Spring Forward Half Marathon & 10k

Spring Forward Half Marathon returns in 2026 thanks to the continued support of Ascent Endurance Group, Badger State Timing, and Indoorance Athletic Club! We're excited to host another early-season community run, now featuring both the Half Marathon and 10K options. While the event has grown, it remains a low-key, free race designed for local runners to come together, shake off winter, and start spring strong.

New this year: Indoorance is offering 8- or 12-week training programs for either race distance. For more information or to sign up, full program details and registration can be found here.

This year, on-course support will be available for three hours after the race start. Athletes who wish to continue beyond that time are welcome to do so, but course support and volunteers will no longer be present.

Whether you're tuning up for Boston or another spring marathon, checking in on fitness after a Wisconsin winter, aiming for a solid workout, or simply knocking out your long run for the week, we're glad to have you with us. Please share your estimated pace when registering so we can help group runners with similar goals—we’re also hoping to have pacers available this year to support a variety of goal times.

Course Info:

Half Marathon: One lap around the Madison Arboretum, followed by a ~1.1K  add-on through Vilas Park, finishing with a second lap around the Arboretum( roughly 10K each).

10K: One full lap of the Arboretum.

Donations are welcomed and appreciated—they help cover event costs and ensure Spring Forward continues for years to come