Q: When is the 2025 race?
A: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Q: Can I transfer my bib to another runner, or switch to between the Half Marathon and 5k or vice versa?
A: Yes. You can do so online through April 22 by following the instructions at the bottom of the Registration page. After April 22, transfers must be done by emailing jordan@peninsulapacers.com or in person at Packet Pick-up on Friday, May 2 from 1-8pm. Giving your bib to another person is forbidden and will result in automatic disqualification.
Q: I can’t run in this race any longer, can I get a refund?
A: First, that is really a bummer, but we cannot give refunds. You can transfer your bib to someone else if they want to run in your place.
Q: Can I defer my registration to next year?
A: No. But you can sell your registration to someone else.
Q: Are strollers allowed on the course?
A: No. For the safety and enjoyment of all runners, strollers are not allowed on the course in either race. If you have a stroller in the starting shute, or on the course, a course official will remove you.
Q: Do I have to buy a park sticker to drive into the park for the race?
A: Yes you do, and you should be happy to. Our parks need our support, and the admission fees for these beautiful open spaces are a bargain. Daily park passes are $10 for in-state, and $13 for out of state plates. Cash Only. You do not have to pay a fee to ride the shuttles, however.
Q: How long does it take to get from the park entrance to the concourse.
A: It’s not an exact science with traffic, but we recommend you plan on 20 minutes.
Q: Why does the race start at 10 am?
A: There are many factors that require that we start the race a little later than many other races. Due to limited parking, we must also allow extra time for runners and spectators to take shuttles to the starting line from various points outside of the park. Because the entire race is staged in a very busy Wisconsin state park, our vendors must all arrive the morning of the event, and our staff and volunteers must do most of our course set-up on race morning. There are also no lights in the park for us to work under in the early morning hours. All of these factors combine to make 10 am our earliest possible start time.
Q: Do we get the same shirts for the 5k as for the Half Marathon?
A: No. The Half Marathon shirt is a long sleeve tech shirt and the 5k is a short sleeve tech shirt.
Q: Is there packet pickup available on race day?
A: Yes, if you’re a fan of leaving everything to the last possible second, you can pick up your packet at the Runners’ Concourse at Nicolet Bay from 8 – 9:00 am the morning of the race.
Q: Are dogs allowed in the park?
A: Yes. Dogs are allowed in most areas of the Peninsula State Park; however, dogs are not allowed at Nicolet Bay Beach, the location of the Runners’ Concourse. We do not allow dogs on the race course or on the shuttles. We know your dog is awesome, it’s the other ones we’re worried about. Thank you for your cooperation.
Q: Are dogs allowed on the shuttles?
A: No, the answer is still no, and it doesn’t matter how cute your dog is, sorry.
Q: I plan on walking the course, how long will Aid Stations be open?
A: Our dedicated but small staff and volunteers must have the roads re-opened in the park by 1:30 pm, so we will begin breaking down certain Aid Stations before the race ends. If you are walking at a pace slower than 16 minutes per mile, Aid Stations may not still be open later in the race.
Q: Is there a post-race meal or beer?
A: We offer fruit, bagels and water and Gatorade to runners for free after the race, but there is no post-race meal included in your entry. There will, however, be several vendors selling brats, burgers, sandwiches and vegetarian items after the race in the runners’ concourse.
We will have beer from One Barrel Brewing Co. at the concourse! Each runner will get one free beer! Bring your ID!
Q: Is the course hilly?
A: Yup.
Q: Are the hills as bad as I’ve heard?
A: Not if you’ve put in your miles and done a little hill training. If you haven’t, then yes, they’re going to seem pretty rough. That’s your fault 🙂
Q: Can I run with my dog or push a stroller?
A: No, sorry. Still no. If you are spotted on the course or in the starting chute with a stroller you will be pulled off the course and not allowed to finish the race. Our course is run on park roads which are more narrow than other roads, which means the race is more congested in the first couple of miles and we want to allow runners as much space as possible to find their rhythm.
Q: Will there be energy gel or shots on the course?
A: Yes, we will have Hammer Gels near Mile 8.
Q: Can someone else pick up my race packet for me, and if so, what do they need to bring?
A: Yes. You can have a friend or family member pick up your packet and they don’t need ID or a confirmation number.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Sorry, there will be no refunds in the case of cancellation.
Q: Can I shower somewhere after the race?
A: Yes, runners can shower at the Door County YMCA on Highway 42 in Fish Creek, not far from the park entrance. Just show your bib number at the front desk. Please plan to bring your own towel, as there is not a towel service.
Q: Do you have pacers?
A: Yes! We have pacers at many different finishing goal times. Meet the team here, and check in with them at Packet Pickup for more information..
Q: Can I drop a runner off at the park?
A: No. Save some gas and use the shuttle. We offer shuttles for all runners & spectators who need a ride to the park.
Q: Why is there a cap on the number of runners?
A: We’re very sensitive to the fragile ecosystem of Peninsula State Park, the capacity of its roads and staff, so we use great caution in expanding the size of the race. We also aim to stage the best half marathon in the country, and to do so we must grow slowly to make sure each runner has an amazing experience.
Q: What if I’m too warm and need to ditch layers?
A: Runners do that every year. We’re a small race, so even if you have an expensive outer layer, you’ll probably be able to drive the course and find it after the run. We do find a couple dozen shirts on the side of the road each year, and if nobody claims them, we donate them or throw them away if they’re in bad shape.
Q: Do I receive a medal?
A: Half Marathon participants receive a finishers’ medal. They’re pretty cool. You’ll want to take photos and show them off. Maybe even break the rules and wear it to work every Monday. 5k finishers do not receive a medal, unless you win of course. Then you get a medal.
Q: Why don’t you start the race with the Star Spangled Banner?
A: Since our race is hosted in one of the most beautiful places in America, we celebrate that beauty, and the efforts that so many have made to preserve it, by singing America the Beautiful instead. It simply seems most appropriate for our location.
Q: Can you add pacers for faster times?
A: No. If we had a pacer for times of, say, 1:40 or faster, it’s quite possible that a division winner would be aided by a pacer.
Q: Why do you break down the finish line so early?
A: We start to break down the finish line at 1:15 pm, or at the 3 hour 15 minute mark. We do this to get the roads to the park re-opened by 1:30 pm as required so other visitors can enjoy the park. Those walking at a pace of 16:00 per mile or faster will be able to finish before the finish line comes down.
