What is the Vermont City Marathon elevation profile?

The Vermont City Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.

How long is the Vermont City Marathon?

The Vermont City Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain.

What time does the Vermont City Marathon start?

The 2027 Vermont City Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 23 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.vermontcitymarathon.org/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Where does the Vermont City Marathon finish?

The finish is at Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain in downtown Burlington.

Does the Vermont City Marathon pass Church Street?

Yes. The Church Street Marketplace pedestrian zone is a course highlight.

Is the Vermont City Marathon flat?

Largely yes along the lake and river, with gentle undulations inland.

What views does the Burlington course offer?

Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains across the water in New York State.

Vermont City Marathon

Burlington, Vermont, United States

Overview

The Vermont City Marathon in Burlington draws about 1,800 finishers each May on a scenic loop through Vermont's largest city on Lake Champlain. The course passes Church Street Marketplace, the Burlington waterfront, and the Winooski River with views of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake. May spring weather and a community-focused atmosphere make it New England's premier small-city marathon.

Vermont City Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Vermont City Marathon 2027 race day

The next Vermont City Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 23 May 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.

Vermont City Marathon course route

The Vermont City Marathon is a Champlain valley loop starting and finishing at Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain, passing Church Street Marketplace, the University of Vermont campus, and the Winooski River bike path. The lakefront and river-path sections are the easiest because they stay mostly flat, while the minor inland rises away from the water are tougher once fatigue sets in. Crowd support is strongest at Waterfront Park, on Church Street, and along the Winooski River path.

Vermont City Marathon elevation profile

The Vermont City Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

For the Vermont City Marathon, the race is held on Memorial Day weekend in May. Registration is at https://www.vermontcitymarathon.org/.

Vermont City Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

2026 Vermont City Marathon Course

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vermont City Marathon elevation profile?: The Vermont City Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Vermont City Marathon?: The Vermont City Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain.
What time does the Vermont City Marathon start?: The 2027 Vermont City Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 23 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.vermontcitymarathon.org/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Vermont City Marathon finish?: The finish is at Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain in downtown Burlington.
Does the Vermont City Marathon pass Church Street?: Yes. The Church Street Marketplace pedestrian zone is a course highlight.
When is the Vermont City Marathon?: The race is held on Memorial Day weekend in May. Registration is at https://www.vermontcitymarathon.org/.
Is the Vermont City Marathon flat?: Largely yes along the lake and river, with gentle undulations inland.
What views does the Burlington course offer?: Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains across the water in New York State.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

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