Door County Half Marathon 85% Full

Finishers at the 2023 Door County Half Marathon. Photo by Rachel Lukas.

The kickoff to the summer season is almost here. The Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k is now 85% full, with nearly 2,100 runners signed up for the run in Peninsula State Park on Saturday, May 4. 

Organizers of the race have announced a free training run in the park on April 13 at 10 am. Runners can join the team for 10.5 or 7-mile group runs from Nicolet Bay, with water and snacks at the finish. You don’t need to register for the race to join the run.  

Runners can still sign up at doorcountyhalfmarathon.com to be part of Door County’s largest sporting event. Not only do you get a beautiful run on one of the most unique courses in the country as the park comes to life, but all runners get a great race shirt and a free beer from One Barrel Brewing Co. Organizers also offer free transportation to and from the starting line from sponsor lodging establishments and two park-and-ride locations to reduce congestion in the park and on the county’s highways.

After the finish, runners and spectators can enjoy live music from Open Tab at Nicolet Bay, and food from 888 Cheese food truck. 

Now in its 16th year, the half marathon has generated millions of dollars in economic impact since it launched in 2008. Runners and their families fill hotel rooms, restaurants, barstools and shopping aisles all weekend long in what was historically a quiet weekend in northern Door County. 

Visit doorcountyhalfmrathon.com to sign up and be part of the fun.

Volunteers Wanted

It takes a small army to put a 2,500-person race together, and organizers are still looking for volunteers to help in the days leading up to the race. If you can’t run but want to be a part of the event, help is needed for setting up in the park, stuffing packets and at packet pickup. Visit doorcountyhalfmarathon.com/volunteer to sign up.