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Vermont · Waitsfield · Jul

Mad Marathon

Jul 11, 2027
Next edition
290
Finishers
in 2026
15
Years running
since 2011
out-and-back
near-flat · +2,134 ft / −2,133 ft

The Mad Marathon is the small, hard, lovely one. You'll start at the Mad River Green in Waitsfield village and head out on back roads and dirt roads through the Mad River Valley, about 70 percent pavement and 30 percent gravel, passing covered bridges, historic barns and fields of Vermont cows along the way. Respect the profile: there is around 2,100 feet of climbing on an out-and-back route, so train on hills and plan to run the descents gently. With fewer than 300 marathon finishers, this is not a race for PR chasers; it is one for a mid-July Sunday in the Green Mountains, with a 6-hour-30-minute cutoff that welcomes walkers and a half, 10K and 5K for family. Book lodging early, since the valley is small, and register before June 15 to be sure of a bib in your category.

Next edition
2027-07-11
Distances
Marathon · Half Marathon · 10K · 5K
Field
290 marathon finishers (2026)
Founded
2011
Course
out-and-back
Gain / loss
2,134 ft / 2,133 ft
Time limit
6 hours 30 minutes
Lottery
No
The course

A hilly out-and-back through the Mad River Valley on back roads and dirt roads (about 70 percent pavement, 30 percent gravel), starting at the Mad River Green in Waitsfield village with tough climbs and descents and Green Mountain views. Course map ↗

Getting in

Already open for 2027 as of 2026-10-13; exact opening date not found. Marathon entry $75 to $165 (tiered), Half $75 to $125, 10K $60 to $80, 5K $40 to $60; walker divisions for the marathon and half. A bib in your category is not guaranteed after June 15 and race shirts are not guaranteed for race-morning pickup. Register ↗

Worth knowing
  • The 16th annual Mad Marathon is July 11, 2027, run on back and dirt roads past historic barns, covered bridges and fields of Vermont cows. ↗
  • The race starts at the Mad River Green in central Waitsfield Village; the course is USATF-certified and sanctioned by USA Track & Field New England. ↗
  • The course cut-off is 6 hours and 30 minutes; marathon entry runs $75 to $165 depending on when you register. ↗
  • The course gains about 2,134 feet and is roughly 70 percent road and 30 percent gravel; 290 runners finished in 2026 and 3.1 percent ran Boston-qualifying times. ↗
  • Official results are archived for every year from 2011 through 2026. ↗
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www.madmarathon.com/

Checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site before booking travel.