Runners Tighten Their Laces for In-Person Races

By Sara Rae Lancaster , Peninsula Pulse – May 26th, 2021

The year of virtual races is finally coming to an end. Runners will get to step to the starting line in person for the first time in Door County this Saturday at the Jacksonport Lake-to-Lake 10K and two-mile run/walk. The event marks the first in-person road race in the county since COVID-19 caused a yearlong race shutdown.

Back in February, the Town of Jacksonport made the call to cancel the annual Maifest celebration – traditionally held during Memorial Day Weekend – because of ongoing public-safety considerations. In its absence, however, the race, sporting a new name, hopes to carry on the tradition of family and community fun.

The Lake-to-Lake races will be held Saturday, May 29, 9 am, at Lakeside Park in Jacksonport, where both the 10K and two-mile routes will start and finish. The 10K course will travel along Highway 57, shift onto Lake Shore Road, continue to the waters of Clark Lake and return along North Cave Point Drive. The two-mile out-and-back course will take runners and walkers along Highway 57 and Lake Shore Road.

But Jacksonport isn’t the only community dusting off its running shoes. Several others plan to revive their perennial road races in person, with some hosting a hybrid/virtual option as well. Here are some of the in-person races to look forward to this summer: