MarathonRegistration OpenBQ

Madison Marathon

November 15, 2026 · 7:00 AMMadison, WI, United States

Save

Race snapshot

Race Day

37°F

27–48°F · Feels cold

Total elevation gain

394ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +66 ft

Participants

1,200

Medium-sized race

Crowd Rating

6/ 10

Good crowd energy

Entry

Registration Open

Full Marathon

$186.14

Sold out for the 2026 race.

Official Website

Key Dates

1. Registration Deadline
  Oct 31, 2026
  Registration closes at 11:59pm or when capacity is reached
1. Online Transfer Deadline
  Oct 31, 2026
  Last day for online bib exchanges and transfers at 11:59pm
2. Expo and Packet Pickup - Day 1
  Nov 13, 2026
  Expo and packet pickup at Monona Terrace, 3pm - 7pm
3. Expo and Packet Pickup - Day 2
  Nov 14, 2026
  Expo and packet pickup at Monona Terrace, 10am - 4pm
4. Race Day - Madison Marathon
  Nov 15, 2026
  Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K (presented by SSM Health) start at Capitol Square at 7:00am CST

Found in

Marathons in Wisconsin Half Marathons in Wisconsin Races in Wisconsin Marathons in the United States

The Lowdown

The Madison Marathon, first run in the mid-2000s, has grown into one of Wisconsin’s premier fall road races, drawing regional and national runners to the state capital each November. Rooted in Madison’s active running community, the event celebrates the city’s vibrant collegiate spirit and civic pride, offering a well-organized race with community support, live bands, aid stations, and enthusiastic volunteers. Over the years it has become a target race for local athletes and a popular choice for runners chasing a Boston qualifying time thanks to favorable fall weather and a reliably measured course. As of the 2026 edition the event is run as the Madison Marathon presented by COUNTRY Financial, with the marathon, half marathon, and 10K all starting from Capitol Square in downtown Madison. The course showcases many of Madison’s most scenic and iconic features: a route that threads past the Wisconsin State Capitol, skirts the shorelines of Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, and passes through the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus and lively State Street. Runners enjoy flat-to-rolling sections, wide lakeside paths, and panoramic water views that make for engaging, photo-worthy miles. The atmosphere combines big-race energy with hometown warmth — cheering crowds, community bands, and neighborhood volunteers create an uplifting environment across the entire distance. The course is USATF certified and set up as a Boston Qualifier; the event traditionally adheres to AIMS/USATF measurement standards, making it a reliable choice for serious and recreational marathoners alike.

Previous edition results — 2025

Course Highlights: 01Wisconsin State Capitol – Iconic domed capitol building in downtown Madison and focal point near the course
02State Street / UW Campus – Historic pedestrian street and University of Wisconsin–Madison campus area runners pass through
03Monona Terrace – Frank Lloyd Wright–designed lakeside convention center on Lake Monona with scenic views
04Lake Monona Shoreline / John Nolen Drive – Scenic lakeside stretch offering expansive views of Lake Monona and the city skyline
05Lake Mendota / Shorewood Hills area – Northern lakeshore section with parkland and residential neighborhoods along Lake Mendota
06Olbrich Botanical Gardens – Well-maintained gardens and conservatory near the eastern course segments
07Capitol Square / Finish Area – Central downtown square around the Capitol where spectators gather and the finish is typically located
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 10K
Time Limit: 6 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
Elite/Invitational Entry
Eligibility: Participants must be at least 18 years old on race day to register for the full marathon
All entrants must complete online registration and sign the event waiver
Participants should be in good health and capable of completing 26.2 miles; medical clearance recommended if you have health concerns
No qualifying time required, but participants must start in assigned corrals and follow event rules
Race cutoff time is enforced; runners must meet intermediate course cutoffs as posted by the race
No personal wheeled devices (strollers, bikes, skateboards) allowed on the course; ADA-compliant assistance devices permitted with prior notification
Race bibs are non-transferable; identification may be required at packet pickup
Participants under 18 are not permitted to run the full marathon; exceptions require prior written approval from race organizers
Required Documents: Photo ID
Signed electronic race waiver
Emergency contact information
Proof of age (for age-group verification when requested)
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds under any circumstances
Bib transfers allowed until 30 days before the race for a $10 processing fee
Deferrals to the 2027 Madison Marathon permitted until 30 days before the race for a $25 fee
In case of race cancellation or postponement by race organizers, entrants will receive a credit toward a future race (no cash refunds)
Medical deferrals considered on a case-by-case basis with required documentation

01: The course loops past the Wisconsin State Capitol, along the lakeshore of Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, and through the University of Wisconsin campus providing scenic views and varied neighborhoods.
02: Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a tech long-sleeve shirt, and there is a post-race festival with local food vendors and a beer garden.
03: The race weekend includes a race expo on the Friday and Saturday before the marathon, a community pasta dinner, and a kids fun run, with relay options available for teams.
04: Aid stations with water, sports drink, and gels are typically located every 1.5–2 miles, and the course is USATF-certified with chip timing for accurate results.
05: Parking near the start/finish can be limited—race organizers recommend arriving early, using park-and-ride shuttles where provided, or taking public transit; spectators are particularly encouraged at the Capitol Square and along the lakeshore for the best viewing.

Questions about the Madison Marathon 2026

When is the Madison Marathon 2026?

Sunday, November 15, 2026.

Where is the Madison Marathon?

Madison, WI, United States.

What time does the Madison Marathon start?

The race starts at 7:00 AM, local time.

What is the Madison Marathon time limit?

6 hours.

How do I enter the Madison Marathon 2026?

Registration is open. Oct 31, 2026: Registration Deadline. Ways in: Online Registration; Charity Entry; Tour Operator; Elite/Invitational Entry.

How much does the Madison Marathon 2026 cost?

Full Marathon: $186.14. Half Marathon: $164.24. 10K: $71.17.

When and where is packet pickup for the Madison Marathon?

Oct 31, 2026: Last day for online bib exchanges and transfers at 11:59pm. Nov 13, 2026: Expo and packet pickup at Monona Terrace, 3pm - 7pm.

What is the Madison Marathon elevation gain?

120 m (394 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +20 m (66 ft). Relatively flat course.

What is the Madison Marathon course like?

It passes Wisconsin State Capitol, State Street / UW Campus and Monona Terrace.

What is the weather like at the Madison Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually -3–9 °C (27–48 °F). Feels cold.

How many runners does the Madison Marathon have?

1,200 participants. Medium-sized race.

Where are the Madison Marathon results?

The official 2025 results are on the organizer's site. Official results

Is the Madison Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer394ft gain, 37°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

Running this race?

MarathonOS puts your race countdown on your Lock Screen and keeps every race-week checklist on your phone. Checklists and your race report are free for your first race.

Scan to download

Community

Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.

Community Reviews

Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.