The Madison Marathon route for the 2025 edition of the Madison Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, November 9 in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, has been finalized and offers runners a scenic loop that begins and ends at the iconic Capitol Square.
Table of Contents
Key Course Features & Starting Point
- The full marathon begins at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025; the half marathon and 10K start at 7:20 a.m.
- The start and finish lines are located on the eastern side of the Wisconsin State Capitol on Mifflin Street and Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Madison.
- Registration for the 2025 event is officially sold out, with no wait-list available.
Route Highlights & Terrain
The marathon course takes runners through some of Madison’s most scenic and iconic areas:
- Runners leave Capitol Square and travel through historic downtown neighborhoods before heading toward the lakefront and the University of Wisconsin campus.
- The route includes beautiful views of Lake Monona and other local landmarks, with major roads coned off to ensure safety.
- The course layout remains consistent with previous years but includes minor adjustments for smoother traffic control and improved safety for participants.
Road Closures & Spectator Information
- Several streets in downtown Madison will experience partial or full closures on race day. Key impacted areas include North Shore Drive, West Washington Avenue, Park Street, Monona Drive, Fish Hatchery Road, and Williamson Street near Thornton Avenue.
- Spectators are encouraged to plan ahead for parking and transportation. While street parking is free in some areas on Sundays, spaces fill quickly. Downtown parking ramps are expected to be busy throughout the morning.
Aid Stations, Medical & Pace Team Support
- Aid stations are strategically placed along the route, providing water and restrooms at every stop.
- Gatorade will be available starting at the second aid station, and GU energy gel will be provided at select points for marathon runners.
- Medical assistance will be available throughout the course, at both the start and finish areas, and at aid stations. Volunteers will assist any runner in need of help.
- Pace teams will be organized by local running groups, covering a wide range of finish goals—from 3:20 up to 6:00 hours—helping runners maintain a consistent rhythm and achieve personal targets.
Timing & Course Limits
- The marathon course closes at 1:00 p.m., which means runners must maintain at least a 13:44 minute per mile pace to finish on time.
- Half-marathon and 10K participants have pace requirements of around 16 minutes per mile and 20 minutes per mile, respectively.
- The Madison Marathon is a fully certified marathon course and qualifies as an official time for larger national events.
Why the Route Matters for Runners
Understanding the Madison Marathon route helps participants plan their strategy for race day:
- The course offers a mix of downtown streets, residential neighborhoods, and lakefront sections. This variety adds both scenic beauty and light elevation changes, ideal for pacing practice.
- Early November weather in Madison is typically cool, with average highs near 49 °F and lows around 31 °F. Runners should be prepared for wind or drizzle, especially along open lakeside sections.
- The downtown starting area is compact, so participants are advised to arrive early for parking, gear check, and warm-up.
Pre-Race Checklist Based on Route Information
- Arrive early: Parking ramps and nearby lots fill quickly; consider arriving at least an hour before the start.
- Plan your hydration: Review the locations of aid stations and plan your personal fueling strategy.
- Check elevation: Expect moderate hills as the route transitions from downtown toward the lake and back.
- Know the timing cutoff: Aim to stay within the required pace to ensure official timing and finish line access.
- Spectator zones: Choose viewing spots along the Capitol Square, Lake Monona, or near the university area for best cheering opportunities.
Event Atmosphere & Runner Experience
The Madison Marathon is known for its energetic crowd support and picturesque views of Wisconsin’s capital. Local bands, residents, and volunteers line the streets to cheer on participants. The combination of urban energy and lakeside calm makes this event unique among Midwest marathons.
Runners can also look forward to post-race festivities at Capitol Square, where finishers receive medals, refreshments, and enjoy live music and photo opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The Madison Marathon route for 2025 offers runners a well-organized, scenic, and challenging experience through the heart of Wisconsin’s capital city. Whether it’s your first marathon or a return to the course, this year’s route promises memorable sights, great crowd support, and a strong sense of community.
Stay tuned for any last-minute race-day updates, and we wish all participants a fantastic experience on the Madison Marathon route.
