Stout, Ribbons Run Away in 2022 Half Marathon

The Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k returned to spring for the first time since 2019 on Saturday, and more than 1,500 runners were rewarded with perfect May weather for a race.

For the first time, a Door County resident won the Door County Half Marathon. Grayson Stout, 27, of Egg Harbor finished in 1:11:49, almost three minutes faster than second place Rickus Jacobs of Milwaukee. Four-time winner Rodee Schneider of Madison finished third in 1:15:39.

Brian Finnel, a native of Forestville, won the race in 2012, when he lived in Oshkosh, and again in 2015 after moving to Madison.

On the women’s side, Relena Del Toro Ribbons inched closer to the course record but came in just five seconds off the all-time mark set by Hanna Christensen in 2019. Ribbons finished in 1:22:10, nine seconds faster than her finish last October. Kristin Oehlke of Fremont finished second in 1:34:56, followed closely by Stephanie Clapham of Wilmette, who finished in 1:34:59.

History was nearly made in the Nicolet Bay 5k as well. Nicole Struts, 27, of Two Rivers, nearly became the first woman to finish first overall in the race. She finished in 18:28, just 13 seconds behind Dylan Schielke, 26, of Merrill. Erik Franze, 24, of Waukesa was next in 18:54, followed by Joseph Stoner, 34, of Indianapolis in 19:09.

Behind Strutz on the women’s side were Gemma Mrozinsky of Sturgeon Bay, who finished in 22:11, and Heather Biese, 31, of Kaukauna who finished in 22:44.

Find complete race results here. The 15th Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k will be run Saturday, May 6, 2023. Registration opens in October.

Half Marathon

Men

Grayson Stout, 27, Egg Harbor, 1:11:49
Rickus Jacobs, 27, Milwaukee, 1:14:39
Rodee Schneider, 40, Madison, 1:15:39

Women

Relena Del Toro Ribbons, 35, Appleton, 1:22:10
Kristin Oehlke, 34, Fremont, 1:34:56
Stephanie Clapham, 32, Wilmette, 1:34:59

Nicolet Bay 5k

Men

Dylan Schielke, 26, Merrill, 18:15
Erik Franze, 24, Waukesha, 18:54
Joseph Stoner, 34, Indianapolis, 19:09

Women

Nicole Strutz, 27, Two Rivers, 18:28
2. Gemma Mrozinsky, 53, Sturgeon Bay, 22:11
Heather Biese, 31, Kaukauna, 22:44

“Like running in a cathedral in the woods.”

Tom Held -Silent Sports magazine

“Once again you put on an awesome race. I have ran all 8 years, I saved all my shirts and this is a must run race. Thanks for all the effort.”

Carol Mulinex

“The Door County Half Marathon is my favorite race of the year, every year. I love it.”

Jes Borland

“All aspects of this event are first class…. The best scenery, most challenging course to be found. Great job Door County Half crew A+. See you in 2016.”

Scott Luchterhand

“I have run several races – and quite honestly this is the one of the best supported run ever. You do an EXCELLENT JOB on all levels. The support is amazing. The volunteers exceptional. I have ZERO complaints or suggestions.”

Sara Frizelle

“I have done a few half marathons around the midwest and this is by far the best. The organization and communication is fantastic and so are the facilities and race perks. The route is also ideal: starting flat, allowing for the body to acclimate ; followed by a steep incline and then down hill once the body gets a little fatigued. I love it!”

Margaret Pennoyer

“I’ve raced all over the world and The Door County Half Marathon is one of my favorites. It’s very well organized, it’s in the heart of beautiful and peaceful Door County, and the course rolls through some of the most picturesque half marathon miles in the world.”

Jenny Hadfield – Runner’s World

A must-do race! This popular destination race takes full advantage of the natural beauty of Door County, Wis.

Competitor Magazine