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Madeline Island Marathon: Your Complete Guide to a Perfect Weekend
Does this inspire you?
I recently read an article in Runner’s World about a woman named Juno. Juno is about to complete her goal of running a half marathon in each one of the 50 states.
Her story inspired me because she isn’t an elite athlete or marathoner who has been training all her life. She’s like most of us. Juno started to run to lose weight and then grew to love it setting one goal after another.
In 2017, Juno set a goal to run a half marathon in each one of the 50 states. She is set to complete her goal in April of 2023 in Hawaii – what a perfect finish!
On May 18th, 2024 Madeline Island is hosting the Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon.
By now you’re in the midst of your training schedule, but what about your marathon weekend schedule? What are your plans to prepare and celebrate your finish?
Each year at Seagull Bay, Isaac and I, look forward to the Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon to help kick off the summer season. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate weekend guide to help you experience the best our area has to offer. From:
- Mouth-watering carbs
- Deep tissue massage
- The best bloody mary you’ve ever had
- A sailing adventure
…and more. This week’s blog has all you need to celebrate.
Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon Is an Ideal Marathon for Beginners
We all have to start somewhere. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned marathoner the Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon is a friendly marathon for you.
Madeline Island is the largest of the 22 Apostle Islands near Bayfield, Wisconsin, and is only accessible by the Madeline Island Ferry.
Here’s why Madeline Island is the perfect place for a marathon:
- The course is mostly flat with paved roads or hard-packed gravel. No grueling hills for you to climb!
- It’s well-protected against weather and washouts, so all you need to do is find your stride.
- It’s lined with mature trees and bordered by the shores of Lake Superior, lending an average temperature of 61° – so you don’t have to worry about overheating.
For seasoned runners, this is a standout race to help you kick off your summer race season. It’s a USATF-certified course and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Plus, with only 450 runners you don’t need to worry about pushing through large groups to get to the front.
Here is the registration link. This race will fill to capacity so don’t wait.
Your Complete Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon Weekend Race Guide
Right now you’re in the midst of training. It probably hasn’t been perfect, but remember to give yourself some grace and keep going. In the meantime, you need to finalize your plans.
Now you could stay on Madeline Island. But to get the full experience of the Apostle Islands and all our area has to offer, we recommend you stay in Bayfield. From there, you’ll have easy access to many of the restaurants, activities, and sites to make the most of your race weekend.
Our lakeside motel, Seagull Bay, stands above the shores of Lake Superior and includes an eye-catching view of Madeline Island. Each morning, you’ll wake up to the sun tickling your nose as it rises over this horizon. At night, you can hear the waves crashing on the shoreline, lulling you to sleep so you’ll feel rested and ready to go for your race Saturday morning.
The only thing separating Seagull Bay from the shoreline is a historic railroad grade called The Brownstone Trail.
Our direct access to this trail will lead you on a 10-minute walk into town and a 15-minute walk to the Madeline Island Ferry. The perfect warm-up before your 25-minute ferry ride.
When you check in Friday night, you’ll see we’re right on the edge of Bayfield, making us easy to find. Here you can park your car and let it rest all weekend if you choose.
Friday Night
Before the race, load up on carbs at Good Thyme. This artisan restaurant features fresh and seasonal ingredients from Northern Wisconsin and Lake Superior. Good Thyme is old-school when it comes to its menu and creating everything by hand. It’s a pre-race meal you won’t forget.
Stroll back to the motel for a good night’s sleep after you’ve carefully set out your clothes, socks, shoes, and hydration pack.
Race Day
On race day there’ll be a special ferry boat scheduled for the Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday morning at 6:30 am.
If you decide to take your car over to the island, it’s important to note there’s no parking at the race start/finish line, and driving on the course is prohibited. There is parking in public lots near the ferry boat landing.
From the ferry boat landing, the race start/finish line is only a few blocks away located at Joni’s Beach.
On your way to the starting line, stop at Mission Hill Coffee House for a steaming cup of coffee, fresh sandwiches, and pastries to fuel up before the race.
Registration for your race is from 6:30 am – 8:00 am.
Get ready, set, go!
After the race indulge in a post-race massage or pedicure at Superior Body and Massage in Bayfield. Let your muscles relax and cover up those black and blue toenails.
Celebrate your race finish at the Copper Crow Distillery in Red Cliff on your way to a leisurely dinner at St. James Social. Inventive flavors, impeccable dishes, and culinary expertise converge within a warm, welcoming, and upscale environment, creating an unforgettable night out.
Sunday
Sleep in – you deserve it!
When you’re ready, stroll into town on the Brownstone Trail to the Wonderstate Cafe where you can nibble on house-made pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Here you can drink your favorite latte or sip a fresh cup of Rishi tea.
Or if you’re looking to stir your blood a bit more, venture back to the Copper Crow and indulge in one of their famous Bloody Marys. It’s a meal in itself!
Spend your day on the water by booking a sailing charter or book your tickets for the Grand Tour by Apostle Island Cruises to get the full Apostle Island experience.
Cap your night off with a mouth-watering burger at The Pier Restaurant in Bayfield and toast to an incredible weekend.
Monday
Sadly pack up and go back to reality on Monday. 😞
On Tuesday proudly wear your Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon race medal to the office!
Get Registered for the Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon and Stay at Seagull Bay
With our ideal location, Lake Superior view, and direct access to The Brownstone Trail, we’re your basecamp for the Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon – a weekend you won’t forget!
Come run, relax, and explore with us at Seagull Bay.
BOOK NOW and enjoy the view!
Mollie, Isaac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks
QUICK LINKS:
Madeline Island Ferry Schedule
Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon
March 25, 2023
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