Having almost all blading related events canceled this year because of COVID-19 is not something inline skaters have ever faced before. It is a versatile thing that we do, in the fact that we can pretty much skate anywhere there is pavement, while having a good time on our adventure… that is a large part of the sport’s appeal. The calendar was approaching the weekend that is usually reserved for the Apostle Island Marathon on Madeline Island in Wisconsin. The race takes place on a closed-circuit course around the beautiful and scenic island and offers optimum racing conditions. I recommend that anyone who skates should experience this event. Due to word of mouth, more people than ever seemed interested in attending this year. Unfortunately, with so much of our daily life and routines being affected by COVID-19, we have seen almost every skating event since April hit the chopping block. 

Rollerblade Ambassador Tracy White and I discussed creating our own virtual marathon, choosing the third weekend in June to honor the Apostle Island race date. Tracy and Ben Price set up an Endomondo Challenge for us to compete in a virtual marathon, opening up the event from Friday through Sunday. We recruited several of our friends to join us for the very first Fake Apostle race. Sally skated her first marathon last year, but Collin, Joe, Jeff, Michael, and Scottie had never participated in one before. Hailing from an aggressive skating background, these five guys have spent a lifetime on skates, all having their own unique skating history. Now they are joining our race to challenge their bodies and minds to go the distance for the first time. Here are some stories on how our cool group of skaters accomplished our own virtual marathons to honor the awesome Apostle Island race weekend. 

Read the rest of this story over at BigWheelBlading.