Who couldn’t go for a scenic inline skate on a sunny Summer’s day? Helmet secure, kneepads in place, and a big smile on your face as the breeze you’re cutting through tickles your loose clothes and gives your hair a little toss. Someone queue up the Grease Soundtrack for a groovy Summer jam session — am I right?
Well, that fun athletic pot gets even sweeter when the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon on Madeline Island is added to all that good, clean fun. Madeline Island holds this inline event each summer, created for skaters of all skill levels in three different races and start times. The event encourages its participants to have fun, enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Island, and get their heart rates up!
For the 2024 season of inlane racing and fun, you can expect to get in gear on June 15, 2024.
In this article, we’ll give you details about the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon event, what to do on Madeline Island, and inspiration for your next Apostle Islands adventure. So, get those skates on and grab your shades—the future of inline skating is about to get bright!
Where Does the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon Take Place?
Like its name, the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon takes place on Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior, in the Town of La Pointe.
If you’re visiting the Island, you can take a Ferry from Bayfield and admire the beautiful white caps of Lake Superior along the way. Bring a sweatshirt or a coat, though; it can be a little chilly with the Great Lake breeze!
The 14-mile Island is bikeable if you choose not to bring your car, but I would suggest either bringing your car or bike so you have a nice mode of transportation while enjoying the Island life. Take a look at the Ferry Rates so you can begin planning your Madeline Island Adventure!
Who Can Participate in the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon?
If you have a pair of skates, a helmet, some extra cash, and you’re over ten (with the expectation of the ‘Mad Skate’ to which the entry-level is eight years and older), then your need for speed is about to be quenched!
Three different races take place during this spectacular fun skating event, a race for each comfortable skill level and skate intention. Let’s break it down:
- Full Marathon (The Marathon)
- The Full Marathon is equal to three full loops on the 8.7-mile skating course, for the complete 26.2 miles
- Requires a helmet; knee and elbow pads are recommended
- Must be ten years old or older
- Half Marathon (ALMT)
- The Half Marathon is a little over two loops around the 8.7-mile skating course
- Requires a helmet; knee and elbow pads are recommended
- Must be ten years old or older
- Mad Fun Skate
- The Mad Fun Skate is one full loop of the 8.7-mile course
- This race starts after the other two races have started
- Requires a helmet; knee and elbow pads are recommended
- Must be eight years old or older
Follow along on the event’s Facebook Page to stay up-to-date on the event and learn about ways you can Volunteer!
Signing Up for the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon
Time to gear up and get psyched! There are two ways that you can get signed up for the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon:
- Fill out the form online
- Email moc.mutnemomdelgnam@ofni for assistance
- Download the PDF, fill it out, and mail it out
- Apostle Islands Inline, P O Box 746, Ashland, WI 54806
Below are the fees and entry dates required for the 2024 Apostle Islands Inline Marathon event; please check out their website for further information or their Facebook Page for updates. As no ‘race day registrations’ are allowed, checking this out is essential!
Registration Prices/Details for Full & Half Marathon
- $88.62 (Fees/Tax Included) if postmarked between March 16th, 2024 – May 23rd, 2024
- $93.89 (Fees/Tax Included) if postmarked after May 23rd, 2024
- Registration includes 1 round-trip passenger Ferry ride, a shirt, and a medal
Registration Prices/Details for Mad Fun Skate
- $21.10 (Fees/Tax Included) if postmarked after March 16th, 2024 – May 23rd, 2024
- $26.37 (Fees/Tax Included) if postmarked after May 23rd, 2024
- Registration includes a finisher’s medal
Whoop whoop! A big step for a fun day! Be sure to check out their Race Safety page to find your proper starting time wave and have peace of mind while you’re skating away.
When is the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon?
The Apostle Islands Inline Marathon always takes place during the Summer so everyone can soak in some sunrays and have a good time!
In 2024, the race date for the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon is June 15, 2024.
To be kept in the loop about future events and news about the Apostile Islands Inline Marathon you can follow their Facebook page and save their Website on your computer.
What to do on Madeline Island?
If you’re curious about what to do on Madeline Island during the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon, you’re in for a real Island Life treat!
With the beautiful Island right on Lake Superior, you won’t be starving for gorgeous sights, that’s for sure! And you can also satisfy your hunger, shopping needs, and wet your whistle will all sorts of wonderful local establishments.
I highly encourage you to dawdle about before the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon and explore the Island for yourself, but I’ll list a few establishments to get you started on your Madeline Island adventure!
“Howdy, island adventurers! I recently had the pleasure of stumbling upon the one-of-a-kind Tom’s Burned Down Cafe on Madeline Island, Wisconsin, and let me tell ya, it was a quirky experience like no other. Now, let’s start with the name itself – Tom’s Burned Down Cafe. Yes, you read that right. This place is literally a bar that was once burned down and then creatively rebuilt with salvaged materials, giving it a unique and eccentric charm. The atmosphere is laid-back, with a funky mishmash of decorations that’ll have you scratching your head in wonder. The drinks? Well, they might not be the most sophisticated or refined, but boy, are they strong! It’s the kind of place where you order a simple beer or a classic mixed drink and enjoy it for what it is. The service is as relaxed as the island life, with friendly bartenders who are always up for a chat. Now, this place isn’t for everyone – if you’re looking for a fancy cocktail lounge, look elsewhere. But if you’re up for a quirky, offbeat bar experience that captures the true spirit of Madeline Island, then Tom’s Burned Down Cafe is the spot for you. So embrace the unconventional, grab a drink, and enjoy the peculiar ambiance of this island gem. Cheers to the unexpected! 🍻🔥🏝️”
– N. J. S, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: 274 Chebomnicon Bay Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 12 PM-2 AM
Grampa Tony’s on Madeline Island
“Wonderful place, we had pizza and ice cream and it was quality! I highly recommend this as a spot for dinner and watch the sun set”
– DnD Squirrel, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: 814 Fort Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Closed. Thursday-Sunday, 8 AM – 9 PM.
“We love Jody’s food truck. The food is always amazing. Highly suggest ordering online because the lines get long and they sell out quickly. My favorites are the veggie burger and the greek salad. My family loves the smash burgers and gyros. The veggie burger is served on a pita with fresh vegetables and a spicy feta sauce that is delicious.”
– Vanessa M, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: 713 Fort Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850
“What an incredible staff. They make the best chai tea in town. On a deeper level, I love their ‘pay it forward’ board that allows customers to chip in to buy someone else’s drink. What a wonderful, community forward sentiment. Also, the best gluten-free options in town! More places should follow their exceptional lead.”
– David G, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: 794 Chebomnicon Bay Rd, La Pointe, WI
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 7 AM – 2 PM
There’s a lot to explore and experience on this beautiful Island, as well as in the city of Bayfield, where you’ll dock. I can’t recommend enough the opportunity to dawdle about with the ones you love and make some wholesome in-the-moment memories. Those are the ones we recall the most!
Now that you’ve checked all the important details for the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon, you can start getting psyched up for a fun event and adventure on Madeline Island and the beautiful surrounding areas, such as Ashland, Washburn, and Bayfield!
From all of us here at On Lake Superior, we wish you the best of luck and speed, but most importantly, have fun and make some memories!
