2026 Door County Half Marathon & Nicolet Bay 5k

The 2026 Door County Half Marathon & Nicolet Bay 5k is a premier regional distance event held within the scenic boundaries of Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, the U.S. Track and Field certified half marathon begins at 10:00 AM CDT, followed by the 5k at 10:15 AM CDT. Both races feature entirely paved courses that offer runners panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, and Horseshoe Island, starting and finishing near the Nicolet Beach area.

Door County is a major tourism peninsula in Wisconsin, with a year-round population of approximately 30,000 residents, though this number swells to over 150,000 during the peak summer and event seasons. The village of Fish Creek, which hosts the park, is one of the county's primary cultural hubs. Demographically, Door County is predominantly White (approx. 94.6%), with Hispanic or Latino (3.1%), Indigenous (0.8%), Asian (0.6%), and Black or African American (0.5%) residents. The median household income is approximately $65,000, and the local economy is heavily reliant on seasonal hospitality, maritime history, and cherry/apple orchards.

The local culture is defined by a strong "New England of the Midwest" aesthetic, emphasizing art galleries, maritime traditions, and outdoor recreation. Peninsula State Park is the "crown jewel" of the Wisconsin State Park system, and the community views this race as the unofficial start of the spring season. The event organizers, the Peninsula Pacers, foster a community spirit through their "Run for A Cause" program, which has raised significant funds for local charities. The post-race party at Nicolet Beach, featuring live music and regional beverages, reflects the area's reputation for high-quality hospitality and celebration of the natural landscape.

The participant experience is characterized by a "destination race" feel. Logistics are managed via shuttles from nearby towns like Baileys Harbor and Sister Bay due to limited parking within the park. Runners receive comprehensive support with eight aid stations along the half marathon route and a festive finish line atmosphere. By May 2nd, the paved paths of Peninsula State Park will be filled with athletes from across the Midwest, enjoying a challenging course that winds through one of the most geographically diverse sections of the Lake Michigan shoreline.