Apostle Islands Inline Marathon

Apostle Islands Inline Marathon 2026

The Apostle Islands Inline Marathon was held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, on Madeline Island in La Pointe, Wisconsin. The race combines endurance skating with a distinctive Lake Superior setting, using smooth island roads and a loop course that gives participants repeated views of the shoreline.

The event welcomed competitive and recreational skaters through three distance options: the full 26.2-mile marathon, the 17.4-mile ALMT half marathon, and the 8.7-mile Mad Skate. The course was built around an approximately 8.7-mile loop featuring flats, curves, straightaways, and two hairpin turns. Full-marathon participants completed three laps.

Course and race environment

The route used town roads and a county highway on Madeline Island. Much of the course is known for smooth pavement and open Lake Superior views, but skaters still needed to prepare for turns, changing wind, group traffic, and repeated lap transitions. Two water stations were available on the route, while portable toilets were located at the start and finish area rather than along the course.

Packet pickup and island travel

Advance packet pickup was held at the Ashland Chamber of Commerce office, 1716 Lake Shore Drive West in Ashland, on June 17, June 18, and June 19. A final race-morning packet pickup and late-registration window was offered at the Madeline Island Ferry entrance in Bayfield.

Participants had to plan around ferry travel because Madeline Island is reached by boat from Bayfield. Ferry tickets were sold on a first-come, first-served basis rather than in advance, and parking around the ferry area used local paid lots and posted restrictions. Racers were advised to allow substantial time for parking, ferry boarding, island arrival, packet collection, and warm-up.

Preparation and safety

Skaters needed properly maintained equipment, reliable stopping and cornering skills, and enough endurance for the selected distance. A helmet and any additional protective equipment required by the organizer should be worn correctly. Participants should inspect wheels, bearings, frames, axles, closures, and race equipment before boarding the ferry because replacement options on the island may be limited.

Weather on Lake Superior can change quickly. Racers should bring layers, hydration, nutrition, sun or rain protection, and any permitted spare equipment. Review the official rules for wave placement, timing chips, passing, cutoff procedures, and support before entering.

Archive status

The June 20, 2026 edition has ended. This description preserves the verified distances, course format, packet-pickup locations, ferry considerations, and race-day logistics for that edition. A future date should be added only after the organizer publishes a new official schedule.

The Apostle Islands Inline Marathon website remains the authoritative source for future registration, race information, ferry guidance, results, and event changes.