Discover the "World's most beautiful marathon" at the 15th Annual Mad Marathon, a remarkably scenic and challenging race set for Sunday, July 12, 2026, in Central Vermont's gorgeous Mad River Valley. This unique event invites runners of every level to choose their adventure, offering the full Marathon, the Mad Half, plus relays, 5K, and 10K options. The course winds through an extraordinary rural community entirely on back and dirt roads, providing breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Green Mountains. Be prepared for a truly tough run featuring challenging, rolling farmlands with significant climbs and descents, all while passing historic barns, quaint villages, and famous Vermont covered bridges. Athletes praise this event for its low-key atmosphere, exceptional organization, abundant aid stations, and undeniable small-town Vermont charm. Whether you seek a strenuous challenge or simply a beautiful countryside run, this race is praised as a genuine "jewel of a discovery" among New England events. Secure your spot now to experience an organized, charming, and extremely challenging rural race experience.
Races Offered
10K
Jul 12, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Walking
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07:00
5K
Jul 12, 2026
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Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Walking
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07:00
Mad Half
Jul 12, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Walking
timer
07:00
Mad Half 2P Relay
Jul 12, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Walking
timer
07:00
Mad Half Walker
Jul 12, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Walking
timer
07:00
Mad Marathon
Jul 12, 2026
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Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Walking
timer
07:00
Mad Marathon Relay
Jul 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Walking
timer
07:00
Weather Overview
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for July in Waitsfield.
Temp (°C)
Feels Like (°C)
thermostat16.6° / 27.1°
wb_sunny17.2° / 27.5°
Wind (km/h)
Humidity (%)
air7.3 /
water_drop76.3%
Temp (°C)
Feels Like (°C)
Wind (km/h)
Humidity (%)
thermostat16.6° / 27.1°
wb_sunny17.2° / 27.5°
air7.3 km/h
water_drop76.3%
About Waitsfield
Waitsfield is a ski resort town in Central Vermont. Mad River Glen and Sugarbush are both nearby.
