Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon
La Pointe, WI
Saturday May 17, 2025
8:30 a.m. Start Time
Registration open date Sept 24, 2024 at 9 a.m. CDT
La Pointe, WI
Saturday May 17, 2025
8:30 a.m. Start Time
Registration open date Sept 24, 2024 at 9 a.m. CDT
$120 Full Marathon/$95 Half Marathon (Plus registration processing fee+tax)
Registration includes a long-sleeve tech shirt, custom finisher medal created by a local artisan, Grace Hogan Jewelry, free beverage & meal at post-race party. The spectacular views are free!!! The post-race party also includes live music and awards ceremony. You don't want to miss it!
*After fully completing your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from Madeline Island Marathon via Race Roster ([email protected]). If you don’t receive this email, please make sure to check your spam filter. If you don't receive the email, you may email us to verify your registration at [email protected]
2025 Race Week Email, CLICK HERE to read.
On April 26, 2025, we sent an email to all race registrants with the subject "3 weeks until race day". Some of the emails bounced back to us due to typos or spam filter settings. Check your spam inbox and check your email address in your race roster account, if you suspect your email is incorrect in our system, please update it within Race Roster. Here is a link to the email in case you did not receive it. CLICK HERE
If you want to CONFIRM your registration, CLICK HERE
You can volunteer to join our Event Crew CLICK HERE
Each year, a charity organization is selected in order to promote health and wellness in the region. Our 2025 Charity is Bayfield Area Trails. Their mission is to sustain and create a high-quality network of diverse trails within the Bayfield Peninsula with active community engagement and support. (There is an option to donate within race registration. Your donations will be presented to Bayfield Area Trails, by the marathon organizers, at the post-race awards ceremony.)
To read reviews of our race CLICK HERE
Packet Pick-up
Runners packet pickup will be held at the event tent at Joni's Beach on Madeline Island.
Friday, May 16, 2025 from 4pm-8pm.
Saturday, race day, May 17, 2025 from 6:30am-8am.
Start Line/Finish Line
Both races start and finish in front of Joni’s Beach, just a few blocks from the La Pointe Ferry Landing.
Course Info
Both courses are USATF certified and are loop courses (start/finish at the same location) with short out-and-back portions in each race. The courses are mainly paved roadway with approximately 3 to 4 miles of gravel road. The courses will be well-marked, but are open to traffic and runners will be restricted to one side of the road. There will be volunteers and law enforcement at some intersections, but we recommend running single file and music devices are discouraged. Aid stations will be approximately every 2 to 3 miles and will have both water and Gatorade available at each station. Bring your own nutrition gels or fuel for the race. Porta-potties will be available at the start/finish and at various points along the course.
Certification numbers:
Marathon #WI17014DM
Half Marathon #WI17013DM
The course time limit is 7 hours.
Course Maps with water stop locations:
Marathon Course Map HERE
Half Marathon Course Map HERE
Gear Check
A gear check tent will be available at Joni’s Beach (the start/finish line).
Clear gear check bags are provided when you pick up bibs.
Post- Race Party
We invite you to stay for our post-race party and awards ceremony! All runners and volunteers will receive a cookout meal by Cooking with Lars. Options are brats, hot dogs, veggie burgers. Served with potato chips and birthday cake for dessert. There will be coffee by Wonderstate Coffee of Bayfield, a free beer from Bent Paddle Brewing Co (one per runner and per volunteer. Also available for purchase, must be 21+) or you may choose sparkling water. Live music by the Stearns County Pachanga Society from 12-4. Awards ceremony is at 3 pm. This is one post-race celebration you don't want to miss!!!
Getting to Madeline Island
Madeline Island is accessible by ferry from Bayfield, WI. The 25-minute ferry ride provides passenger, bike, and vehicle transportation to the island. For more information, including ferry rates and schedules, please visit www.madferry.com You must arrive early to find parking (if needed) and purchase tickets. Regular rates apply. Ferry service is always *weather permitting*.
*See FAQ section below for detailed info on race day ferry.
Air Travel – The Duluth International Airport is approximately 95 miles from La Pointe, WI. Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is approximately 245 miles from La Pointe, WI.
Travel by Car – from the Twin Cities, it is approximately 5 hours to La Pointe via I-35 and state Hwy 13S/WI 13 Trunk S or 5 1/2 hours via I-35 and WI-77 E
Lodging
All participants are encouraged to stay on Madeline Island on Friday, May 16th to ensure arriving at the start line on time. The Island offers various lodging options including cabins, hotels, and camping. Click here for more information on cabins and hotels. For camping information, click here. You can also consider camping at our parks, either Big Bay Town Park or Big Bay State Park. Lodging is available in Bayfield also*. Click HERE for Bayfield lodging. *Please see FAQ for more details regarding race day ferry.
Restaurants/Markets
There are several restaurants and two markets on Madeline Island CLICK HERE.
There are several restaurants and markets in Bayfield, CLICK HERE. For Shopping hours in Bayfield click HERE Please bring anything, in particular, you may need as supplies/hours may be limited on island and in Bayfield.
Quick Links:
Register HERE (Registration open date Sept 24, 2024 at 9 a.m. CDT.)
For Registration Confirmation, CLICK HERE
Change Race Distance HERE *No changes after April 17, 2025
Transfer Entry HERE *No transfers after April 17, 2025
Volunteer on Event Crew: HERE
FAQ’s
Can I transfer/sell my number to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your entry HERE. (No transfers after Apr 17, 2025.) If you become injured, your training isn’t going as well as you’d like, or are no longer able to join us for the Madeline Island Marathon or Half Marathon, you may transfer your entry to another person for $10.00 + transaction fee (NOTE: The person you transfer the entry fee to will pay this fee). No transfers will be accepted after April 17, 2025.
IMPORTANT: This is the ONLY authorized way to transfer your entry to another person, running with someone else’s number is not only dangerous for you, but also is an extreme liability to the event – we want to keep putting on this race for many years!
Running under another person’s name is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification and jeopardize your participation in future events. If you choose to transfer your entry to another person, you are responsible for arranging payment for the entry with the person you are transferring it to. The new entrant will have to pay $10 (+fee) to register and complete the online transfer. No transfers after April 17, 2025.
Entry fees are non-refundable through Madeline Island Marathon, Inc. However, If you chose the optional insurance within the Race Roster registration process, you may be eligible for a refund through that provider, Protecht. You can reach out to them directly at: [email protected] or you can reach out to the support team at Race Roster: [email protected]
Can I switch distances?
Yes, you can switch your distance HERE but you must do so by April 17, 2025. Those upgrading their races will be charged the difference in the race fees and a change fee (for any switch) will be assessed at the conclusion of the forms. No transfers/switches will be accepted after April 17, 2025.
*Will there be an early ferry boat from Bayfield to Madeline on race day?
The early race day trip to the Island will leave the dock at 6:30am. Their regular daily schedule will continue thereafter, the earliest regularly scheduled boat, from Bayfield, is 7am. *The ferry is always dependent on weather permitting. The 2025 schedule is available on their website, please reference the schedule and rates at www.madferry.com) The ferry ride is about 25 minutes long. Race starts at 8:30am sharp.
Please also have a parking plan ready. Click here for a map that shows municipal parking lots in Bayfield.
You must be in Bayfield early enough to find parking, buy your ferry ticket, and board the ferry. The ferry does not take reservations, it’s first-come, first served, so please give yourselves enough time. You can pre-purchase your ticket the night before, but that does not guarantee you passage on a specific trip Saturday morning – again, it’s first-come, first-served. Regular Rates Apply; visit madferry.com for rate info and schedule.
Where can I park and leave my car during the race?
Parking in Bayfield: CLICK HERE
Parking on Madeline Island: CLICK HERE
There are public parking lots a few blocks from the start/finish area.
*Please note there is NO PARKING at the start/finish area. The ferry is three blocks away.
Walking and biking is recommended on race day.
You may bring cars/bikes on the ferry for additional fee. Go to www.madferry.com for rates
What can I expect for temperatures?
The average lows for May are mid 40′s and the highs are in the low 60′s.
Can I run with an iPod or another music device?
The course is open to traffic. We strongly discourage impairing your ability to hear vehicles and instructions from volunteers, so just be aware of this if you choose to run with music. Keep in mind that on the marathon course, north end of the island may have spotty cell phone service.
Are dogs allowed on the race course?
We love our furry friends, but for the safety of all participants, please leave your running buddy at home for this race.
Are strollers and push-rim wheelchairs allowed on the course?
Safety is our highest priority. Both the marathon and half marathon courses are partially open to traffic, have gravel sections which can become muddy, and the marathon course has a 9-mile one-lane/shoulder out-and-back section. If you are interested in participating in the race pushing a stroller or using a push-rim wheelchair, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss how we can accommodate your request.
Is there a time limit on the course?
Yes. There is a 7-hour time limit.
When does registration close?
The marathon is limited to 150 registrants and the half marathon is limited to 350 registrants. We expect both races to fill in 2025.
Spectator Information
We encourage race-day spectators to please take the 7am ferry or later. Please allow runners to fill the earlier 6:30am ferry. For race day visit to Madeline Island, please walk on ferry. Biking is also recommended for spectating along course. Please limit driving on course. Driving on course is strongly discouraged.
Parking is available in Bayfield. Parking in Bayfield: CLICK HERE
You may choose to bring a bike over on the ferry (bike fees apply CLICK HERE for rate info) to be able to spectate from various spots on course. Bike Rentals are also available on Madeline Island at Motion to Go, downtown La Pointe.
Recommended Spectator Locations: FULL MARATHON ////// HALF MARATHON
We strongly discourage driving on the course to spectate.
Please visit madferry.com for ferry rates and schedule. Thank you!
Registration includes a long-sleeve tech shirt, custom finisher medal created by a local artisan, Grace Hogan Jewelry, free beverage & meal at post-race party. The spectacular views are free!!! The post-race party also includes live music and awards ceremony. You don't want to miss it!
*After fully completing your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from Madeline Island Marathon via Race Roster ([email protected]). If you don’t receive this email, please make sure to check your spam filter. If you don't receive the email, you may email us to verify your registration at [email protected]
2025 Race Week Email, CLICK HERE to read.
On April 26, 2025, we sent an email to all race registrants with the subject "3 weeks until race day". Some of the emails bounced back to us due to typos or spam filter settings. Check your spam inbox and check your email address in your race roster account, if you suspect your email is incorrect in our system, please update it within Race Roster. Here is a link to the email in case you did not receive it. CLICK HERE
If you want to CONFIRM your registration, CLICK HERE
You can volunteer to join our Event Crew CLICK HERE
Each year, a charity organization is selected in order to promote health and wellness in the region. Our 2025 Charity is Bayfield Area Trails. Their mission is to sustain and create a high-quality network of diverse trails within the Bayfield Peninsula with active community engagement and support. (There is an option to donate within race registration. Your donations will be presented to Bayfield Area Trails, by the marathon organizers, at the post-race awards ceremony.)
To read reviews of our race CLICK HERE
Packet Pick-up
Runners packet pickup will be held at the event tent at Joni's Beach on Madeline Island.
Friday, May 16, 2025 from 4pm-8pm.
Saturday, race day, May 17, 2025 from 6:30am-8am.
Start Line/Finish Line
Both races start and finish in front of Joni’s Beach, just a few blocks from the La Pointe Ferry Landing.
Course Info
Both courses are USATF certified and are loop courses (start/finish at the same location) with short out-and-back portions in each race. The courses are mainly paved roadway with approximately 3 to 4 miles of gravel road. The courses will be well-marked, but are open to traffic and runners will be restricted to one side of the road. There will be volunteers and law enforcement at some intersections, but we recommend running single file and music devices are discouraged. Aid stations will be approximately every 2 to 3 miles and will have both water and Gatorade available at each station. Bring your own nutrition gels or fuel for the race. Porta-potties will be available at the start/finish and at various points along the course.
Certification numbers:
Marathon #WI17014DM
Half Marathon #WI17013DM
The course time limit is 7 hours.
Course Maps with water stop locations:
Marathon Course Map HERE
Half Marathon Course Map HERE
Gear Check
A gear check tent will be available at Joni’s Beach (the start/finish line).
Clear gear check bags are provided when you pick up bibs.
Post- Race Party
We invite you to stay for our post-race party and awards ceremony! All runners and volunteers will receive a cookout meal by Cooking with Lars. Options are brats, hot dogs, veggie burgers. Served with potato chips and birthday cake for dessert. There will be coffee by Wonderstate Coffee of Bayfield, a free beer from Bent Paddle Brewing Co (one per runner and per volunteer. Also available for purchase, must be 21+) or you may choose sparkling water. Live music by the Stearns County Pachanga Society from 12-4. Awards ceremony is at 3 pm. This is one post-race celebration you don't want to miss!!!
Getting to Madeline Island
Madeline Island is accessible by ferry from Bayfield, WI. The 25-minute ferry ride provides passenger, bike, and vehicle transportation to the island. For more information, including ferry rates and schedules, please visit www.madferry.com You must arrive early to find parking (if needed) and purchase tickets. Regular rates apply. Ferry service is always *weather permitting*.
*See FAQ section below for detailed info on race day ferry.
Air Travel – The Duluth International Airport is approximately 95 miles from La Pointe, WI. Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is approximately 245 miles from La Pointe, WI.
Travel by Car – from the Twin Cities, it is approximately 5 hours to La Pointe via I-35 and state Hwy 13S/WI 13 Trunk S or 5 1/2 hours via I-35 and WI-77 E
Lodging
All participants are encouraged to stay on Madeline Island on Friday, May 16th to ensure arriving at the start line on time. The Island offers various lodging options including cabins, hotels, and camping. Click here for more information on cabins and hotels. For camping information, click here. You can also consider camping at our parks, either Big Bay Town Park or Big Bay State Park. Lodging is available in Bayfield also*. Click HERE for Bayfield lodging. *Please see FAQ for more details regarding race day ferry.
Restaurants/Markets
There are several restaurants and two markets on Madeline Island CLICK HERE.
There are several restaurants and markets in Bayfield, CLICK HERE. For Shopping hours in Bayfield click HERE Please bring anything, in particular, you may need as supplies/hours may be limited on island and in Bayfield.
Quick Links:
Register HERE (Registration open date Sept 24, 2024 at 9 a.m. CDT.)
For Registration Confirmation, CLICK HERE
Change Race Distance HERE *No changes after April 17, 2025
Transfer Entry HERE *No transfers after April 17, 2025
Volunteer on Event Crew: HERE
FAQ’s
Can I transfer/sell my number to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your entry HERE. (No transfers after Apr 17, 2025.) If you become injured, your training isn’t going as well as you’d like, or are no longer able to join us for the Madeline Island Marathon or Half Marathon, you may transfer your entry to another person for $10.00 + transaction fee (NOTE: The person you transfer the entry fee to will pay this fee). No transfers will be accepted after April 17, 2025.
IMPORTANT: This is the ONLY authorized way to transfer your entry to another person, running with someone else’s number is not only dangerous for you, but also is an extreme liability to the event – we want to keep putting on this race for many years!
Running under another person’s name is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification and jeopardize your participation in future events. If you choose to transfer your entry to another person, you are responsible for arranging payment for the entry with the person you are transferring it to. The new entrant will have to pay $10 (+fee) to register and complete the online transfer. No transfers after April 17, 2025.
Entry fees are non-refundable through Madeline Island Marathon, Inc. However, If you chose the optional insurance within the Race Roster registration process, you may be eligible for a refund through that provider, Protecht. You can reach out to them directly at: [email protected] or you can reach out to the support team at Race Roster: [email protected]
Can I switch distances?
Yes, you can switch your distance HERE but you must do so by April 17, 2025. Those upgrading their races will be charged the difference in the race fees and a change fee (for any switch) will be assessed at the conclusion of the forms. No transfers/switches will be accepted after April 17, 2025.
*Will there be an early ferry boat from Bayfield to Madeline on race day?
The early race day trip to the Island will leave the dock at 6:30am. Their regular daily schedule will continue thereafter, the earliest regularly scheduled boat, from Bayfield, is 7am. *The ferry is always dependent on weather permitting. The 2025 schedule is available on their website, please reference the schedule and rates at www.madferry.com) The ferry ride is about 25 minutes long. Race starts at 8:30am sharp.
Please also have a parking plan ready. Click here for a map that shows municipal parking lots in Bayfield.
You must be in Bayfield early enough to find parking, buy your ferry ticket, and board the ferry. The ferry does not take reservations, it’s first-come, first served, so please give yourselves enough time. You can pre-purchase your ticket the night before, but that does not guarantee you passage on a specific trip Saturday morning – again, it’s first-come, first-served. Regular Rates Apply; visit madferry.com for rate info and schedule.
Where can I park and leave my car during the race?
Parking in Bayfield: CLICK HERE
Parking on Madeline Island: CLICK HERE
There are public parking lots a few blocks from the start/finish area.
*Please note there is NO PARKING at the start/finish area. The ferry is three blocks away.
Walking and biking is recommended on race day.
You may bring cars/bikes on the ferry for additional fee. Go to www.madferry.com for rates
What can I expect for temperatures?
The average lows for May are mid 40′s and the highs are in the low 60′s.
Can I run with an iPod or another music device?
The course is open to traffic. We strongly discourage impairing your ability to hear vehicles and instructions from volunteers, so just be aware of this if you choose to run with music. Keep in mind that on the marathon course, north end of the island may have spotty cell phone service.
Are dogs allowed on the race course?
We love our furry friends, but for the safety of all participants, please leave your running buddy at home for this race.
Are strollers and push-rim wheelchairs allowed on the course?
Safety is our highest priority. Both the marathon and half marathon courses are partially open to traffic, have gravel sections which can become muddy, and the marathon course has a 9-mile one-lane/shoulder out-and-back section. If you are interested in participating in the race pushing a stroller or using a push-rim wheelchair, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss how we can accommodate your request.
Is there a time limit on the course?
Yes. There is a 7-hour time limit.
When does registration close?
The marathon is limited to 150 registrants and the half marathon is limited to 350 registrants. We expect both races to fill in 2025.
Spectator Information
We encourage race-day spectators to please take the 7am ferry or later. Please allow runners to fill the earlier 6:30am ferry. For race day visit to Madeline Island, please walk on ferry. Biking is also recommended for spectating along course. Please limit driving on course. Driving on course is strongly discouraged.
Parking is available in Bayfield. Parking in Bayfield: CLICK HERE
You may choose to bring a bike over on the ferry (bike fees apply CLICK HERE for rate info) to be able to spectate from various spots on course. Bike Rentals are also available on Madeline Island at Motion to Go, downtown La Pointe.
Recommended Spectator Locations: FULL MARATHON ////// HALF MARATHON
We strongly discourage driving on the course to spectate.
Please visit madferry.com for ferry rates and schedule. Thank you!
