Madison Marathon

Madison Marathon is held in Madison, Wisconsin, on November 15, 2026, offering a marathon (26.2 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles) and a 10K. The start and finish sit at Capitol Square in downtown Madison, and the USATF-certified route winds past lakes, landmark campus spots and neighborhoods where spectators gather to cheer.

Both the marathon and the half are professionally timed, with pace groups and awards for the leaders, so this is a genuine target race rather than a fun run. Runners receive a long-sleeve shirt, free race photos and a finisher medal, and those over 21 can claim a beer and a full post-race buffet. A central start and finish keeps logistics simple. For the marathon, count back 16 weeks and build a weekly long run toward 20 miles; the half needs a shorter block but the same weekly rhythm.