Sun, Nov 15 · 2026Madison, WISince 1994

Madison Marathon

The Madison Marathon takes you on a loop through Wisconsin's capital city in mid-November, with rolling terrain, a compact field, and crowds rooted in the university neighborhood and around Capitol Square.

RollingOpen
MADISON · US
Madison
SUN, NOV 15
2026
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Race Overview

EST. 1994

Madison is a mid-November loop through Wisconsin's capital, and the conditions alone make it an honest race. The course starts near Capitol Square, rolls through city streets and the University of Wisconsin campus area, and brings you back to where you started. There's no single monster climb, but the rolling terrain is constant. You're never really recovering. Save something for the back half.

This is a legitimate Boston qualifier, though the rolling profile and November cold mean you'll earn it. Registration is open, so getting in is straightforward through Race Roster, and charity spots are available if you want another path in. The field is focused and the race has a low-key, no-frills feel. It's a good race to run if you want a real result without a circus around it. Dress in layers for the start and plan to shed them early.

Field size
~1.9k
1,911 finishers
BQ rate
6%
Near national average
Time limit
6:00
Tight cutoff
Entry
Open
First-come registration
Course records
Men
2:20:01
Patrick Campbell
2024
Women
2:44:42
Caitlin Kowalke
2024

The Course

851 ft total gain
Total ascent
851 ft
Total descent
833 ft
Net elevation
18 ft
Highest point
938 ft
Lowest point
845 ft
Course shape
Loop
Start and finish in one place

This loop course is nearly net-neutral, with just 18 feet separating total gain from loss. The rolling profile accumulates roughly 850 feet of climbing spread across the full 26.2 miles, so no single climb is crushing, but the legs never fully coast either. Expect a series of short, punchy rises rather than one sustained grind. The back half carries similar rolling character to the front, so banking time early and fading can be a trap. Plan for even or slightly negative splits. The modest elevation range between highest and lowest points means the grade changes are manageable, but mid-race fatigue will amplify them. Be patient through miles 15 to 20.

DIFFICULTYHILLYPR-FRIENDLYNO

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
31°F
High
49°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 4560°80°
What to expect

Mid-November in Madison runs cold. The start can be in the low 30s, so plan for throwaway layers or arm warmers you don't mind ditching. By the later miles it'll warm a bit, but you're still looking at a cool day overall. That's actually good news for racing. The conditions favor the clock more than a warm fall marathon would. Just don't underestimate how cold the corrals feel before you get moving.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration available through Race Roster. Charity entries support Badger Challenge available.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in
Closest airport
MKE
76 mi
from the start
120 min transferManageable drive
What to expect

Nearest major airport is Madison Dane County Regional Airport, about 5 miles from downtown. Most runners base themselves near Capitol Square or the University of Wisconsin campus area, which are near the start/finish. Ample downtown parking available.

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