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)

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

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.

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.