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A One-of-a-Kind Race in Wisconsin's Capital City

As one of the few American cities that’s situated on an isthmus, Madison is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cosmopolitan attractions. The city is a center for art and culture in the state of Wisconsin and visitors can see great examples at the Overture Center and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Travelers should make sure to stop by the Madison State Capitol Building (based on the Nation's Capital) which is open to the public for tours throughout the year.

 

The Isthmus Paddle and Portage has been a go-to summer event in Madison since it began nearly four decades ago. This year’s event will take place July 29, at James Madison Park in Downtown Madison. The event features paddle and portage races in four categories: solo canoe, team canoe, stand-up paddle board, and kayak. Participants will begin the race on a one-mile water course (Lake Mendota), then transition to a one-mile land course (across the isthmus), and finish with a 2.5-mile water course (Lake Monona). After the race, there will be a celebration at Olbrich Park featuring the musical stylings of DJ Mike Carlson and an awards ceremony recognizing the top finishers in each division. The celebration will also feature a variety of food options, craft beers, and more. Racers are encouraged to dress up in unique and vibrant costumes, with awards going to the top costumes at the post-race ceremony. We got the opportunity to interview Event Director, Courtney Lovas, to learn more about this lake-to-land-to-lake racing spectacular.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

CL: This year will be the 38th annual. (We have three racers who have completed every year.)

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

CL: We see around 900 paddlers in about 600 boats, and many people watching the competition.

 

RAL: What demographic does your event attract?

CL: Everyone! The race starts with an Elite Wave of serious racers. Our fastest time last year was 43 minutes for the 4.5-mile race. Then there are smaller racing waves (non-elite, though still competitive and timed). We finish with the fan-favorite Mass Start which is chaotic, untimed fun. You can register as a solo paddler, or as a team. We even have a giant Stand Up Paddleboard participate that fits an entire family. We're also excited to be expanding the number of adaptive paddlers that participate in the race.  

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

CL: The race starts with a one-mile loop on Lake Mendota, continues with a one-mile portage across the isthmus, through the capitol square, and past the Dane County Farmer's Market finishing with a 2.5-mile paddle on Lake Monona. It's the only race that showcases its host city in such a way. We have a costume contest every year which means you get dad and daughter teams in tutus, full onesies in 90-degree weather, grown men in Daisy leotards and face paint, teams dressed as Hilary & Bernie - the whole spectrum.

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the event.

CL: We partner with the local nonprofit Clean Lakes Alliance, which has two events that day: Loop the Lake Bike Ride & Shoreline Swim. We organize it so that all three events end at Olbrich Park for the combined afterparty to celebrate the lakes. We have a cookout, award ceremony, DJ, costume contest, and CLA is even hosting a sand castle contest this year. Last year we had SUP polo on the water.

   

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

CL: Former Green Bay Packer & Wisconsin Badger Mark Tauscher has participated in the race before. He's one of the owners of the event.

   

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

CL: We have a great cookout at Olbrich Park after the race with a selection of local beer and brats. Each paddler gets a meal and beer (or non-alcoholic beverage) with registration.

 

RAL: Tell me about the overall atmosphere?

CL: It's just such a fun day. Everyone is in the sun, enjoying the lakes, feeling great. Olbrich Park Beach has a terrific view of the Capitol over the water.

 

RAL: Our travelers seek out unique and boutique accommodations, where can they find these in your area?

CL: The Edgewater is right downtown and offers a beautiful view of Lake Mendota, very close to the starting line at James Madison Park. Also, HotelRED has a lot personality, eclectic decorating, and an incredibly kind staff, though it's a bit farther from the race.

 

RAL: What does this event mean to the community?

CL: The whole idea of Paddle & Portage is a celebration of the lakes. We're fortunate to live in between such beautiful resources that provide yearlong enjoyment.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

CL: Absolutely. We use local vendors, drink local beer, and the tents are from local tent company.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

CL: The race is guaranteed to be like nothing you've ever seen before.


For more information about the Isthmus Paddle and Portage, please visit the event website.

Photography Credit: Thomas DeVillers