anyone ever done this race? for me, races are kinda expensive. this one is like $130. it seems like a small race- i’m just curious how well it’s run, what the aid stations are like, cool looking t-shirts, etc… i’m just wondering if this one is worth it.
I thought this was the first year of the race.
I was going to do this race last year because some other athletes said it was well run, great scenery, and a fun race. So from what they told me, and I trust their opinion, this race is worth it I just did not have time last year to get to do it =/
This is the first year as a Half ironman. Previously it was an Olympic and sprint distance. FWIW, it is an incredible race, great location very well run. The RD has previously ran the Cellcom Green Bay marathon.
I did this race in 2006 and 2007 (it started in '05 I believe). It is EXTREMELY well-run. Lots of knowledgeable volunteers, well-marked beautiful course, and about 1,200 (?) competitors across the two races. The swim is in Green Bay, which means cold and choppy water, but there are volunteers on boats and kayaks all over the place. The bike course is fast. The run course for the sprint is flat, but for the oly-distance (and now the half) there is one short, extremely steep hill. The food at the finish is well above average.
In my experience, this race has set the standard for organization.
I agree! Sean Ryan (RD) does a great job with the race http://www.doorcountytriathlon.com/, and this year they are adding 1/2 ironman.
You could run the swim course this weekend:')
Haven’t done it personally, but heard all good things from many triathletes who have. I hear its well run, haven’t heard anything negative. Door County is beautiful, so I’m sure I’ll do that race sometime in the near future.
My wife and I have competed in all three years of the race.
We are returning for a fourth. She’s doing the sprint. I’ll be in the HIM.
The swag is typical. T-shirt and a water bottle. But, I don’t recomend basing your race choices on the trinkets and trash. This race is a real diamond.
I would caution you to bring a wetsuit. Green Bay can get cold. 06 temp was 58 degrees.
And, Door County is a wonderful place to visit pre or post race. We spent the week after the race biking the penninsula. It was a blast.
I went the high school with the RD, Sean Ryan. Great guy. Funny thing is, he used to make fun of me for all the running and cycling I did back then. He caught the bug in college and has been an instrumental force for the multisport scene in north eastern Wisconsin and the Fox Valley. Unfortunately, I was unable to do the race last year, but, several in my club, Tri Wisconsin, did it and nothing but great things to say. I have trained in the area and it really is a great location for a race. Sean Ryan does not do anything half-assed, so, rest assured, it will be top notch. I plan on being there this year.
There was a nice write-up in Triathlete Magazine about 6 months ago about the race. They were very impressed.
The swag is typical. T-shirt and a water bottle. But, I don’t recomend basing your race choices on the trinkets and trash. This race is a real diamond.
why not? cool t-shirts are worth the $150! 
seriously though, i guess i was more curious about the aid stations. i did a half in racine a couple years ago- i’m a slow swimmer, and by the time i got to the water bottle exchanges, there was no more sports drink on the bike course. just water. and it seemed like it was recycled water (discarded water bottles were refilled with a hose, i think). this was an incredibly hot day (same year as the blazing hot temps at imoo- 2005?). the first aid station on the run only had water left. it took until the run turnaround before i could get any sports drink. that was my last race in racine, and i’ll never go back. i think i just expected a little more for the money on that one.
i’ve heard people on here say the course in door county is beautiful. i’m excited to get on it, as long as there’s some kind of race support.
I am a MOPer/BOPer. In my experience, the aid stations have never been wanting. There’s a big one in the transition area, and the others along the route always had plenty of water and sports drink. The support really is top notch.
that’s good to know- thanks!
I was on the front half of the MOP in 2006 and saw no liklihood of aid station shortages. But as others have said, the real appeal of the race is Door County itself. Treat yourself to a cone at Wilson’s post-race (or pre-race, if that’s your thing). You can’t beat the feel of the small lakeside towns.
a few comments on the race here:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1627655;search_string=door%20county;#1627655
.