Madeline Island Marathon & Half Marathon 2026
La Pointe, Madeline Island, WI
Sold out
- Registration opened
- September 29, 2025
- Entry price
- $103.63–$130.38
Weather
| Month | Avg high / low | Band |
|---|---|---|
| May | 41–56°F | Cool |
Historical averages for planning — not a forecast. Always check conditions before race week.
Route & course
Marathon
Loop · Mixed · starts 8:30 AM- Elev gain
- 649 ft
- Elev loss
- 649 ft
- High point
- 719 ft
- Low point
- 600 ft
- Start and finish in the same area
- Easier spectating and repeated aid access
USATF-certified Boston Qualifier. Mostly paved with short packed-gravel sections. Includes a 9-mile one-lane/shoulder out-and-back segment. Rolling hills throughout; 7-hour time limit. Course is partially open to traffic.
Half Marathon
Loop · Mixed · starts 8:30 AM- Elev gain
- —
- Elev loss
- —
- High point
- —
- Low point
- —
- Start and finish in the same area
- Easier spectating and repeated aid access
USATF-certified. Mostly paved with a minor gravel section and a long sloping hill toward the end. Partially open to traffic. Elevation profile not separately published by race.
Travel
- Base town
- La Pointe, Madeline Island
- Nearest airport
- DLH · 120 min
- Rental car
- Recommended
- Rideshare
- Limited
- Lodging
- Good
- Facilities
- Limited
- Trip length
- 2 nights
- Travel complexity
- 7/10
Reaching the race requires flying into Duluth (~90 mi away), driving to Bayfield, and then taking a ferry to Madeline Island. No rideshare on the island; lodging is limited and books up with the race. Plan well in advance.
Getting around
- Packet pickup — Event Tent at Joni's Beach
Packet pickup Friday May 15, 4–8 pm; and race morning 6:30–8 am.
Duluth (DLH) is served by Delta (Minneapolis) and United (Chicago). Car rentals available at DLH. Ferry from Bayfield to La Pointe is the only access; check Madeline Island Ferry Line schedules. Both island and Bayfield lodging fill fast around race weekend.
Best for / avoid if
Best for
- Boston Qualifier seekers wanting a scenic, low-key race
- Runners who love unique destination races
- Small-field race enthusiasts
- Midwest runners looking for a weekend island getaway
- scenic runners
- small-race fans
- Lake Superior fans
Avoid if
- You need a large crowd or big-city race energy
- You're sensitive to cold, wind, or unpredictable spring weather
- You require reliable rideshare or urban amenities
- You need a wheelchair-friendly or adaptive course
- urban amenities seekers
- those needing extensive crowd support
First-timer mistakes
Underestimating Lake Superior's spring weather — temps can swing from snow to 80°F, and a cold wind off the lake is almost certain. Book the ferry and lodging the moment registration opens; both fill quickly.
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