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Marathon Details - Mad Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > VT > Waitsfield > Mad Marathon

Mad Marathon

Mad Marathon & Half Marathon, Relays, 10K, 5K

Premium Listing

Waitsfield, VT USA

July 13, 2025

http://www.madmarathon.com

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2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

The World's Most Beautiful Marathon. We have a course for every level of runner. Take it easy or take it tough!

Contact Information

Name:	Dori Ingalls
Address:	Vermont Productions PO Box 28 Waitsfield Vermont 05673
Phone Number:	802-363-9863
Email:	Email the organizers

More Information

These details were last updated by the race director on 1/31/24 and may be out of date.
Number of Runners:	1,200
Number of Spectators:	4,000
Fees & Deadlines:	$100 until July 1, 2021. $115.00 until Sept. 6th. $125.00 race weekend until race day.
Start Time:	7:00 AM
Course Highlights:	The World's Most Beautiful Marathon! Take it easy or take it tough...we have a race for every runner at any level.
Course Refreshments:	Aid stations every mile and a half... water and gatorade plus three nutrition aid stations.
Certified? Certification:	Yes, VT11012RF
Race Day Registration:	5:30AM to 6:30AM
Online Registration:	http://www.madmarathon.com/MMRegistration.html
Packet Pickup Info:	Saturday 9AM to 6PM at Waitsfield Inn. Race day at 5:30 to 6:30 AM at Waitsfield Inn
Marathon Ratings:	Course Scenery/Beauty/Interest: Good for First Timers: Crowd Support: Course Speed:

Runner Reviews (83)

Course 4.6

Organization 4.7

Spectators 3.9

Write a review

Number of comments: 83 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

Eric Olson from Omaha, Nebraska (7/30/2024) "Fun, but brutal." (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Positives: 1. Beautiful course! Not the most beautiful, but definitely in my 'top ten' of most scenic marathons I've run. ...idyllic farm scenes, iconic barns and covered bridges. 2. Convenient. Our Air BNB was only 5 minutes from the start/finish. 3. Fun. Loved the activities in Waitsfield associated w/ the marathon: Friday night concert/BBQ; Saturday farmer's market, etc. The maple 'creamees' [soft-served ice cream cones] were the bomb! Our kids also LOVED swimming in and jumping into the Mad River. 4. Aid Stations. Well-stocked and manned by kind/energetic volunteers. 5. RD. Dori was helpful and responsive to my questions, and even offered us help in securing lodging. Negatives: 1. Brutal course, hill-wise. This was state marathon # 48; however, if this had been my first marathon, these hills might have scared me away from running a second. 2. Roads were not closed (that I could tell.) This made for some close calls when cars drove by quite fast/close. I didn't always feel safe, nor did some of those running alongside me. 3. No shirt in my size. Though my buddy and I registered many months beforehand, neither one of us got a shirt in our size, as all the Mediums and Larges were taken. (The volunteer at bib pickup was super apologetic, but there really should have been one reserved for each of us.) All things considered, I was glad to run and finish the Mad Marathon. It was fun AND brutal. The finish area was picturesque with all the various flags of the many countries, and the medal was classy. I won't run it again, but I'm really glad I did it once.
R. C. from Atlanta,GA, USA (7/11/2022) "Hills? You Wish!" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Great organization and super volunteers.Definitely a race for the BOP. Party in the back. Unless you run in the mountains you will not come close to the mile-long steep climbs. The downhills are rewarding for those with good knees. There are no shoulders to run on until the last 10k and not much of it. I walked backward at the famous dip to stop the knee pain. Bad race decisions make for better stories. Go for lt.
C. H. from Massachusetts (7/11/2022) "Plan on run/hike and you'll be fine! So pretty." (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course was every bit as hilly as advertised, but also just as beautiful, and I had let go of any time goal and just planned to walk the hills anyway. Once in Waitsfield, the logistics were SO easy - you could easily park almost at the start line even 20 minutes before start. The volunteers at the many water stops were so helpful, and I also appreciated how the late-in-the-race water stops continued to be well stocked even for the slower runners such as myself. The scenery was amazing, and what the spectators lacked in quantity they made up for in quality (people sitting out in their front yards encouraging all the runners individually, individual water/orange slice stops, etc.) We rented a condo nearby, and luckily the pool heater was broken, so a dip in the bracing water was perfect for post-race recovery - I imagine a dip in the nearby natural watering holes would have been even better. This was my first Mad Marathon, but I chatted with another runner who does it annually and said it 'kicks her butt' every year. It kicked my butt, but in such an enjoyable way. Highly recommended.
S. C. from Portland Oregon (7/11/2022) "Wonderful event" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great RD! And it shows throughout the weekend. Super easy bib pick-up, with the ability to do it the morning of the event. Hills weren't as hard as I expected. And the best part is, most of mile 18-25 is a nice downhill slope. VERY appreciated. There are a couple of doozies; I just walked up them and flew down the other side. My overall time was similar to other marathons. Waitsfield is a super cute Vermont town. The course is very scenic, as advertised. I'm on my second lap of the 50 states and glad I got to run Mad Marathon!
d. w. from Ardmore PA (7/11/2019) "beautiful, challenging and well organized" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Mad Marathon 2019 had everything I want in a run. Beautiful scenery, not crowded, outstanding planning and execution along with friendly and helpful volunteers, especially at the many water stops. The route is mostly back roads, some unpaved, through hilly 'classic' New England farm country. Not many spectators, but those who came out were enthusiastic. The course is tough with plenty of hills and few flat stretches. Whatever your finish time, you earn it at Mad Marathon. Mad River Valley and the town of Waitsfield are lovely if a little out of the way, at least coming from PA. That said, it is absolutely worth the trip. I think this is a 'must do' event.
A. A. from WI (7/11/2019) "A Must-Run Marathon" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I hadn't heard of this marathon until two weeks prior, but am in the process of doing 50 states and always wanted to run a marathon on my birthday, so we traveled to Vermont. I wish I lived close enough to make this an every year event! The scenery was amazing. I took over 40 pictures during the race, including a selfie with some cows that came to greet me at the fence when I stopped. And you run past Loose Cow Lane (another marathoner and I took pictures of each other there!) Aid stations were well-stocked (the watermelon with sea salt came at just the perfect time). Volunteers were extremely friendly. Course was hilly, but fun. Lots of shade, and incredible views. We ran through covered bridges! Packet pick-up was a breeze. Food options in the area were delicious and abundant, and more craft beer than even I could try! Somehow I missed a hug with the race director at the end, but went back and got two. Post-race food included some of the best apple cider I've ever had and apple cider donuts (we went to the cider place to buy a pie later - so good!) This is a hidden gem, though not sure how much longer it can stay hidden. It's that amazing. We stayed four nights total and had a perfect relaxing getaway.
Salvatore Carretta Jr. from Yonkers, NY (7/8/2019) "Love Those Hills" (about: 2019) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A Hill Lovers Paradise! Love It!
John Titus from Pittsburgh (7/8/2019) "Challenging, Well Organized, Pretty Course" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Looking for a Vermont Marathon. Look to southern Vermont away from the hustle and bustle of Burlington. Very well organized. Very hilly, but beautiful. The race director was very visible, and she hugged every runner who crossed the finish line. This is the race to do.
M. S. from New Mexico (7/17/2018) "Lovely, scenic marathon" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 One of the most beautiful courses I have ever run. Well organized. Organizer put runners' safety first. Well marked course. Closed course at beginning and end of race. Nice volunteers. Loved the cool towels and the watermelon on the course. Lovely rolling hills. Very easy packet pickup. Everything I want in a race.
John Timmerman from Fredericksburg, VA (4/7/2018) "Awesome small marathon!" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a great experience! Definitely worth the 12 hour drive from Virginia. Hilly to say the least but easily enough done if you walk the hills like most of the slower runners. Great organization, people and community!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]



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Eric Olson from Omaha, Nebraska (7/30/2024) "Fun, but brutal." (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Positives: 1. Beautiful course! Not the most beautiful, but definitely in my 'top ten' of most scenic marathons I've run. ...idyllic farm scenes, iconic barns and covered bridges. 2. Convenient. Our Air BNB was only 5 minutes from the start/finish. 3. Fun. Loved the activities in Waitsfield associated w/ the marathon: Friday night concert/BBQ; Saturday farmer's market, etc. The maple 'creamees' [soft-served ice cream cones] were the bomb! Our kids also LOVED swimming in and jumping into the Mad River. 4. Aid Stations. Well-stocked and manned by kind/energetic volunteers. 5. RD. Dori was helpful and responsive to my questions, and even offered us help in securing lodging. Negatives: 1. Brutal course, hill-wise. This was state marathon # 48; however, if this had been my first marathon, these hills might have scared me away from running a second. 2. Roads were not closed (that I could tell.) This made for some close calls when cars drove by quite fast/close. I didn't always feel safe, nor did some of those running alongside me. 3. No shirt in my size. Though my buddy and I registered many months beforehand, neither one of us got a shirt in our size, as all the Mediums and Larges were taken. (The volunteer at bib pickup was super apologetic, but there really should have been one reserved for each of us.) All things considered, I was glad to run and finish the Mad Marathon. It was fun AND brutal. The finish area was picturesque with all the various flags of the many countries, and the medal was classy. I won't run it again, but I'm really glad I did it once.
R. C. from Atlanta,GA, USA (7/11/2022) "Hills? You Wish!" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Great organization and super volunteers.Definitely a race for the BOP. Party in the back. Unless you run in the mountains you will not come close to the mile-long steep climbs. The downhills are rewarding for those with good knees. There are no shoulders to run on until the last 10k and not much of it. I walked backward at the famous dip to stop the knee pain. Bad race decisions make for better stories. Go for lt.
C. H. from Massachusetts (7/11/2022) "Plan on run/hike and you'll be fine! So pretty." (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course was every bit as hilly as advertised, but also just as beautiful, and I had let go of any time goal and just planned to walk the hills anyway. Once in Waitsfield, the logistics were SO easy - you could easily park almost at the start line even 20 minutes before start. The volunteers at the many water stops were so helpful, and I also appreciated how the late-in-the-race water stops continued to be well stocked even for the slower runners such as myself. The scenery was amazing, and what the spectators lacked in quantity they made up for in quality (people sitting out in their front yards encouraging all the runners individually, individual water/orange slice stops, etc.) We rented a condo nearby, and luckily the pool heater was broken, so a dip in the bracing water was perfect for post-race recovery - I imagine a dip in the nearby natural watering holes would have been even better. This was my first Mad Marathon, but I chatted with another runner who does it annually and said it 'kicks her butt' every year. It kicked my butt, but in such an enjoyable way. Highly recommended.
S. C. from Portland Oregon (7/11/2022) "Wonderful event" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great RD! And it shows throughout the weekend. Super easy bib pick-up, with the ability to do it the morning of the event. Hills weren't as hard as I expected. And the best part is, most of mile 18-25 is a nice downhill slope. VERY appreciated. There are a couple of doozies; I just walked up them and flew down the other side. My overall time was similar to other marathons. Waitsfield is a super cute Vermont town. The course is very scenic, as advertised. I'm on my second lap of the 50 states and glad I got to run Mad Marathon!
d. w. from Ardmore PA (7/11/2019) "beautiful, challenging and well organized" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Mad Marathon 2019 had everything I want in a run. Beautiful scenery, not crowded, outstanding planning and execution along with friendly and helpful volunteers, especially at the many water stops. The route is mostly back roads, some unpaved, through hilly 'classic' New England farm country. Not many spectators, but those who came out were enthusiastic. The course is tough with plenty of hills and few flat stretches. Whatever your finish time, you earn it at Mad Marathon. Mad River Valley and the town of Waitsfield are lovely if a little out of the way, at least coming from PA. That said, it is absolutely worth the trip. I think this is a 'must do' event.
A. A. from WI (7/11/2019) "A Must-Run Marathon" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I hadn't heard of this marathon until two weeks prior, but am in the process of doing 50 states and always wanted to run a marathon on my birthday, so we traveled to Vermont. I wish I lived close enough to make this an every year event! The scenery was amazing. I took over 40 pictures during the race, including a selfie with some cows that came to greet me at the fence when I stopped. And you run past Loose Cow Lane (another marathoner and I took pictures of each other there!) Aid stations were well-stocked (the watermelon with sea salt came at just the perfect time). Volunteers were extremely friendly. Course was hilly, but fun. Lots of shade, and incredible views. We ran through covered bridges! Packet pick-up was a breeze. Food options in the area were delicious and abundant, and more craft beer than even I could try! Somehow I missed a hug with the race director at the end, but went back and got two. Post-race food included some of the best apple cider I've ever had and apple cider donuts (we went to the cider place to buy a pie later - so good!) This is a hidden gem, though not sure how much longer it can stay hidden. It's that amazing. We stayed four nights total and had a perfect relaxing getaway.
Salvatore Carretta Jr. from Yonkers, NY (7/8/2019) "Love Those Hills" (about: 2019) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A Hill Lovers Paradise! Love It!
John Titus from Pittsburgh (7/8/2019) "Challenging, Well Organized, Pretty Course" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Looking for a Vermont Marathon. Look to southern Vermont away from the hustle and bustle of Burlington. Very well organized. Very hilly, but beautiful. The race director was very visible, and she hugged every runner who crossed the finish line. This is the race to do.
M. S. from New Mexico (7/17/2018) "Lovely, scenic marathon" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 One of the most beautiful courses I have ever run. Well organized. Organizer put runners' safety first. Well marked course. Closed course at beginning and end of race. Nice volunteers. Loved the cool towels and the watermelon on the course. Lovely rolling hills. Very easy packet pickup. Everything I want in a race.
John Timmerman from Fredericksburg, VA (4/7/2018) "Awesome small marathon!" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mad Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a great experience! Definitely worth the 12 hour drive from Virginia. Hilly to say the least but easily enough done if you walk the hills like most of the slower runners. Great organization, people and community!

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Marathon Details - Mad Marathon