 through January 31, 2021 and then will increase to $30.  For the "Mighty Lytie" the early bird will be $45. Proceeds from the race will go toward the Green Bay Running Club Kid's Running Program.  Through this program we award scholarships to high school senior cross country and track and field athletes.  We also support the Green Bay Shoe Closet which provides proper show attire for athletes in need. Check the Dick Lytie Classic website and Facebook Page for race updates.  If you have any questions please contact us at DickLytieClassic@gmail.com.

 

DICK LYTIE HISTORY: Dick Lytie was a devoted runner and run promoter in the Green Bay area.  Like many runners in the 70ś, he ran for the simple joy of running.  Dick owned and operate the first running store in the Green Bay area, The Joggerś Joynt which was located on the East side of town on the corner of East Mason and Main Street.  He helped organize many of the locale races through the store and began Wednesday fun runs held at Ashwaubenon High School.  In 1981, Dick organized the inaugural Dick Lytie Spring Classic to give folks the opportunity to run together and compete.  True to his beliefs, it was a very modest event.  Only two water stops were provided, one at the start and one at the end, it was a tough course with long climbs,  and was traditionally known for having bad weather.  While being a competitive event, it was mostly a low key fun event for people to enjoy running together in. After Dick's death in 1996, the race was taken over by Deb and Mark Ernst, owners of InCompetition.  Sticking with tradition, the Ernest kept the race with the same quirks as Dick did, and donated any money raised through the event to a local charity.   Due to the passing of Deb shortly after the race in 2016, the official event was not held in 2017 but a fun run was still held to commemorate the race.  In 2018 the Green Bay Running Club took over this historic race to honor the lives of Dick Lytie and Deb Ernst who created many memories and camaraderie within the running community.  This event includes a 3 mile, 15K, and a half marathon course which utilizes much of the original course (hills and all) that were part of the run for many years.