Madison, Wisconsin, United States
The Madison Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each November on a capitol city road in Madison, United States. Running between two lakes gives the race a classic isthmus-city feel that is unique in the Midwest. The route passes the Capitol square, the University of Wisconsin campus, and lakefront stretches between Mendota and Monona. The Capitol square, the University of Wisconsin campus, and lakefront stretches between Mendota and Monona roll across the classic isthmus-city loop.
Madison Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Madison Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Starts and finishes near the Wisconsin State Capitol. The route passes the Capitol square, the University of Wisconsin campus, and lakefront stretches between Mendota and Monona. Isthmus rollers between the lakes shape the middle miles, while Capitol square spectators roar as runners close on the square.
The Madison Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
The Madison Marathon uses open online registration at madisonmarathon.org with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the November race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Madison.
The Lakefront Milwaukee Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each October along Lake Michigan's western shore. The course passes the Art Museum with its Burke Brise Soleil wings, Veterans Park, and the Oak Leaf Trail on flat lakeside terrain. October's crisp Great Lakes autumn and the iconic Calatrava museum backdrop make it Wisconsin's premier marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
The Fox Cities Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each September on an urban and suburban road in Appleton, United States. Linking several Wisconsin communities gives the event a bigger footprint than its finisher count suggests. The course passes Fox River communities, tree-lined neighborhood roads, and steady crowd support through the valley cities. Fox River communities, tree-lined neighborhood roads, and steady crowd support through Wisconsin's valley cities give September's race a bigger footprint than its finisher count.
Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026
The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon attracts approximately 1,800 finishers each May along the Fox River and Lake Michigan shoreline in Titletown USA. The course passes Lambeau Field, the CityDeck riverfront, and the Bay Beach area on flat Wisconsin terrain. May's mild Great Lakes spring and the Packers-country atmosphere make it Wisconsin's flagship marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027
The Grand Rapids Marathon draws approximately 1,300 finishers each October on an urban road in Grand Rapids, United States. It is known regionally as a dependable Midwest BQ course. The course passes the Grand River, city parks, and long straight sections through neighborhoods built for even splits. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
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