Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Madison Marathon is a rolling course through the Wisconsin capital, weaving around the lakes and the isthmus past the grand State Capitol and the university on terrain that undulates more than a flat course. Held in November, it offers crisp, cold late-autumn conditions and the scenic appeal of the city's distinctive lake-bounded geography. The rises reward measured pacing, and the cold demands appropriate preparation. The crowds are friendly in this college-town setting. It suits runners who want a scenic, cool-weather Midwestern race and don't mind the gentle hills over a flat-out fast time.
Course Insight
Madison rolls gently around its lake-strung isthmus, a fall marathon with enough undulation and lake-edge wind to reward steady strength over a fixed pace. Run the rises by effort and shelter on the exposed lakefront stretches. Autumn colour makes for a scenic day. The terrain never quite lets you settle. Pace the rollers with restraint and the finish near the capitol rewards the patient.
Difficulty Breakdown
A balanced marathon with no single defining challenge.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 162m
- Elevation loss
- 162m
- Highest point
- 292m
- Lowest point
- 259m
- Net elevation
- 0m
- Start
- Mifflin Street and Wisconsin Avenue
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Race History
The Madison Marathon grew into its modern form in the mid-2000s, a rolling course weaving around the lakes and isthmus of the Wisconsin capital past the grand State Capitol. Its undulating, cold-weather route gave it a scenic college-town character. From its founding it became the area's signature marathon. Held each November, it draws a field to the lake-bounded city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Dane County Regional Madison (MSN), Milwaukee (MKE) & Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
- Best area to stay
- Capitol Square downtown for proximity to the route, the Monroe Street area for charming stays near the lakes, and the campus area for value options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is by the Capitol Square; walk from downtown hotels, as it's a compact central course.