The 2020 version of the Door County half marathon will mark the 13th year of the event. Fortunately for me, I've been able to run in all of them. It's an event that my wife and I mark on the calendar every year, without hesitation or discussion. We just know that, yes, we're signing up. So what brings us back, year after year, to race in this event? In it's 13th year, I give you 13 reasons why you should run 13(.1) miles in the Door County half marathon in 2020. Let's take a look...
1. Door County hospitality. The half marathon marks the official start of the spring season in Door County, and the entire community throws open its doors to welcome all of the runners. Restaurants offer runner friendly meal options on Friday night, as well as a free beer after the race. Just like the race organizers, the community spares no expense to make sure the runners enjoy their race weekend.
2. Well organized. Being in its 13th year, the group that organizes the event performs like a well-oiled machine. You want easy transportation to and from the race? They've got shuttles to get you there. You want fun aid stations? They've got those too. You want some sweet finisher swag and an awesome post-race celebration? Check and check. From port-potties to racing support, the organizers are perfect down to the smallest detail. They do all the work so you can focus your race.
3. Scenery. The half marathon feels more like a nature hike rather than a race, as the entire course is run throughout Peninsula State Park. No traffic, no stop signs. Just you and the park. As you're winding your way through the woods, you'll run along the shores of Green Bay, past historic lighthouses and golf courses on your way to the top of several scenic overlook areas that offer some of the best views Door County has to offer.
4. Cool temps: The half marathon is always run on the first weekend in May, and being this early in the season, the cool weather offers runners the ideal racing conditions. I don't want to jinx it, but the sun always seems to find it's way out on race day. A run through the woods with the warm sun on your face...now that sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday morning!
5. Difficult yet achievable: Running 13.1 miles is no easy task. It's a distance that requires a fair amount of training and dedication, but unlike the full marathon, the commitment isn't overwhelming. A fraction of the training yet all of the respect and admiration makes the half the perfect distance.
6. Sven's bluff: I'll be honest, this hill is a beast. But the view at the top is breathtaking and definitely worth the effort. Take your time getting to the top, and don't forget to peek at the view before you head back down the hill.
7. Friendly aid stations: After completing some of the more difficult sections of the race course, you'll need a distraction. Does a pirate handing you a cup of water count as a distraction? I think so. All nine of the aid stations are perfectly placed, with volunteers offering runners enthusiasm and encouragement.
8. Finish chute: You've completed all of the hills, and as you're making your way to the finish line, you start to hear the cheering. You can't see the finish, but you can feel the energy. As you turn your last corner and approach the finish line, you're met with hundreds of screaming fans giving you that last burst of energy you need. There are a lot of things I enjoy about the Door County half marathon, but the energy and spirit of the chute at the finish line is by far my favorite part of the race.
9. Cookies: The post-race spread of food is impressive. Chocolate milk, oranges, bananas and bagels help the runners recover after they've worked so hard. But I'll be honest, for me, the real draw is the cookies. Chocolate chip. Peanut Butter. Sugar. Mmmm...they're dynamite.
10. Beer: You've just completed your race, and you're ready to celebrate. You walk through the refreshment tent for some fruit and bagels to help your body recover. A One Barrel Brewing beverage will bring a smile back to your face, not to mention help you forget about how sore your legs are.
11. Cookies: "Didn't I see cookies on the list already?" Yes you did. They're that good. Now that I think about it, take two. You deserve them. Besides, you just ran a half marathon.
12. Wild Tomato pizza: Train hard. Enjoy the race. Eat cookies. Drink a beer. Then move the celebration over to Wild Tomato to enjoy some amazing pizza. With restaurant locations in Fish Creek and Sister Bay, and at One Barrel Brewing in Egg Harbor, chances are they're a short walk from where you're staying. Everything on the menu is worth a try, but you can't go wrong with the Green and Gold pizza!
13. Bragging rights: For all the reasons why the half marathon is an amazing race distance, make no mistake: it is challenging. But isn't that why you run a half marathon? To challenge yourself? To see what you're capable of? Once you've done it, nobody can take it away from you.
If you're new to running or you're a seasoned runner looking for an amazing race, I encourage you to give the Door County half marathon a shot. You can do it! Cheers to health and happy running in 2023!!