Brillion's own elite runner

Brillion, Green Bay - In the throng of thousands, the elite marathon runners separate themselves from the pack pretty quickly. This year, 52 elites are expected to compete in the Cellcom Green Bay marathon.

"Although we're what's considered a mid-size event, we have a decent prize purse of 20,000 dollars and we always have a very competitive field," says race director Sean Ryan.

One of those elites is Brillion native James Levash.

"I train all by myself," says Levash. "It can get hard to just get yourself out of bed."

Despite that daily battle, Levash logs seventy miles per week. During that time, he sets goals for himself.

"I'm shooting for two hours and 26 minutes," says Levash.

That's five and a half minutes per mile.

"I guess it's sort of a ridiculous pace, but once you get into a rhythm it goes pretty smoothly," says Levash.

So smoothly that Levash has two top five finishes in the Green Bay race.

"We've been blessed over the last nine years to see local competition, and I'm hoping this year won't be an exception," says Ryan. "As competitive as the field is I hope to see people with Wisconsin as their residence in the top ten."

That's the plan for Levash.