PRESENTED BY: PREMIER SPONS0R:
THE PARK
The Races On Course
The Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5K were founded for you - the runner, the families that support the runners, the fans and spectators and the Door County community. It was, and is to be, a celebration of rebirth, of spring, of nature and of the human spirit.
I have never run a half marathon – I have not even attempted to – I have, however, watched over 30 marathons, dozens of half marathons and all sorts of other races. I have nothing but admiration for all those who participate and I love being a spectator.
For the duration of the race there is one goal for all in the park. There is one hope. There is an overwhelming desire from all spectators and runners that all the participants complete the course.
I am looking forward to this year’s Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k, spending some time in the park with friends, family and our community. I am looking forward to celebrating a run in Peninsula State Park with all of you.
On Saturday, May 2, in the woods and beside the lake in Peninsula State Park, more than 2,700 runners will be surrounded by family, friends and strangers.
They all want the same thing.
They all want the runners to succeed.
Thanks to the Door County community that embraces and supports the Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k and special thanks to everyone who is running, walking, volunteering, watching and cheering.
See you on the course.
David Eliot Co-Founder, Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k Publisher, Peninsula Pulse
13.1
HALF MARATHON
The Door County Half Marathon will start at 10 am Saturday, May 2. 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 race shirt as well as food, beverages, a free beer from One Barrel Brewing Co. in the Runners’ Concourse.
Run for a Cause
The Door County Half Marathon’s Run for a Cause program has helped runners raise more than $283,157 for area charities since 2010. To join the effort, email info@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.
The 2026 Run for a Cause Team
This year 40 runners joined our Run For A Cause team, raising a combined $24,169 (and rising) for area charities. Each participant receives a free race entry when they commit to raising at least $250 for charity. Now in its sixteenth year, the program has raised more than $283,157 for charities.
30 for Freedom
Molly Liebelt
Melanie Christenson
Door Cancer and Ridges Sanctuary
Kalli Mikkonen
Door County Habitat for Humanity
Tim Kowols
Elgin Parks & Rec
Jim Reuter
Fox Valley Veterans Council
Adam Neuman
Help of Door County
Taylor Backmann
MS run the US
Kristie Kurtenbach
Open Door Bird
Jasmine Viges
Silver Circle Foundation LLC
Amanda Jashek
Sue Baldwin Fund
Deb Davis
Scott Davis
Mary Razminas
Rachel Manek DiSalvo
Kim Winburn
Rebecca Mevis
Lisa LaDew
Gloria Heck
Jess Farley
Elizabeth Grooms
UW MadisonCarbone Cancer Center
Sydney Centeno
Will Andersen
Austin Morris
Abdu Mahamoued
Claire Burke
Rachel Kayman
Sydney Blake
Kamryn Brockman
Sophia Schinke
Allison LaBounty
Katherine Weigle
Jane Kronenberger
Aileen Lopez
Ryan Levrault
Rebecca Colwell
Lillian Mini
Daniel Inyang
Emmie Verhaagh
Ashley Binette
Isabel Quintana
About myTEAM TRIUMPH & Our DCHM Journey
myTEAM TRIUMPH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building inclusive communities through the power of endurance athletics. We pair athletes with disabilities, whom we call our Captains, with able-bodied athletes, or Angels, to race together as a team in events like the Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5K.
We’ve been proud participants in the Door County Half Marathon for over a decade, and we lovingly refer to it as “the perfect half.” The breathtaking views of Peninsula State Park, the incredible crowd support, and the dedication of the race organizers to inclusion
make this event truly special for our teams. Our Captains and Angels experience the course side-byside, crossing the finish line together in triumph – and that’s what it’s all about.
This race is more than just a run; it’s a celebration of community, advocacy, and breaking barriers. We look forward to it year after year and are so thankful for the unwavering support from the DCHM team.
- myTEAM TRIUMPH
2025 Run for a Cause Team. Photo by Remy Carmichael.
2025 Race Winners
Tony Camacho of New Glarus was the first to cross the line on a perfect day to run the 17th Door County Half Marathon on Saturday, May 3.
Camacho, 21, finished in 1:15:1. Rodee Schneider, 43, of Madison finished in 1:17:46, followed by David Gonzalez of Milwaukee, 35, who finished in 1:18:17.
Relena Ribbons of Appleton returned to the top of the women’s race for the third time, finishing in 1:25:18.
In all, 1,738 people registered for the half marathon race, and an additional 817 registered for the Nicolet Bay 5k.
Kevin Boyle, 29, of Milwaukee cruised to victory in the Nicolet Bay 5k in a time of 16:39, followed by Joe Yager, 35, of Johnson Creek. Kurt Hake, 27, of Arcadia, California finished third in 18:44.
Danielle Syvrud of Fargo, North Dakota finished in 1:26:03 and Jillian Cordes of Chicago finished third in 1:28:04.
Britt Dahlin, 26, of Libertyville, Illinois was the first woman to cross the line in 20:45. Kristen Giombi, 39, of Raleigh, North Carolina was right behind her in 20:56, and Stephanie Clapham, 35, of Wilmette, Illinois was third in 21:13.
2026 Prize Packages & Awards
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.
Tony Camacho won the 2025 Door County Half Marathon in a time of 1:15:14. Photo by Remy Carmichael.
RELENA RIBBONS
Relena Ribbons won her third Door County Half Marathon on Saturday. Photo by Remy Carmichael.
Course Records
Door County Half Marathon Male
1. Tyler Sigl, Seymour, 1:07:56 (2017)
2. Grayson Stout, 29, Sheboygan, 1:08:43 (2024)
3. Jason Ryf, Oshkosh, 1:08:57 (2008)
4. Jason Ryf, Oshkosh, 1:09:02 (2009)
5. Brian Finnel, Forestville, 1:09:07 (2012)
Door County Half Marathon Female
1. Caitlin Kowalki, 33, Sherwood, 1:18:18 (2023)
2. Caitlin Kowalki, 34, Sherwood, 1:19:24 (2024)
3. Relena Ribbons, 35, Appleton, 1:21:42 (2023)
4. Brigid Brennan, 28, Raleigh, NC, 1:22:02 (2024)
5. Hanna Christensen, 28, Madison, 1:22:05 (2019)
Door County Half Marathon Male Masters
1. John Hollister, 41, Neenah, 1:15:09 (2024)
2. Rodee Schneider, 40, Madison, 1:15:39 (2022)
3. Rodee Schneider, 41, Madison, 1:15:41 (2023)
4. Eric Pilling, 1:17:45 (2016)
5. Rodee Schneider, 43, Madison, 1:17:46 (2025)
Door County Half Marathon Female Masters
1. Elizabeth Kujawa, 42, Berlin, 1:24:34 (2024)
2. Katherine Green, 40, De Pere, 1:27:55 (2024)
3. Heather Tuttle-Copeland, 41, DePere, 1:30:00 (2013)
4. Jeanette Poole, 48, Mequon, 1:30:23 (2010)
5. Jennifer Chaudoir, 40, Green Bay, 1:30:30 (2015)
Nicolet Bay 5k Male
Dustin Hudeck, 15:59 (2016)
Trent Evans, 16:06 (2014)
Roy Pugsley, 16:11 (2014)
Mark Cabellaro, 16:16 (2018)
Kevin Boyle, 27, Milwaukee, 16:29 (2023)
Nicolet Bay 5k Female
Nicole Struz, 27, Two Rivers, 18:22 (2022)
Anna Gray, 18:29 (2018)
Liz Kanzleiter, 37, Suamico, 18:39 (2024)
Allison Arndt, 34, Franklin, 18:58 (2014)
Liz Gilbert, 25, Sturgeon Bay, 19:05 (2015)
Nicolet Bay 5k Male Masters
1. Roy Pugsley, 45, Potomac Falls, VA, 16:11 (2014)
2. Tony Kessler, 45, Kimberly, 18:21 (2012)
3. Tony Kessler, 47, Menasha, 18:37 (2014)
4. Matthew Hutter, 45, Prairie Du Sac, 18:53 (2025)
5. Eric Joss, Chicago, 41, 18:58 (2024)
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. Gemma Mrozinsky, 52, Manitowoc, 22:06 (2021)
5. Lynn Fitzsimmons, 57, Mequon, 22:09 (2024)
Door County Half Marathon
By the Numbers
1:07:56
Fastest finishing time in the half marathon (Tyler Sigl, 2017)
15:59
Fastest 5k finisher (Dustin Hudak, 2016)
15
Age of Hudak when he set the record
4
Number of times Rodee Schneider has won the Half Marathon, the most in its 17 years (2013, 2014, 2018, 2019)
5th
The lowest place Schneider has finished in 15 runnings of the race. Schneider has finished 2nd three times, 3rd three times, 4th four times and 5th once.
3
Number of times Relena Del Torro Ribbons has won the women’s Half Marathon, a record (2021, 2022, 2025)
6
Number of runners who have run either the Door County Half Marathon or the Nicolet Bay 5k every year
5
Number of runners who have finished every edition of the Half Marathon
200+
Number of staff and volunteers it takes to put on the Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k
SPECTATOR INFO
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 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.
AID STATIONS
Aid Stations for the Door County Half Marathon and the Nicolet Bay 5k are staffed by volunteers from peninsula nonprofits. The Door County Half Marathon donates to each of the organizations for their time. (But a “Thank You!” as you run by helps too.)
A/H: NorDoor Athletics
Located by Eagle Bluff Lighthouse on Shore Road. used along the half marathon route at mile 1 ½ and at mile 11 ½. Used on the Nicolet Bay 5k route at about the 1 ½ mile mark.
NorDoor Athletics is an organization that offers youth baseball, softball and basketball opportunities for our Northern Door residents during the summer.
B/G: 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: Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church - Guatemala Mission
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 house for widows, install water filters and stoves, and work in friend programs for kids. The children of Guatemala suffer one of highest malnutrition rates in the world.
I: Peninsula State Park Mountain Bike Club
Located atop the infamous climb to Sven’s Bluff on Skyline Road along the half marathon route just beyond mile 5.
The Peninsula Mtn Bike club is a local group of bikers and volunteers looking to help support the trail system in Peninsula State Park. They are assisted by volunteers from the Door County Board of Realtors.
D: Door County 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 over 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 has recently focused their efforts on the restoration and rehabilitation of the iconic Door County Library Bookmobile. Learn more at EggHarborWI.com.
F: Sevastopol 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 13th year in support of the half marathon. Coach Annie Bley appreciated the opportunity to expose her athletes to the sport of running outside high school.
Finish Line: Door County Trails
Door County Trails is leading a once-in-a-generation effort to create a county-wide multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trail system—linking villages, towns, natural areas, and people through safe, scenic, and accessible paths. .
Runner Gear Check: Sevastopol Destination Imagination
Located in the packet pick up/gear check tent at the runner’s concourse.
Sevastopol DI is using the funds raised to help pay for competition fees. Kids 4th through 12th grade compete in STEAM based challenges that focus on teamwork, public speaking and creativity, while solving the challenges.
HALF MARATHON COURSE
RUNNER INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for participating in the 18th annual Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k. Here’s a guide to make your run preparation as easy as possible. Good luck!
FRIDAY, MAY 1
The Packet Pickup will be held at the Ephraim Village Hall (996 Water St.), from 1 – 8 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 ($13, $16) park stickers at Packet Pickup if you plan to drive to the park. Pay by cash or check only.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
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
FRIDAY, MAY 1
8:00 am – Dusk Course Open
State Park
1 – 8 pm Packet Pickup Ephraim Village Hall 9996 Water St.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
8 am Shuttle Bus Pickup See Schedule
8 – 9:00 am Packet Pickup
10 am
Shuttle Schedule
Saturday, May 2
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, Gibraltar School, and Fish Creek Overflow Lot (behind 4097 Main St) 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. TIME
PICK-UP
Bay Breeze Resort
Lodging Guests Only Birchwood Lodge
Lodging Guests Only Eagle Harbor Inn
Lodging Guests Only Dörr Hotel
Lodging Guests Only High Point Inn
Lodging Guests Only Homestead Suites
Julie’s Motel / Evergreen Hill Condominiums
Lodging Guests Only
Lodging Guests Only Landmark Resort
Lodging Guests Only Parkwood Lodge
Lodging Guests Only Pheasant Park Resort
Lodging Guests Only Open Hearth Lodge
Lodging Guests Only Scandinavian Lodge
Lodging Guests Only Waterbury Inn
Lodging Guests Only Water Street Inn
Lodging Guests Only
11 am – 2:30 pm Buses begin return stops to the Locations listed above.
8 am – 2:30 pm* Fish Creek Overflow Lot
Runners/Spectators/ behind 4097 Main St., Fish Creek Volunteers
8 am – 2:30 pm* Gibraltar School
Runners/Spectators/ Hwy 42, Fish Creek Volunteers
8 am – 2:30 pm* Skyway Drive-In
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.
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. Cash or check only.
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.
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
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 Gatorade Endurance Formula. 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 and is subject to disqualification.
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.
Half marathoners will receive their finisher’s medals in the finish shute. Participants should proceed to the Runners’ Tent for water, Gatorade Endurance Formula, 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 11:45am 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
Open Tab will provide live music from 11 am - 2 pm.
The final shuttle leaves the concourse at 2:30 pm.
2026 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.
This year, you can pick up your award medal if you placed 1st5th 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 2 - One Barrel Brewing Co (Egg Harbor) 4 – 6 pm Sunday, May 3 - One Barrel Brewing Co (Egg Harbor) 10:30 am –12:00 pm
Any remaining medals will be mailed.
The Team
Brian Fitzgerald
Race Director
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, Hairpin 5k, Hey Hey 5K, One Barrel Fun Run, Door County Wine Fest and Door County Beer Festival. He also handles course and aid-station 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, 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.
Ellie Johnson
Registration Coordinator
Ellie Johnson is the registration coordinator for the Peninsula Pacers. Originally from Sturgeon Bay and now living in Fish Creek, she is happy to call Door County home and her favorite place to run, swim, and be outside.
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
Race Assistant
Ben Fitzgerald is no stranger to Peninsula Pacers events and has years of experience working in a number of roles. He’s the Ride Director for both the Peninsula Century Spring Classic and Peninsula Century Fall Challenge, as well a founder and director of Pen Park Trails Fest, the Pacers newest event. Ben is a new graduate from 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.
Rick Patzke
Course Coordinator
Rick has spent a career in the sports world - as the former CEO of USA Curling and, before that, a journalist and photographer. He is now an integral part of event week operations for all Peninsula Pacers events. Rick is a Door County native, and his father served as the superintendent of Peninsula State Park during his childhood. That means he grew up in the park!
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.
Brian Stenzel
Start/Finish Line Coordinator
Brian got his start in endurance sports back in his High School Cross Country days and has gone on to compete some amazing feats, including adding Ironman to his endurance resume. He now focuses mainly on working events, not participating in them. He’s part of world class events including the Chicago Marathon, USA Triathlon and the Door County Half Marathon.
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.
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!
Check Your Pace Team on hand to guide runners
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.
1:40 (7:38 min/mile)
Chris Schmitz & Adam Sanchez
1:45 (8:01 min/mile)
Scott Pomerich & Cory Wunrow
1:50 (8:23 min/mile)
Raymond Rivera & Chad Otis
1:55 (8:46 min/mile)
Joel Coon & David Schroeder
2:00 (9:09 min/mile)
Jessica Rein & Aaron Hizon
2:05 (9:32 min/mile)
Kimberly Huntley & Melanie Donnerbauer
2:10 (9:55 min/mile)
Aaron Schneider & Ana Andrade
2:15 (10:18 min/mile)
Jean Lemke, Katie Houle & Fred Kramer
2:20 (10:41 min/mile)
Craig Congdon & Cesar Belmontes
2:25 (11:04 min/mile)
Jackie Kohlhagen & Terra Otis
2:30 (11:27) min/mile)
Paula Walker & Sara Carter
2025 Pace Team.
May 9
Blossom Run, Egg Harbor 2-mile and 5-mile courses, plus a 1-mile option for kids 12 and under. doorcountyymca.org/events/blossom-run-2
May 24
Maifest Lake to Lake Race, Jacksonport 10k run and 2 mile fun run runsignup.com/Race/WI/Jacksonport/JacksonportMaifest
June 13
Crossroads Trail Run, Sturgeon Bay 10k, 5k, and 2k trail run through the woods, meadows, and orchards in and around Crossroads at Big Creek. crossroadsrun.com
2026 Run Door County rundoorcounty.com
July 4
Hairpin Run , Fish Creek 5k run/walk to kick off the 4th of July celebration. Door County’s largest 5k run. hairpinrun.com
July 10
Belgian Days Run, Brussels 2-mile, 4-mile run/walk. letsdothis.com/us/e/belgian-days-runwalk-212207
July 18
Washington Island Rec Run, Washington Island 10k, 5k, and 2k walk/ run moslingreccenter.org/events
Aug. 15
Shanty Days 5k, kids run, Algoma 5k run/walk, kids superhero fun run visitalgomawi.com/5k-run-walk
Sept. 26
Hey Hey 5k, Door County Brewing Co. Baileys Harbor 5k fun run in Baileys Harbor that starts and ends at the Door County Brewing Co. taproom. Get great swag including a free beer and an awesome shirt! heyhey5k.com
Oct. 3
Door CANcer Run/Walk, Sevastopol First 2-mile and 4-mile run. doorcancer.com/runwalk/
Oct. 10
Potawatomi State Park Run Wild, Sturgeon Bay Quarter marathon, 5k run/walk, and 1/3-mile Smokey Bear Run www.runwild.org/run-wild
Oct. 18
HELP in Motion 10K/5K Trail Run, Sturgeon Bay 10K / 5K / 2K Trail Run at SnowKraft Nordic, located near Cherry Hills Golf Course. runsignup.com/Race/WI/SturgeonBay/ HELPInMotionTrailRun
Oct. 24
Fall 50, Gills Rock to Sturgeon Bay 50-mile solo and relay run from the tip of the peninsula at Gills Rock to the base at Sawyer Park in Sturgeon Bay. Includes prizes for best team name and costume, and a huge post-race party with pizza and beer. fall50.com
Nov. 28
One Barrel 2.62 Run Egg Harbor A 2.62-mile run through Egg Harbor’s back roads. All runners get a One Barrel Run knit hat and a beer at the finish line! onebarrelrun.com
Dec. 5
Northern Door YMCA Ugly Sweater Run, Fish Creek A 5k fun run/ walk.
Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k
A run in Peninsula State Park
13.1 mile run, 5k
Hailed as one of the best runs in the Midwest, runners enjoy a closed USATF-certified road course that takes you along the shore, through the woods, and atop the bluffs of Peninsula State Park. Finish with music, beer and friends at Nicolet Bay. doorcountyhalfmarathon.com.
PRESENTED BY: THANK YOU RUNNERS!
PREMIER SPONS0R:
MAJOR SPONSORS:
SUPOORTING SPONSORS:
Heiser Automotive Group | Birchwood Lodge | On Deck Clothing Company | Julie’s Park Cafe | Parkwood Lodge | GFL Environmental | Hayden Water | Destination Door County | FM 106.9 The Lodge
RUN FOR A CAUSE SPONSOR: Nicolet National Bank
PACE TEAM SPONSOR: Door County Medical Center