Mad Marathon

About the Event

Discover the "World's most beautiful marathon" at the 15th Annual Mad Marathon, a remarkably scenic and challenging race set for Sunday, July 12, 2026, in Central Vermont's gorgeous Mad River Valley. This unique event invites runners of every level to choose their adventure, offering the full Marathon, the Mad Half, plus relays, 5K, and 10K options. The course winds through an extraordinary rural community entirely on back and dirt roads, providing breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Green Mountains. Be prepared for a truly tough run featuring challenging, rolling farmlands with significant climbs and descents, all while passing historic barns, quaint villages, and famous Vermont covered bridges. Athletes praise this event for its low-key atmosphere, exceptional organization, abundant aid stations, and undeniable small-town Vermont charm. Whether you seek a strenuous challenge or simply a beautiful countryside run, this race is praised as a genuine "jewel of a discovery" among New England events. Secure your spot now to experience an organized, charming, and extremely challenging rural race experience.

Races Offered

10K

Jul 12, 2026

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Distance — 10K

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07:00

5K

Jul 12, 2026

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Distance — 5K

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07:00

Mad Half

Jul 12, 2026

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Distance — 21.1K

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07:00

Mad Half 2P Relay

Jul 12, 2026

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Distance — 21.1K

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07:00

Mad Half Walker

Jul 12, 2026

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Distance — 21.1K

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07:00

Jul 12, 2026

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Distance — 42.2K

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07:00

Mad Marathon Relay

Jul 12, 2026

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Distance — 42.2K

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07:00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for July in Waitsfield.

thermostat Temperature

18.1° / 26.5°

wb_sunny Feels like

19.0° / 27.6°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

11h 44m

water_drop Avg rainfall

6.7 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

7.9 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

High

terrain Course conditions

Hard and dry surface

sunny Max UV Index

Very High (8.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

79.7%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:23

nightlight Sunset

20:29

About Waitsfield

Learn more about the host city, Waitsfield.

Waitsfield is a ski resort town in Central Vermont. Mad River Glen and Sugarbush are both nearby.

Hotels & Places to Stay

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Registration Discount

Use the promo code below during registration to save on entry fees.

$10 OFF

Promo code runguide26

*Promo codes are collected from publicly available sources. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any brand listed. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Offers may expire or change without notice.