Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon

The Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon is a premier endurance event set on the largest of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. Scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, in La Pointe, Wisconsin, this race is known for its scenic, rural island charm and its status as a USATF certified course and Boston Qualifier. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Ashwabay Outdoor Education Foundation, which has already surpassed its initial fundraising goals for the season.

The course is designed as a loop with a common start and finish line, featuring out-and-back sections that provide varying views of the Lake Superior shoreline and the island's forested interior. Due to the island's remote nature, participants must coordinate ferry transportation from Bayfield to La Pointe. Historically, these races fill to capacity quickly due to the strict participant caps designed to maintain the island's tranquility and manage local logistics.

La Pointe is the only town on Madeline Island and has a year-round population of approximately 430 residents. However, during the peak summer and race weekends, the population on the island can surge to over 2,500 people. The town of La Pointe has a land area of about 78 square miles, resulting in a very low population density of roughly 5.5 people per square mile during the off-season. The economy of the island is heavily dependent on seasonal tourism, with an estimated 80% of local businesses operating only from May through October.

The Apostle Islands region is a critical area for environmental conservation in Wisconsin. Madeline Island itself is home to the Big Bay State Park, which covers 2,350 acres and features over 7 miles of hiking trails and beachfront. Outdoor recreation events like the marathon contribute significantly to the local economy, with visitors spending an average of $180 per day on lodging, ferry fees, and dining during race weekend. The marathon's partnership with the Ashwabay Outdoor Education Foundation helps fund programs that provide outdoor access and education to over 1,200 students in the Bayfield area annually.

Registered participants are encouraged to finalize their lodging and ferry schedules well in advance, as island accommodations often reach 100% occupancy months before the event. Bib collection and race-day logistics are centered at the 668 Fort Road location. For specific questions regarding the 2026 waitlist or technical course data, the organizers can be reached via email at [email protected].