Spectator Information
Spectators are encouraged to come to the park to watch the Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5K. There will be plenty of places along the route for spectators to cheer on their favorite runner. Maps highlighting viewing spots will be available at Packet Pickup or at the Peninsula State Park entrances.
Spectators are welcome to ride to the park on the free shuttles. For more information please refer to the shuttle and parking information sections. On race day, stop by the Information Table in the Runners’ Concourse at Nicolet Bay.
Watching the Door County Half Marathon
Peninsula State Park provides spectators with a one-of-a-kind viewing experience, giving you incredible views of natural splendor while you catch friends and family as they take on the challenging course.
Here are your best bets for watching the Half Marathon:
1. The Starting Line: While the Start line can be accessed via Shore Road from the Runners’ Concourse, it is recommended that spectators walk the trail along Nicolet Bay to reduce congestion in the starting chute. When exiting the Nicolet Bay Boat Launch parking lot, spectators will have a great place to see the runners off for the half marathon and have plenty of time to walk back along Shore Road to get to the start of the Nicolet Bay 5k if you want.
2. Mile 2/11: From the Runners’ Concourse area, cross Shore Road to reach the overflow parking lot (AFT Parking Lot). Take Sunset Trail to the Theater sign, and take a right which will lead you past the amphitheater and on to the Tennison Bay Campground and Shore Road at about mile two. From the Runners’ Concourse, it will be about a half mile to the viewing location, so spectators should allow for 10-15 minutes to make this walk. (Be aware of the pace at which the runner you would like to see is running, it could be difficult to catch them at mile two.) The half marathon runners will pass this spot once more just before mile 11.
3. Mile 6/10 intersection: Get to this viewing spot by taking Sunset Trail from the Runner’s Concourse to Bluff Road. Cross Bluff Road, making sure not to interrupt runners and follow the signs down Hemlock Road. (Please stay to the right side of the cones when heading to the 6/10 intersection and on the left when returning from the 6/10 intersection.) This viewing spot is about three-quarters of a mile from the Runners’ Concourse, and spectators should allow 15-20 minutes to walk to the intersection of Hemlock and Skyline Roads. From here, you can catch runners twice, first as they speed down the hill of Skyline Road near mile six, then again as they make the turn to the homestretch at mile 10.
4. The Finish Line: Located near the Runners’ Concourse, the Finish Line is on Shore Road. Line the finish chute and make some noise to propel runners through their final strides. (This is also the finish line for the Nicolet Bay 5k.)
PLEASE NOTE: Dogs must be on a leash at all time! Along the course and at the finish line, please keep dogs off the course and in the grass off the side of the road. No dogs at Nicolet Beach area.
