2023 OFFICIAL Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k Guide

A Run for a Family’s Future

by MYLES DANNHAUSEN JR. myles@ppulse.com

As the clock ticked down to the start of the Nicolet Bay 5K on May 7, 2022, and 565 runners huddled on Shore Road, a swarm of people in pink shirts gathered in the woods to the east of Shore Road.

The pink wave was Team Chrystal: 36 runners taking part in the Run for a Cause to support Chrystal Wittenmyer-Chartier, her husband and two children as Chrystal battled breast cancer. She was there with them, too, pushed by her friends to the starting line in a wheelchair. Those friends had raised $21,107 to help support the family’s move into a new home built by Habitat for Humanity in Baileys Harbor.

“It was extraordinary to see so many people come out and raise money,” said Deb Davis, who organized the effort. “It was very teary eyed in that group – little kids running with moms and dads, all ages of people. A number of the kids knew her children, and by that time, they knew their friend was going to lose their mom, so to see that was indescribable.”

By that time, Chrystal knew her chances of survival were vanishingly slim. She had battled the disease for four years, throwing traditional and experimental treatments at her opponent in round after round of fighting.

“Chrystal was always the independent one, the doit-yourself-at-all-costs person. I called her toxically independent,” said her husband, Lucas. “She would say, ‘I’m not the charity case,’ but that’s what she had to do. She had to accept help.”

But throughout her fight, Chrystal kept her sense of humor, even during the 5K in the park. Her good friend Carrie Baldwin ran with her in the 5K, huffing and puffing through the course.

“Do you need my oxygen?” Chrystal quipped. “Because you sound like you need it more than I do.”

Baldwin, founder of the Sue Baldwin Fund, which provides support to people and families fighting cancer; and Davis, a member of the fund’s board of directors, helped to organize Team Chrystal. That effort brought comfort to Chrystal during her final months.

“Being able to tell her there was $20,000 going to help her family get in the house was incredible,” Baldwin said. “She was comforted in knowing they would be OK. That this is where they’re going to be. She wanted to

Run for a Cause

The Door County Half Marathon’s Run for a Cause program has helped runners raise more than $225,800 for area charities since 2010. To join the effort, email jordan@peninsulapacers com. Runners receive a free entry to the Door County Half Marathon or Nicolet Bay 5K when they raise at least $250 for an area charity of their choice. Find more information at doorcountyhalfmarathon.com.

know the kids would be OK.”

The Wittenmyers had moved to Door County four years earlier, when they bought an acre and a half in Baileys Harbor and started making plans to build a home. They moved here from Johnson Creek, drawn by the quality schools and the lifestyle. But their plans took longer to materialize than they had hoped, then were set back further when Chrystal was diagnosed with breast cancer.

They bounced among homes – a friend’s tiny house, campgrounds, hotel rooms –for four years. They focused on the adventure – what Chrystal called “the opportunity” for her kids to live in an RV park.

“You never heard them talk about needing anything,” Baldwin said of Chrystal and Lucas. “They’re just selfless people.”

But as her cancer progressed, the moving became harder, and Chrystal yearned to provide stability for her family. They applied and were chosen for Door County Habitat for Humanity’s 40th home in early 2022. After nine moves, Chrystal; Lucas; their daughter, Lida; and their son, Evren, would soon have a home of their own.

But Chrystal won’t be moving in with them. In October, her fight with cancer ended when she died at age 41.

Three months later, Lucas said each day brings a different challenge.

“It’s difficult on different levels, depending on what part of life you’re talking about,” he said. “There are things she handled that blindsided me when she was gone. She used to be my

The 2023 Run for a Cause Team

This year 35 runners joined our Run For A Cause team, raising a combined $15,150 for area charities. Each participant receives a free race entry when they commit to raising at least $250 for charity. Now in its thirteenth year, the program has raised more than $225,800 for charities.

Door County Habitat for Humanity

Tim Kowols

Ellie Helm Foundation

Mary Kate McCormack

Karen Peterson

Sophia Pollman

The Clearing Folk School

Joshua Perkins

Sue Baldwin Fund

Sarah Bonovich

Nancy Bontempo

Finn Bremer

Maggie Bremer

Avery Burress

Deb Davis

Scott Davis

Amanda Frangella

Tom Frangella

Carrie Goettelman

Elizabeth Grooms

Chris Janisse

Laurel Janisse

Sarah Koehler

Marnie Wienke Massey

Maureen Mercier

paperwork person. I disdain paperwork. But that’s life; I have to learn it.”

Evren and Lida are doing as well as you could hope, Lucas said. Throughout Chrystal’s fight, the parents were as honest and up-front as they could be with their kids during their family meetings.

“They needed to know where things really stood,” he said. “I think that’s a big part of them being OK now. The kids weren’t sure how long it was going to last, but there were times I made sure they prioritized time with Mom, and they did.”

Lucas worries a lot about their schoolwork, about giving them the most normalcy that he can. But he said he doesn’t worry about having people to lean on.

“There aren’t really words that explain what it means, the things people have done,” he said. “It always surprised me the amount of generosity that comes from this community. I’m not sure how we would have been able to make it. I’d for sure be sleeping a lot less.”

As Chrystal approached the starting line with an army around her, she knew it would take a miracle for her to get healthy again, but she also knew she had secured one large victory for the people she cared about the most: a home of their own.

“She knew it was a foundation for the future of her family and that they would still be in this community,” Davis said. “Seeing that strength of other humans running with them was moving.”

Lucas, Evren and Lida are slated to move into their new home. Learn more about the local Habitat for Humanity at doorhabitat org

Ann Morgan

Connie Pahl

Dean Pahl

Emma Pahl

Morgan Rusnak

Brittney Smith

Camilla Smith

Carrie Baldwin Smith

Nate Smith

Nora Smith

Brynn Swanson

Tina Torcivia

Lauren Ward

Simonie Woerfel

Chrystal Wittenmyer crosses the finish line at the 2022 Nicolet Bay 5k with a little help from her team. Photo courtesy of Ultra Race Photos.

The 2022 Sue Baldwin Fund Run For A Cause team raised $21,107 to help Chrystal Wittenmyer’s family move into a new home built by Habitat for Humanity. Photo courtesy of Ultra Race Photos.

Chrystal Wittenmyer

This race was created to highlight Peninsula State Park. It was created to celebrate spring on the peninsula. To celebrate this community. But most of all, it was created to celebrate you –the runner. The runner who puts one foot in front of the other through the snow. The ice. The rain of midwestern winter and spring.

The runner pounding the pavement with a vision of the starting line amidst the trees of the park in mind. The runner starting a season of races. The runner striding to overcome a challenge. The runner proving something to themselves. The runner getting back on the course after an injury.

It’s time for the Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k.

Show us how it’s done. Good luck runners!

Thanks for coming!

David Eliot

Co-Founder, Door County Half Marathon Publisher, Peninsula Pulse

2022 Race Winners

13.1

HALF MARATHON

The Races Welcome

The Door County Half Marathon will start at 10 am Saturday, May 6. Runners should allow 10 – 15 minutes to walk from the Runners’ Concourse to the starting line on Shore Rd.

The entire half marathon is run on paved surfaces in Peninsula State Park. The U.S. Track and Field certified course starts and finishes near Nicolet Beach. The course takes runners past breathtaking views of Green Bay, shaded areas through the woods, challenging hills and ever-changing scenery through one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful parks.

MP3 players are allowed for the race, but sorry, no dogs or strollers are allowed on the course due to space and safety concerns. Walkers are welcome and should plan to finish by the time the course opens to traffic at 1:30 pm.

Walkers should be aware that if your pace is slower than 16 minutes per mile, not all course amenities may be available later in the race, since time constraints require us to break down aid stations to re-open the park roads.

All half marathon participants receive a long-sleeve race shirt, a finisher’s medal, and food and drink (including beer from One Barrel Brewing Co.) in the Runners’ Concourse area.

3.1

NICOLET BAY 5K

The Nicolet Bay 5k begins at 10:15 am, just after the start of the half marathon. The starting line is also on Shore Road, but a few hundred yards from the start of the half marathon. Runners will follow the out and back course to the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, where they will turn around for the finishing kick to the same finish line as the half marathoners. MP3 players are allowed, but sorry, no dogs or strollers are allowed on the course due to space and safety concerns. Walkers are welcome in the 5k.

All participants will receive a t-shirt as well as food, beverages, a free beer from One Barrel Brewing Co. in the Runners’ Concourse.

GRAYSON STOUT

2023 Prize

Packages & Awards

Grayson Stout of Egg Harbor was the first of 973 runners to reach the finish of the 2022 Door County Half Marathon. The 27-year-old finished in 1:11:49. Rickus Jacobs, 27, of Milwaukee followed shortly after, finishing in 1:14:39. Four-time winner Rodee Schneider, 40, Madison, finished in 3rd with a time of 1:15:39, also setting a new course record for the Male Masters.

On the women’s side, the top finisher, Relena Del Toro Ribbons, 34, of Appleton finished in 1:22:10, just 5 seconds slower than the course record set by Hanna Christensen in 2019 and beating her own time from 2021 by 9 seconds. Kristin Oehlke, 34, of Fremont finished second in 1:34:56. Finishing right on Oehlke’s heels in third was Stephanie Clapham, 32, of Wilmette, with a time of 1:34:59.

In the Nicolet Bay 5K, Dylan Schielke of Merrill topped the field in 18:15, followed by Erik Franze of Waukesha in 18:54 and Joseph Stoner of Indianapolis in 19:09.

For the women, Nicole Strutz, 27, of Two Rivers, finished first and set a new course record for females with a time of 18:28. Gemma Mrozinsky, 53, of Sturgeon Bay finished second with a time of 22:11 and Heather Biese, 31, of Kaukauna was right behind Mrozinsky finishing third in 22:44.

Course Records

Door County Half Marathon Male

1. Tyler Sigl, Seymour, 1:07:56 (2017)

2. Jason Ryf, Oshkosh, 1:08:57 (2008)

3. Jason Ryf, Oshkosh, 1:09:02 (2009)

4. Brian Finnel, Forestville, 1:09:07 (2012)

5. Jason Ryf, Oshkosh, 1:09:51 (2010)

Door County Half Marathon Female

1. Hanna Christensen, 28, Madison, 1:22:05 (2019)

2. Relena Del Torro Ribbons, 35, Appleton, 1:22:10 (2022)

3. Relena Del Torro Ribbons, 34, Appleton, 1:22:19 (2021)

4. Maggie Priebe, 27, Green Bay, 1:23:43 (2019)

5. Kelsey Seiler, 27, Chicago, 1:24:09 (2019)

Door County Half Marathon Male Masters

1. Rodee Schneider, 40, Madison, 1:15:39 (2022)

2. Eric Pilling, 1:17:45 (2016)

3. Matthew Braaksma, Madison, 1:19:44 (2018)

4. Damian Bednorz, 42, Bensenville, IL 1:20:42 (2022)

5. Kurt Van Den Plas, 45, Kewaunee, 1:22:56 (2016)

Door County Half Marathon Female Masters

1. Heather Tuttle-Copeland, 41, DePere, 1:30:00 (2013)

2. Jeanette Poole, 48, Mequon, 1:30:23 (2010)

3. Jennifer Chaudoir, 40, Green Bay, 1:30:30 (2015)

4. Kris Rostas, 55, Appleton, 1:30:53 (2019)

5. Cleo Ferris, 44, De Pere, 1:32:31 (2014)

Our overall and masters division winners in the Door County Half Marathon each receive pottery created by Race Director Brian Fitzgerald, in addition to other prizes from local businesses.

Nicolet Bay 5k Male

1. Dustin Hudeck, 15:59 (2016)

2. Trent Evans, 16:06 (2014)

3. Roy Pugsley, 16:11 (2014)

4. Mark Cabellaro, 16:16 (2018)

5. Ben Schmitt, 22, Burlington, 16:31 (2012)

Nicolet Bay 5k Female

1. Nicole Struz, 27, Two Rivers, 18:28 (2022)

2. Anna Gray, 18:29 (2018)

3. Allison Arndt, 34, Franklin, 18:58 (2014)

4. Liz Gilbert, 25, Sturgeon Bay, 19:05 (2015)

5. Bailey Wolf, 12, Oconto Falls, 19:44 (2011)

Nicolet Bay 5k Male Masters

1. Roy Pugsley, 45, Potomac Falls, Virginia, 16:11 (2014)

2. Tony Kessler, 45, Kimberly, 18:21 (2012)

3. Tony Kessler, 47, Menasha, 18:37 (2014)

4. Brian Busse, 41, De Pere, 19:10 (2019)

5. Robert Deggendorf, 40, Sturgeon Bay, 19:16 (2022)

Nicolet Bay 5k Female Masters

1. Becky Vander Heiden, 40, Monona, 20:30 (2019)

2. Heather Tuttle-Copeland, 42, De Pere, 20:44 (2014)

3. Rebecca Coutre, 21:16 (2018)

4. Koreena Renard, 49, New Franken, 22:33 (2019)

5. Paula Kastenson, 52, Sturgeon Bay, 22:45 (2008)

2022 Door County Half marathon winner Relena Del Torro Ribbons, age 34, of Appleton.

2022 Door County Half marathon winner Grayson Stout, age 27, of Egg Harbor.

Peninsula State Park provides spectators with a one-of-a-kind viewing experience, giving you incredible views of natural splendor while you catch friends and family as they take on the challenging course.

The Half Marathon begins at 10 am, the 5k at 10:15 am, a few hundred yards behind the start of the half marathon.

Roads into the park close at 9 am. Spectators may ride shuttles into the park.

Sorry, pets are not allowed at Nicolet Bay Beach, the location of the Runner’s Concourse, per state park rules. We also do not allow dogs on the race course, at the finish line area, or on shuttles. Dogs must be on a leash at all times in other areas of the park.

Here are your best bets for watching the Half Marathon:

1. The Starting Line: While the Starting line can be accessed via Shore Road from the Runners’ Concourse, it is recommended that spectators walk the trail along Nicolet Bay to reduce congestion in the starting chute. The starting line is a 10 - 15 minute walk from the Runners’ Concourse. When exiting the Nicolet Bay Boat Launch parking lot, spectators will have a great place to see the runners off for the half marathon and have plenty of time to walk back along Shore Road to get to the start of the Nicolet Bay 5k if you want.

2. Mile 2/11: From the Runners’ Concourse area, cross Shore Road to reach the overflow parking lot (AFT Parking Lot). Take Sunset Trail to the Theater sign, and take a right which will lead you past the amphitheater and on to the

Aid stations for the Door County Half Marathon and the Nicolet Bay 5k are staffed by volunteers from peninsula nonprofits. The County Half Marathon donates $500 to the organization of each group’s choice. (But a “Thank you!” as you run by helps too.)

AH –NorDoor Athletics

Located by Eagle Bluff Lighthouse on Shore Road. Used along the half marathon route at mile 1 1/2 and at mile 11 ½. Used on the Nicolet Bay 5k route at about the 1 1/2 mile mark.

NorDoor Athletics is an organization that offers youth baseball and softball opportunities for our Northern Door residents during the summer

BG – Mighty Pioneers

Located on Shore Road, this aid station is used twice along the half marathon route, just before mile 2 and again just before mile 11.

The Mighty Pioneers are Sevastopol’s 4k-6th grade youth sports organization. The main emphasis of the organization is to develop and enhance fundamentals, learn the importance of teamwork, and teach good sportsmanship for all youth participating in sports at Sevastopol.

C – Staffed by Shepherd of the Bay Guatemala Mission Trip

Located on Mengelberg Lane near Blossomburg Cemetery along the half marathon route near mile 4.

The Shepherd of the Bay Guatemala Mission Trip works with the Mayan people in Chichicastenango, Guatemala to build and repair houses for widows, install water filters and stoves, and work in feeding programs for kids. The children of Guatemala suffer one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world.

I – Staffed by Peninsula

Preschool

Located atop the infamous climb to Sven’s Bluff on Skyline Road along the half marathon route just beyond mile 5.

Peninsula Preschool is a naturebased school that provides a safe and loving environment where children are free to play and learn. The school recently partnered with the Ridges Sanctuary and

Tennison Bay Campground and Shore Road at about mile two.

From the Runners’ Concourse, it will be about a half mile to the viewing location, so spectators should allow for 10-15 minutes to make this walk. (Be aware of the pace at which the runner you would like to see is running, it could be difficult to catch them at mile two.) The half marathon runners will pass this spot once more just before mile 11.

3. Mile 6/10 intersection: Get to this viewing spot by taking Sunset Trail from the Runner’s Concourse to Bluff Road. Cross Bluff Road, making sure not to interrupt runners and follow the signs down Hemlock Road. (Please stay to the right side of the cones when heading to the 6/10 intersection and on the left when returning from the 6/10 intersection.) This viewing spot is about three-quarters of a mile from the Runners’ Concourse, and spectators should allow 15-20 minutes to walk to the intersection of Hemlock and Skyline Roads. From here, you can catch runners twice, first as they speed down the hill of Skyline Road near mile six, then again as they make the turn to the homestretch at mile 10.

4. The Finish Line: Located near the Runners’ Concourse, the Finish Line is on Shore Road. Line the finish chute and make some noise to propel runners through their final strides. (This is also the finish line for the Nicolet Bay 5k.)

PLEASE NOTE: Dogs must be on a leash at all times! Along the course and at the finish line, please keep dogs off the course and in the grass off the side of the road.

is excited about the possibility of becoming Door County’s first official nature-based preschool.

D – Staffed by the YMCA Located on Hemlock Road along the half marathon route just past mile 6.

The Door County YMCA is strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The YMCA has been serving Door County for nearly 30 years and is proud to touch the lives of 1 in 3 people in the community. More at doorcountyymca org

E – Egg Harbor Historical Society Located on Highland Road along the half marathon route just before mile 8.

The Egg Harbor Historical Society works to bring the history of Egg Harbor to life for future generations. Gathering family histories, recognizing historic buildings, and saving our heritage for new generations to enjoy, the EHHS is currently focused on the restoration and rehabilitation of the iconic Door County Library Bookmobile. Learn more at EggHarborWI.com.

F – Staffed by Sevastopol School Track & Cross Country Located on Skyline Road along the half marathon route just past mile 9.

The Sevastopol Track & Cross Country teams return for their 11th year in support of the half marathon. Coach Chris Horvat appreciates the opportunity to expose his athletes to the sport of running outside high school. Their donation supports the Sevastopol Track program.

J – Gibraltar Class of 2024 Located at the finish line.

The Class of 2024 is raising money to help pay for their senior banquet to culminate the end of their high school career at Gibraltar.

RUNNER INSTRUCTIONS

FRIDAY, MAY 5

The Packet Pickup and Expo will be held at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall at the corner of County F and Highway 57, from 1 – 9 pm. (Packet pickup on Saturday is at Nicolet Bay inside the park from 8 – 9 am). Get official Door County Half Marathon gear at the expo, or shop for great gear from Run Away Shoes.

Purchase annual ($28 for WI plates, $38 for out-of-state plates) or daily ($10, $13) park stickers at Packet Pickup if you plan to drive to the park. Pay by cash or check only.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

The Door County Half Marathon begins at 10 am. The starting line is near the boat launch. (See map.)

The Nicolet Bay 5k begins at 10:15 am. The starting line is on Shore Road, about a quarter mile from the half marathon starting line. (See map.)

Schedule of Events

Shuttle Schedule

Saturday, May 6

Shuttles will do a one-time pick up for guests at designated lodging sponsors at 8 am. Additional shuttles will run continuously from our Park and Ride locations, Skyway Drive-in and Gibraltar School in Fish Creek, from 8 am – 2:30 pm. It is about a 20 minute ride from any of our stops to the Runners’ Concourse inside the park. Shuttles will make return stops to our lodging sponsors and our Park and Ride locations from 11am – 2:30 pm. Please note designated roads inside the park will be closed until 1:30 pm.

Getting to the Park

There are two ways to get to Peninsula State Park, carpool or ride the shuttle (see shuttle stops and times on the Shuttle Schedule).

If you carpool you must have an annual or daily Wisconsin State Park parking sticker. Annual stickers are available at both the Fish Creek and Ephraim park entrances. The Fish Creek entrance is only open until 9 am. We suggest that you purchase your annual sticker before race day to avoid delays. Daily stickers are available at packet pickup on Friday or at the Fish Creek or Ephraim entrances. Parking is limited.

Both participants and spectators may ride the shuttle to the park. Sorry, dogs are not allowed on the shuttles. Please see the schedule for details. Absolutely no runner drop off in the park.

Plan to arrive at Peninsula State Park between 8 and 9:15 am to avoid delays getting to the starting line. You may use the Fish Creek entrance until 9 am. The Ephraim entrance will remain open. Park Greeters will assist you at each entrance.

At 9:45 am all course roads inside the park will be closed to all traffic except shuttle buses and emergency vehicles. All roads will re-open at 1:30 pm.

At the Runner’s Concourse

The Runners’ Concourse is located near Nicolet Beach. Here you will find Packet Pickup, Gear Check, Merchandise, Pace Team info, concessions, and bathrooms.

Porta-johns will be located in the Runners’ Concourse as well as near the starting line and just before each aid station.

Your cell phone may not work in the park. Designate a location to meet with family and friends after the race.

The starting line for the Door County Half Marathon is roughly a half mile from the Runner’s Concourse. Please give yourself 15 minutes to walk from the concourse to the starting line and find your spot in the starting chute. Slower runners and walkers should start near the back of the pack.

On the course

• Porta-johns will be located at the starting line and just before each aid station.

• The safest place to warm up for the half marathon is on the course from the finish line to the two-mile mark. This section of the course will be closed early to all traffic.

• Aid stations will have water and original Gatorade. Caffeine-free Hammergel Gel packs will be available at the aid station located near mile 8. Medical personnel will be on site.

Important race notes

Running with another person’s bib is not allowed.

Dörr Hotel

Guests Only

High Point Inn Lodging Guests Only

Homestead Suites Lodging Guests Only

Julie’s Park Café & Motel Lodging Guests Only

Parkwood Lodge Lodging Guests Only

Pheasant Park Resort Lodging Guests Only

Scandinavian Lodge Lodging Guests Only

Waterbury Inn Lodging Guests Only

Evergeen Hill Condominiums Lodging Guests Only

11 am – 2:30 pm Buses begin return stops to the Locations listed above.

8 am – 2:30 pm* Skyway Drive-In Theatre Runners/Spectators/ Hwy 42, Fish Creek Volunteers

8 am – 2:30 pm* Gibraltar School Runners/Spectators/ Hwy 42, Fish Creek Volunteers

*Buses will run continuously during these times. Return stops to all pickup points. Dogs are not allowed on the shuttles.

Your timing chip is affixed to your bib. To ensure that your race time is recorded, bibs must be affixed to the front of your torso and should not be covered by another layer of clothing. Affixing your bib to the side of your shorts or your back greatly reduces reliability of the timing chip.

If you do not run in the race that you signed up for, your results will not be valid.

For the safety of all runners, strollers and dogs are not allowed on the course in either race. Runners on the course with strollers or dogs will be removed from the course by race officials.

After the race

Half marathoners will receive their finisher’s medals in the finish shute. Participants should proceed to the Runners’ Tent for water, Gatorade, food, race results, and bag pickup. This is also where you can claim your free beer from One Barrel Brewing Co.

Athletic trainers from Door County Medical Center will be stationed at the Door County Medical Center Tent in the Runners’ Concourse.

Awards ceremony for overall winners only for 5k will be approximately at 11:30am to ensure you can see the first male and female Half Marathon finishers. Please make sure to check the results board to see if you’re an age group winner (1st, 2nd & 3rd) and pick up your award at the awards table.

Awards ceremony for overall winners and male & female masters only for the half marathon will be at 12:30pm. Please make sure to check the results board to see if you’re an age group winner (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th) and pick up your award at the awards table.

One Man Dan Band will provide live music from 11 am - 2 pm.

The final shuttle leaves the concourse at 2:30 pm.

Thank you for participating in the 15th annual Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k. Here’s a quick guide to make your run preparation as easy as possible. Good luck! doorcountyhalfmarathon.com

2023 Award Medal Pick Up

While we would love for everyone to stay for the awards in the park, we understand some of you need to leave. To help distribute the award medals, we’re adding two pick up locations.

New this year, you can pick up your award medal if you placed 1st-5th in your age group in the Half Marathon or 1st-3rd place in your age group in the Nicolet Bay 5k.

Pickups will be offered at the following times and locations:

Saturday, May 6 - Stabbur (Sister Bay) 4 – 5 pm

Sunday, May 7 - One Barrel Brewing Co (Egg Harbor) 10:30 am –12:30 pm

Any remaining medals will be mailed.

The Team

Brian Fitzgerald is a co-founder of the Peninsula Pacers: the organizers of the Door County Half Marathon, Peninsula Century Fall Challenge and Spring Classic bike rides, Door County Pond Hockey Tournament, Hairpin 5k, Hey Hey 5K, One Barrel Fun Run, Door County Wine Fest and Door County Beer Festival. He also handles course and aidstation operations for the MS Challenge Walk and is the bike and run course director for the Door County Triathlon. An avid outdoors enthusiast, Fitzgerald loves to ski, run and bike throughout the peninsula, doing them all much faster than he drives. He lives in Ephraim with his wife, Tracey.

David Eliot

Door County Half Marathon

Co-founder

David Eliot is a co-founder of the Door County Half Marathon and the Peninsula Pacers: organizers of the Door County Half Marathon, Peninsula Century Fall Challenge and Spring Classic bike rides, Door County Pond Hockey Tournament, Hairpin 5k, Hey Hey 5K, One Barrel Fun Run, Door County Wine Fest and Door County Beer Festival. He’s also a co-founder and the publisher of the Peninsula Pulse weekly newspaper and Door County Living magazine. A member of various local boards, he lives in Baileys Harbor with his wife, Krista, who is the race’s pace-team coordinator.

Jordan Burress

Project Manager and Registration Director

Jordan Burress is the project manager and registration director for the Peninsula Pacers: organizers of the Door County Half Marathon,Peninsula Century Fall Challenge and Spring Classic bike rides, Door County Pond Hockey Tournament, Hairpin 5k, Hey Hey 5K, One Barrel Fun Run, Door County Wine Fest and Door County Beer Festival. She lives in Sister Bay with her husband, Justin, and their three daughters.

Myles Dannhausen Jr.

Race Assistant

Myles Dannhausen Jr. is involved in the many events of the Peninsula Pacers and has been a member of the Door County Half Marathon team since the first running. He is a three-time marathon finisher and co-owner of Peninsula Publishing and Distribution. He lives in Sister Bay with his wife, Anne; and sons, Connor and Grady.

Thank You Volunteers!

One of the best parts of working at the Door County Half Marathon is coming together with such a fantastic group of volunteers each year.

From members of high school service clubs and church groups, to business owners, to visitors who just want to be a part of the event, we get to spend the week with some of the best people in our community and beyond.

More than 200 volunteers help us put this event together, and no matter what we throw at them, they respond with enthusiasm and a smile. We can’t thank them enough.

They are the reason this race has such an incredible feel to it, why runners come back year after year, and why we have so much fun putting it together.

Please thank them every chance you get!

Krista Eliot Pace-team Coordinator

Pace-team coordinator Krista Eliot has been a part of the race since it started. As an experienced runner of 40 marathons and many other races, Eliot’s input has been vital in catering the race to the needs of our runners. She lives in Baileys Harbor with her husband, race co-founder David Eliot.

Ben Fitzgerald

Aid-station Coordinator

Ben Fitzgerald is no stranger to Peninsula Pacers events and has years of experience working in a number of roles. Recently he’s coordinated Rest Stops for both the Peninsula Century Spring Classic and Peninsula Century Fall Challenge, as well as assisting with a course role for the Door County Triathlon and the Fall 50. Ben is currently in his junior year at UW Eau Claire and enjoys soccer, biking and running in his spare time. Ben is a true Door County native and proud to call Ephraim his home.

Cole Vanderleest

Concourse Coordinator

Cole Vanderleest was a runner in a previous life. He now co-owns DC County Chocolate Design and coffee shop with his wife, Kara and their daughter, Khloe. They live in Sister Bay.

Marla Maney Shuttle Coordinator

Marla has been involved in the event world from both a participant and staff perspective for over a decade. She’s competed in triathlons, run marathons such as New York, San Diego, and Chicago, completed a 50-mile ultra and worked as staff for events in Wisconsin, Maryland and Florida. In her free time Marla enjoys traveling with her husband and loves to spoil their doberman Lenny.

Lars Johnson Door County Half Marathon

Co-founder Johnson is a co-owner of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. He has completed 15 marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2003, and was integral in forming the Door County Half Marathon

Check

Pacers will be on hand at the Door County Half Marathon to help guide runners to a successful finish. You’ll find them at the starting line holding signs with their goal finish times on them.

The team is organized by Krista Eliot, a veteran of 40 marathons and experienced member of both New Balance and Nike pace teams. Eliot said the pace team’s goal is to help runners finish within one minute of the goal time.

“We’re here to help you, provide encouragement and support for runners to keep that finish goal in sight,” Eliot said.

The hills of the race challenge runners, especially if you have not done any hill training for the race. Runners should not necessarily expect pacers to run at the exact same pace throughout the race. Pace team members aim to maintain their prescribed pace up the hills, but there will likely be a slower pace going uphill, and faster going downhill. They will also slow or stop at aid stations, with slower pace teams taking slightly more time.

1:45 FOLLOW

Your 2023 Pace Team

1:45 (8:01 min/mile)

Raymond Rivera & Chris Schmitz

1:50 (8:23 min/mile)

Joel Coon & Curt Brey

1:55 (8:46 min/mile)

Chad Otis & Ana Andrade

2:00 (9:09 min/mile)

Aaron Schneider, Terra Otis & Jessica Rein

2:05 (9:32 min/mile)

Jean Lemke & Jim Harding

2:10 (9:55 min/mile)

Katie Houle & Kimberly Huntley

2:15 (10:18 min/mile)

Fred Kramer & Angela Bilbrey

2:20 (10:41 min/mile)

Marty Thomas & Craig Congdon

2:25 (11:04 min/mile)

Jackie Kohlhagen & Ann Scholl

2:30 (11:27) min/mile)

UPCOMING

2023/2024 EVENTS

Presented by the

June 17 Baileys Harbor

Door County Beer Festival

Good beer, good food, good music

doorcountybeer.com

June 24 Baileys Harbor

Door County Wine Festival

Sip and savor Door County wines doorcountywinefest.com

June 17 Baileys Harbor

Peninsula Century Spring Classic Ride the backroads of Door County peninsulacenturyspringclassic.com

July 4 Fish Creek

Hairpin 5k Run/Walk Longest-running 5K in Door County hairpinrun.com

Sept. 16 Sister Bay

Peninsula Century Fall Challenge Ride Northern Door County peninsulacenturyfallchallenge.com

Sept. 23 Baileys Harbor

Hey Hey 5K

Starts and finishes at the Door County Brewing Company heyhey5k.com

Nov. 25 Egg Harbor

One Barrel Fun Run

Catch the penguin onebarrelrun.com

Feb. 10, 2024 Sister Bay

Door County Pond Hockey

Keeping the outdoor tradition alive doorcountypondhockey.com

May 4, 2024 Fish Creek

Door County Half Marathon

A run in Peninsula State Park doorcountyhalfmarathon.com