Vermont City Marathon
The Lowdown
The M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay, established in 1989, has earned its reputation as one of America's most scenic and well-organized marathons. This Boston Marathon qualifier takes runners on a breathtaking tour through Burlington and the surrounding Champlain Valley, showcasing Vermont's stunning natural beauty at the peak of spring. The point-to-point course winds along the shores of Lake Champlain, through charming New England villages, and past working farms with views of the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. Known for its exceptional community support and festive atmosphere, the race features live music at multiple aid stations, enthusiastic volunteers, and thousands of spectators lining the streets of Burlington's vibrant downtown finish area. The course is USATF certified and relatively flat, making it ideal for both first-time marathoners and those seeking a personal best or Boston qualification. The event also includes a relay option, allowing teams of 2-5 runners to experience the course together. Runners consistently praise the Vermont City Marathon for its impeccable organization, generous post-race festivities featuring local Vermont food and beverages, and the warm hospitality that defines Vermont's running community. With a field limited to ensure a quality experience, this late-May event offers perfect running weather and has become a beloved destination race for runners from across North America and beyond.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Vermont City Marathon Announces 2025 Race Results and Records
May 25, 2025The 2025 M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon saw over 8,000 participants complete the scenic course through Burlington, with record-breaking performances in both men's and women's divisions.
Registration Opens for 2026 Vermont City Marathon
Sep 15, 2025Early bird registration is now open for the 2026 M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon scheduled for May 23rd, featuring the full marathon, relay teams, and new course enhancements along Lake Champlain.
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Church Street Marketplace
Runners pass through Burlington's vibrant pedestrian shopping district in the heart of downtown
Lake Champlain Waterfront
The course features stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains across the water
Battery Park
Historic waterfront park offering scenic views at the start of the race
Oakledge Park
Lakeside park along the southern portion of the course with beautiful natural scenery
Intervale Center
Runners pass through Burlington's agricultural hub with views of farmland and the Winooski River
North Beach
Vermont's most popular beach along Lake Champlain's eastern shore
Burlington Bike Path
Portions of the race utilize this scenic recreational path along the waterfront
Waterfront Park
The race finishes near Burlington's redeveloped waterfront with views of the lake and mountains
Burlington, VT, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
The race offers a booking portal with partner hotel options
- Must be at least 18 years old on race day
- All entrants must complete online registration and sign the race waiver and release
- Participants must wear their assigned bib and start in their designated corral
- Runners must meet any qualifying standards for seeded/elite starts as specified by the race
- Wheelchair and handcycle competitors must register in the appropriate division and provide proof of classification if requested
- Participants must be able to complete the course within the official time limit (6 hours)
- Registration is non-transferable and refunds are only as stated in the race policy
- International participants must comply with U.S. entry and COVID-19 requirements in effect at the time of the event
- Medical clearance is recommended for participants with pre-existing medical conditions or who have not been training regularly
- Photo ID (for packet pickup)
- Emergency contact information
- Signed race waiver/liability release
- Proof of Boston Qualifying time (required for seeded/corral placement if claiming a BQ time)
- Online Registration
- Relay Team Registration
- Charity Entry
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
Full refund minus $25 processing fee until January 31, 2026
50% refund until March 31, 2026
No refunds after March 31, 2026
Race entry is non-transferable to another person
Deferral to following year available until April 15, 2026 for $25 fee
The Vermont City Marathon is run primarily along the shores of Lake Champlain and through historic neighborhoods, offering scenic views and a lively finish on Church Street Marketplace in downtown Burlington.
The race is a USATF-certified Boston-qualifying course and typically attracts runners seeking fast qualifying times as well as picturesque scenery.
Finishers receive a technical race shirt and a finisher medal, and there is a vibrant post-race festival with food, beverages, and local vendors near Battery Park.
Race weekend includes an expo with packet pickup, a kids’ run and youth events, and community-oriented activities in the days leading up to the marathon.
The course features several rolling hills—most notably the climb on Battery Street/South Union Street early in the race—aid stations approximately every 1.5–2 miles, and limited parking near the start so participants are advised to arrive early or use shuttles/public transit.
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.