The Door County Half Marathon

The allure of a course centered in beautiful Peninsula State Park and the cool spring temperatures typical in early May are attracting hundreds of runners to participate in the first annual Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k on Saturday, May 3. Runners from across the country are planning to attend.

Ephraim, a major sponsor and host community for the event, is opening its doors to the many visitors expected for the event. The Ephraim Village Hall will be open on Friday, May 2 for packet pickup and a pasta dinner. Everyone is invited. The dinner, catered by Top Shelf Café & Gourmet, will be served from 5 – 8 pm and includes spaghetti (with or without meat sauce), salad, bread, dessert and beverage. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12, kids under 5 are free and $7 for high school track athletes in uniform.

Door County Memorial Hospital is also a major sponsor and a big part of the event. Medical staff, headed by Dr. Phil Arnold, Sports Medicine, will be on the course while the North Shore Medical Clinic in Fish Creek will be staffed and open on race day from 9 am – 3:30 pm for anyone needing medical attention.

There is still time to join the fun! Registration is still open for the half marathon (13.1 miles) and the 5k (3.1 miles). If you are not a runner, you can always walk with a friend in the 5k. For more information and to register, go to doorcountyhalfmarathon.com. Volunteers are still needed and play a key role in providing a great event. There are many different ways to help out. If you are interested, call Mary Knutson at 920.421.1519 or Brian Fitzgerald at 920.421.1518. Spectators are encouraged to join the fun as well. Come to the park on Saturday, May 3 to cheer on the many runners. A half marathon is a lot easier if there is encouragement along the way!