Next race
Friday, 13 November 2026
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Capitol city road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
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. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Madison Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 1,800 finishers
Course & terrain
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. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
The Madison Marathon course is rolling 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.
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 267 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
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.
Getting there
Dane County Regional Truax Field (MSN)
9 km / 6 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
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, 3 October 2027
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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 5 September 2027
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 Bank of America Chicago Marathon winds through 29 diverse neighbourhoods of the Windy City. Known for its flat, fast course and enthusiastic Midwest crowds, Chicago has hosted landmark performances including Kelvin Kiptum's previous men's world record (2:00:35, 2023) and Ruth Chepngetich's all-time women's record (2:09:56, 2024). It remains a favourite for runners chasing Boston qualifying times.
Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
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, 18 October 2026
The Bayshore Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each May on a scenic bay road in Traverse City, United States. It is one of the purest PR courses in the Midwest thanks to calm roads and minimal elevation change. The route passes Grand Traverse Bay, orchard country, and quiet water-side roads with long blue-lake views. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Saturday, 29 May 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
