Madison Marathon
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. 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.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
2025 edition posts largest field in event history, sells out early
Nov 16, 2025The 2025 Madison Marathon recorded the biggest turnout to date with 3,200 marathon entrants and a total weekend participation of roughly 7,800 across all distances; the marathon distance sold out two months earlier than the previous year. Organizers cited strong local interest and improved marketing partnerships for the increase.
Course route updated ahead of 2026: new finish on State Street near the Capitol
Sep 10, 2024Race officials confirmed a permanent course adjustment in 2024 that moves the marathon finish to State Street at the Capitol Plaza to improve spectator access and logistics. The change also adds roughly 2 miles of lakeshore and downtown parkway running, producing a slightly faster, flatter final 10K for 2026 entrants.
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Wisconsin State Capitol
Iconic domed capitol building in downtown Madison and focal point near the course
State Street / UW Campus
Historic pedestrian street and University of Wisconsin–Madison campus area runners pass through
Monona Terrace
Frank Lloyd Wright–designed lakeside convention center on Lake Monona with scenic views
Lake Monona Shoreline / John Nolen Drive
Scenic lakeside stretch offering expansive views of Lake Monona and the city skyline
Lake Mendota / Shorewood Hills area
Northern lakeshore section with parkland and residential neighborhoods along Lake Mendota
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Well-maintained gardens and conservatory near the eastern course segments
Capitol Square / Finish Area
Central downtown square around the Capitol where spectators gather and the finish is typically located
Madison, WI, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
- 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
- Photo ID
- Signed electronic race waiver
- Emergency contact information
- Proof of age (for age-group verification when requested)
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Elite/Invitational Entry
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.