Registration for the 10th running of the Door County Half Marathon opens Oct. 1.
Runners won’t want to miss out on the special running of a race that has been hailed as one of the best in America.
“It’s amazing that we’re already talking about the 10th year,” said co-founder David Eliot. “To see it become the race it is today, with 2,700 participants and the entire community supporting it the way they do, it is truly amazing.”
The race will take place May 6, 2017 on a closed road course in Peninsula State Park. The course has been likened to “running in a cathedral in the woods,” and attracts top runners from around the Midwest. Runners pass historic landmarks, peaceful forests, and take in dramatic views of Lake Michigan from atop the Niagara Escarpment.
All half marathon finishers receive a commemorative 10th running shirt and medal, while 5k runners receive a short-sleeve shirt. Plus, all finishers will enjoy a free beer from Door County Brewing Co. at Nicolet Bay and live music in the concourse after the race.
Runners who take advantage of early bird pricing by Nov. 1 save $20 off day-of registration.
A Big Impact on Business
The race has become the kickoff to the summer tourism season in Door County, as more than 90 percent of runners come from outside the Door County Peninsula. In 2016 the race had an estimated economic impact of more than $800,000 from those staying overnight in area lodging facilities, eating at restaurants, and filling up at gas stations.
“We take a lot of pride in bringing these runners to Door County to experience the best of the peninsula in Peninsula State Park,” said Assistant Race Director Myles Dannhausen. “But also to put money in the cash registers of the businesses in Door County who sorely need it after the long winter season.”
But the half marathon makes more than an economic impact. Over its first nine years the race has helped raise more than $120,000 through its Run For A Cause Program, and an additional $30,000 in contributions to local charities.
