The Madison Marathon 2025 is officially confirmed for Sunday, November 9, 2025, and excitement is building across Wisconsin’s running community. The event, held in downtown Madison, remains one of the Midwest’s top fall marathons, drawing runners from across the country for its scenic route, community support, and Boston Marathon–qualifying status.
Event Overview
The Madison Marathon 2025 will take place in Madison, Wisconsin, with all race distances—full marathon, half marathon, and 10K—starting and finishing at Capitol Square. The event showcases the best of Madison’s natural and urban beauty, winding through picturesque neighborhoods, parks, and lakeside roads.
Key Details:
- Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
- Start Location: Capitol Square, Madison, WI
- Race Options:
- Full Marathon (26.2 miles)
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- 10K (6.2 miles)
Each course is designed to provide a balance of challenge and enjoyment, featuring gentle rolling hills, flat stretches, and plenty of spectator support along the way.
Race Weekend Schedule
Friday, November 7, 2025
- Expo & Packet Pick-Up: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Monona Terrace Convention Center
Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Expo & Packet Pick-Up: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Community Shake-Out Run: Around 10:30 AM for participants to loosen up before race day
Sunday, November 9, 2025 (Race Day)
- Will-Call Packet Pick-Up: 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM (for pre-registered participants)
- Full Marathon Start: 7:00 AM
- Half Marathon & 10K Start: 7:20 AM
After the race, finishers and spectators will gather back at Capitol Square for post-race celebrations, music, and refreshments.
Registration and Perks
Registration for the Madison Marathon 2025 is open and expected to sell out quickly due to high interest in recent years. All participants will receive a long-sleeve technical shirt, a commemorative finisher medal, free race photos, and access to post-race refreshments, including a beer for participants 21 and older.
Other participant benefits include:
- Professionally managed chip timing
- On-course hydration and nutrition stations
- Pacers for multiple finishing times
- Medical and safety support along the route
- Runner tracking for family and friends
This event is part of a four-year medal series, making it especially appealing for returning participants who wish to complete the collection.
Course Highlights and Qualifying Info
The Madison Marathon is USATF-certified and serves as an official Boston Marathon qualifying race, making it one of the most reputable courses in the Midwest.
Runners can expect:
- A scenic, single-loop course passing Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, and the University of Wisconsin campus
- Gentle rolling hills with a total elevation gain of about 700 feet
- Tree-lined streets and crowd support through Madison’s residential areas
- A final downhill stretch leading into the Capitol Square finish line
For those targeting a Boston qualifying time, the Madison Marathon offers a well-managed route with accurate timing and elevation suitable for competitive performance.
Weather and Conditions
November weather in Madison typically brings cool, crisp temperatures—perfect for long-distance running.
- Average High: 49°F (9°C)
- Average Low: 31°F (-1°C)
- Average Start Temperature: Around 40°F (4°C)
Runners should plan to dress in light layers, with gloves and headbands recommended for the early morning start.
Parking and Logistics
Ample parking options are available near downtown Madison, with free and paid parking lots surrounding Monona Terrace and the Capitol area. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to avoid congestion, as several streets will be closed for race activities.
Spectators are welcome along the route and at the finish line, making it a family-friendly community event.
Training and Preparation Tips
- Register early: Distances often sell out by late summer.
- Plan for the weather: Practice running in cooler conditions leading up to November.
- Hydrate smartly: Use electrolyte drinks during training to prepare for on-course nutrition.
- Familiarize yourself with the course map: Knowing elevation changes can help you pace correctly.
- Take advantage of the shake-out run: It’s a great way to adjust to the climate and meet other runners.
Why the Madison Marathon Stands Out
The Madison Marathon isn’t just another race—it’s an experience that blends athletic challenge with community spirit. Its combination of a scenic course, professional organization, and welcoming atmosphere makes it one of the Midwest’s standout marathons.
Participants praise the well-marked route, enthusiastic volunteers, and downtown finish line energy as highlights that make this event memorable year after year.
For 2025, organizers have emphasized enhanced runner safety measures, improved pacing groups, and expanded post-race celebrations to create an even more inclusive and enjoyable race weekend.
The 2025 Madison Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most exciting endurance events of the year. Whether you’re chasing a Boston qualifying time or running for the love of the sport, Madison offers the perfect balance of challenge, scenery, and Midwestern hospitality.
Stay tuned for on-the-day updates and share your experience in the comments below!