Madison Marathon

The Madison Marathon is an annual road race held in Madison, Wisconsin each November. The course forms a loop that begins and ends at Capitol Square in downtown Madison, traversing a mix of urban and natural landscapes. Participants follow roads and paved surfaces along a route featuring rolling hills, which provide moderate elevation changes throughout the race.
The marathon course leads runners past significant Madison landmarks. Sections of the route pass near Lake Monona, Lake Mendota, and Lake Wingra, showcasing scenic water views. The course also incorporates stretches through the University of Wisconsin Arboretum and key city parks, including Tenney Park and Picnic Point. Streets such as Main Street, John Nolan Drive, Wingra Path, Arboretum Drive, and others guide runners through a diverse cross-section of the city. Marked aid stations and medical support are distributed along the course at regular intervals.
Event organization involves a weekend schedule, starting with a race expo and packet pickup at Monona Terrace on the preceding Friday and Saturday. On race day, participants can access their packets during a structured time window if they arranged for early pickup. The marathon start time is typically 7:00 a.m., with real-time tracking available for runners and their supporters. This system provides live updates, including time splits, pace, map position, and estimated finish times.
Runners experience a combination of city atmosphere and natural beauty, with cool November temperatures typically ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 49°F (9°C). The start and finish at Capitol Square create a focal point with broad spectator support, and the city’s rolling topography presents a physical but manageable challenge. Post-race amenities include complimentary photos, a long-sleeved shirt, a custom finisher medal, and refreshments. Participants benefit from professional timing, pacing groups, and organized on-course support.
The event offers both a marathon and shorter distances, maintaining a reputation for reliable organization and participant tracking. Its Boston Marathon qualifier status attracts competitive runners while the overall experience remains accessible to a wide spectrum of abilities, making the Madison Marathon a notable fixture in the region’s running calendar.

Statistics
| Elevation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Elevation Gain | 272 m | 892 ft |
| Elevation Low | 257 m | 843 ft |
| Elevation High | 282 m | 925 ft |
| Weather | ||
| Expected Temperature (Low) | -3°C | 26°F |
| Expected Temperature (High) | -0°C | 32°F |
| Chance of Rain | 13% | |
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