A Fast Finish, A Fresh Start
by MYLES DANNHAUSEN JR.As Eduardo Neri raced down the final straightaway of the 2023 Door County Half Marathon, the five-minute-41second-per-mile pace he had kept for 13.1 miles of Peninsula State Park hills looked almost easy. But a larger life journey for the 2012 Sevastopol High School graduate and Sturgeon Bay resident has been anything but. He was born in Mexico, but his parents left their small village outside Mexico City for the promise of jobs in America when Neri was only 7 years old. Neri grew up with the uncertainty that comes with being undocumented.
They enrolled Neri, the third of their four children, in third grade. After less than two years working with a specialist assigned to help him, he was nearly fluent in English, but as his classmates got driver’s licenses, he couldn’t. He kept his status secret from his teachers, bosses and friends for years. When his high school teammates made jokes about
illegal aliens in practice or on the bus ride to a game, he bit his tongue. “Even the word ‘undocumented’ – there’s always that fear of getting kicked out that comes with it,” Neri said. “Especially the high school years. People will point you out if they find out. I felt that fear. That word, ‘undocumented’ or ‘illegal.’ It makes you feel like you’ve done something wrong, like you’re not part of the community.”
Neri worked through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, earning an associate’s degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. He got a job, got married and had a son. He applied for permanent residency, but the marriage didn’t stick, and when he got divorced, he had to wait an additional five years before getting citizenship. “Since high school, I had the dream of becoming an American citizen,” Neri said. “That oath means a lot to me.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked from home, and he returned to school to get his bachelor’s degree at UWOshkosh. He got in shape and returned to the track and the trail, earning trips to the conference meet twice.
“We’ll see how it goes,” he said. “Maybe I can win it.”
Neri, who ran cross country and track for two years at UW–Oshkosh, said he didn’t enter last year’s Door County Half Marathon with a great spring of training under his belt.
“I was finishing up school, so I didn’t have time to focus on training,” he said. But the morning of the race, he felt spring in his legs as he jogged toward the starting line on Shore Road.
And Neri won easily, finishing a minute and 18 seconds ahead of four-time race winner Rodee Schneider. A year later, as he prepared to return to the race, he trained with new certainty under his feet.
On Feb. 14, he passed his citizenship test, and in March he finally took that oath he had dreamed of for so long, ending his longest journey and beginning a new one.
The Races On Course
I have never run a half marathon – I have not even attempted to – but I admire all those that do and I love being a spectator. The common goal of those running combined with their friends and family lined up along the course to cheer and encourage creates an energy of excitement, anticipation, anxiety, and hope.
For the duration of the race there is one goal for all in the park. There is one hope. There is the overwhelming desire from all spectators and runners that all the participants complete the course.
Races are a celebration of the human spirit – a demonstration of humanity’s resolve to overcome a challenge and to push physical and mental capacities to another level. The race celebrates the best of who and what we can be.
I have watched over 30 marathons, dozens of half marathons and all sorts of other races. I have always walked away from them inspired by those that crossed the finish line, those that did not but tried, and by the volunteers, spectators, and community that cheered on their friends and family as well as strangers they had never met.
I am looking forward to this year’s Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k, spending some time in the park with friends, family and our community. I am looking forward to celebrating a run in Peninsula State Park with all of you.
On Saturday May 4, in the woods, beside the lake, in Peninsula State Park more than 2,000 runners are surrounded by family, friends, strangers, and acquaintances. They all wish and want the same thing.
They all want the runners to succeed.
Thanks for running, walking, watching, and cheering.
See you on the course.
David Eliot Co-Founder, Door County Half Marathon Publisher, Peninsula Pulse
Fourth overall was claimed by women’s winner Caitlin Kowalke, 33 of Shorewood, WI. Kowalke destroyed the previous women’s course record held by Hanna Christensen by three minutes and 47 seconds, finishing in 1:18:18. She was followed by two-time winner Relena Ribbons, 35 of Appleton who also bested Christensen’s mark. Ribbons finished in 1:21:42. Maggie Priebe, 31 of Green Bay placed third in 1:23:22.
More than 1,500 runners registered for the event, and 1,217 finished the half marathon. Another 814 registered for the Nicolet Bay 5k, with 680 finishing the race.
Kevin Boyle, 27 of Milwaukee posted the 5th fastest time in the history of the Nicolet Bay 5K, finishing in 16:29, followed by Scott Cayo, 35 of Brookfield in 17:41 and Dylan Schielke, 27 of Merrill in 18:29.
For the women Lynn Fitzsimmons, 56 of Mequon won the women’s side in 22:1 followed by Sara Kaiser, 27, of Milwaukee in 22:25 and Kat Nelson, 12, of Waukesha in 22:25
13.1
HALF MARATHON
The Door County Half Marathon will start at 10 am Saturday, May 6. Runners should allow 10 – 15 minutes to walk from the Runners’ Concourse to the starting line on Shore Rd.
The entire half marathon is run on paved surfaces in Peninsula State Park. The U.S. Track and Field certified course starts and finishes near Nicolet Beach. The course takes runners past breathtaking views of Green Bay, shaded areas through the woods, challenging hills and ever-changing scenery through one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful parks.
MP3 players are allowed for the race, but sorry, no dogs or strollers are allowed on the course due to space and safety concerns. Walkers are welcome and should plan to finish by the time the course opens to traffic at 1:30 pm.
Walkers should be aware that if your pace is slower than 16 minutes per mile, not all course amenities may be available later in the race, since time constraints require us to break down aid stations to re-open the park roads.
All half marathon participants receive a long-sleeve race shirt, a finisher’s medal, and food and drink (including beer from One Barrel Brewing Co.) in the Runners’ Concourse area.
3.1
NICOLET BAY 5K
The Nicolet Bay 5k begins at 10:15 am, just after the start of the half marathon. The starting line is also on Shore Road, but a few hundred yards from the start of the half marathon.
Runners will follow the out and back course to the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, where they will turn around for the finishing kick to the same finish line as the half marathoners.
MP3 players are allowed, but sorry, no dogs or strollers are allowed on the course due to space and safety concerns. Walkers are welcome in the 5k.
All participants will receive a race shirt as well as food, beverages, a free beer from One Barrel Brewing Co. in the Runners’ Concourse.
18:28 (2022)
2. Anna Gray, 18:29 (2018)
3. Allison Arndt, 34, Franklin, 18:58 (2014)
4. Liz Gilbert, 25, Sturgeon Bay, 19:05 (2015)
5. Bailey Wolf, 12, Oconto
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.
The Half Marathon begins at 10 am, the 5k at 10:15 am, a few hundred yards behind the start of the half marathon.
Roads into the park close at 9 am. Spectators may ride shuttles into the park.
Sorry, pets are not allowed at Nicolet Bay Beach, the location of the Runner’s Concourse, per state park rules. We also do not allow dogs on the race course, at the finish line area, or on shuttles. Dogs must be on a leash at all times in other areas of the park.
Here are your best bets for watching the Half Marathon:
1. The Starting Line: While the Starting 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. The starting line is a 10 - 15 minute walk from the Runners’ Concourse. 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
Aid Stations for the Door County Half Marathon and the Nicolet Bay 5k are staffed by volunteers from peninsula nonprofits. The Door County Half Marathon donates to each of the organizations for their time. (But a “Thank You!” as you run by helps too.)
A/H: NorDoor Athletics
Located by Eagle Bluff Lighthouse on Shore Road. used along the half marathon route at mile 1 ½ and at mile 11 ½. Used on the Nicolet Bay 5k route at about the 1 ½ mile mark.
NorDoor Athletics is an organization that offers youth baseball and softball opportunities for our Northern Door residents during the summer.
B/G: Might Pioneers
Located on Shore Road, this aid station is used twice along the half marathon route, just before mile 2 and again just before mile 11.
The Mighty Pioneers are Sevastopol’s 4k-6th grade youth sports organization. The main emphasis of the organization is to develop and enhance fundamentals, learn the importance of teamwork, and teach good sportsmanship for all youth participating in sports at Sevastopol.
C: Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church - Guatemala Mission
Located on Mengelberg Lane near Blossomburg Cemetery along the half marathon route near mile 4.
The Shepherd of the Bay Guatemala Mission Trip works with the Mayan people in Chichicastenango, Guatemala to build and repair house for widows, install water filters and stoves, and work in friend programs for kids. The children of Guatemala suffer one of highest malnutrition rates in the world.
I: Peninsula State Park Mountain Bike Club
Located atop the infamous climb to Sven’s Bluff on Skyline Road along the half marathon route just beyond mile 5.
The Peninsula Mtn Bike club is a local group of bikers and volunteers looking to help support the trail system in Peninsula State Park. They are assisted by volunteers from the Door County Board of Realtors.
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 times! Along the course and at the finish line, please keep dogs off the course and in the grass off the side of the road.
D: Door County YMCA
Located on Hemlock Road along the half marathon route just past mile 6.
The Door County YMCA is strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA has been serving Door County for over 30 years and is proud to touch the lives of 1 in 3 people in the community. More at doorcountyymca.org.
E: Egg Harbor Historical Society
Located on Highland Road along the half marathon route just before mile 8.
The Egg Harbor Historical Society works to bring the history of Egg Harbor to life for future generations. Gathering family histories, recognizing historic buildings, and saving our heritage for new generations to enjoy.
The EHHS has recently focused their efforts on the restoration and rehabilitation of the iconic Door County Library Bookmobile. Learn more at EggHarborWI.com.
F: Sevastopol Track & Cross Country
Located on Skyline Road along the half marathon route just past mile 9.
The Sevastopol Track & Cross Country teams return for their 12th year in support of the half marathon. Coach Annie Bley appreciated the opportunity to expose her athletes to the sport of running outside high school.
Finish Line: Gibraltar Class of 2026
The Class of 2026 is raising money to help pay for Junior Prom which is an event the whole high school community looks forward to every spring.
Runner Gear Check: Sevastopol Destination Imagination Located in the packet pick up/ gear check tent at the runner’s concourse.
Sevastopol DI is using the funds raised to help pay for the global competition in Kansas City in May. Kids 4th through 12th grade compete in STEAM based challenges that focus on teamwork, public speaking and creativity, while solving the challenges.
