Dick Lytie Spring Classic Half Marathon

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 Dickś 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 is bringing back 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.