Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
25 degrees and gusty winds 20+ with a wind chill. Outside of the 2007, 2008 Chicago marathon where the temps were over 85 this was the third hardest marathon of 31 I have run. Between the hills, the temps and the frozen Gatorade Id take a pass on this. Course has a lot of twists and turns. Course had a lot of hills
Dont run this race unless running for fun.
Lots of close hotels lots of street parking
I signed up knowing this was going to be a tuff one and not a flat or downhiller. I've done over a hundred marathon, ultras etc. The weather was the real challenge. It sleeted and snowed early in the race, then the northwest winds picked up and increased over the morning to 30mph. It was 27 degrees at the start and barely hit 30. The course has hills and one needs to pace for that or have trained for it. The course runs through an arboretum and also a botanical garden and many park like areas. I had planned it being more hilly the first half but it was the second half seemed more so. I liked the enthusiasm of the locals and while the finish was not down hill but up, it was a great time. The organization seemed top notch and parking was not a problem, just arrive early to the Capital. I still finished close to my usual time, and won my age group but did need to walk a bit the last 2 miles. It compares beauty wise to the TC Marathon. You feel like you accomplished something after this!
The start is a little crowded because it goes off with the half marathon, but thins out after the first mile. The aid stations are plentiful and the volunteers enthusiastic. Roads are well managed with plenty of police officers. This is the first year that there were quite a few spectators to cheer the first 13m. The next 12 are more desolate. The finish is packed.
Be prepared for a lot of rolling hills throughout the course. Mile 25 is tough--you are so close, yet you are climbing a monster hill to the finish.
I've BQ'ed here twice so it isn't impossible to do, but if you are looking for a sure thing, you may want to seek out a flatter course.
Hills! Practice on them a lot before this race.
Parking is ample. There are ramps everywhere.
I would strongly advise against running the Madison Marathon. From the moment the race started, it was clear this event was poorly organized. The starting area was incredibly narrow, which led to a lot of chaos. I actually witnessed several runners falling and getting stepped on because there was no space to move properly. This could have been dangerous, especially for runners trying to settle into their pace.
The marathon course itself is incredibly lonely, with very little support or cheering along the way. As the miles went on, I found myself running by myself for long stretches, which felt isolating and demotivating. There were hardly any spectators, and the course was hilly and long, definitely not ideal for anyone hoping to set a fast time. On top of that, the course was not measured properly. It was almost half a mile long.
I also had some parking-related questions and reached out to the race director. Her responses were unhelpful, rude, and lacked any kind of friendliness or professionalism. It was clear she wasn't interested in assisting or making the experience better for participants.
Overall, this race was a huge disappointment, and I would not recommend it to anyone. If you're looking for a well-organized, fast course with good support, there are plenty of better options out there.
I had high hopes for the Madison Marathon, but my experience was disappointing. First and foremost, the customer service was absolutely awful. When I reached out with questions and concerns, I received little to no support. It felt like my inquiries were brushed aside, which is not what you expect from an event of this caliber.
The course itself was extremely hilly, making it much more challenging than I anticipated. While I appreciate a good challenge, the constant inclines and declines were exhausting, especially when combined with the lack of support along the route.
What really detracted from my experience was how isolated I felt during the race. After the half-marathoners turned to finish, I found myself running alone for long stretches. The lack of fellow runners made the experience feel lonely and less motivating. It's discouraging to run such a distance without the camaraderie that typically comes with race day.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend the Madison Marathon unless you're prepared for a super boring and challenging course without the community support that makes racing so enjoyable.
I had high hopes for the Madison Marathon, but my experience was disappointing. First and foremost, the customer service was absolutely awful. When I reached out with questions and concerns, I received little to no support. It felt like my inquiries were brushed aside, which is not what you expect from an event of this caliber.
The course itself was extremely hilly, making it much more challenging than I anticipated. While I appreciate a good challenge, the constant inclines and declines were exhausting, especially when combined with the lack of support along the route.
What really detracted from my experience was how isolated I felt during the race. After the half-marathoners turned to finish, I found myself running alone for long stretches. The lack of fellow runners made the experience feel lonely and less motivating. It's discouraging to run such a distance without the camaraderie that typically comes with race day.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend the Madison Marathon unless you're prepared for a super boring and challenging course without the community support that makes racing so enjoyable.
Great Atmosphere, Great Course! Lots of hills. Overall this marathon is fun and challenging. It gives you such a sense of accomplishment as you conquer each hill that comes your way.
Hill train and don't hesitate to walk if you need too.
Canteen Is a great spot for pre-race tacos
Race goes through a lot of suburban neighborhoods with no crowd support. Lot of hills, including a pointless out and back to Mendota mental health institute. The last two miles are lonely with runners spread out and no spectators. Cops allow cars to cross the race route. And this year the race had to stop for a train! The end of the race "party" consists of a bagged sandwich and ONE 8oz chocolate milk. Yes, they refuse to give you two. Poorly organized and you feel like your are imposing on a city that doesn't want the race.
Be prepared for a lot of small and not-so-small hills. It can be cold, and this year snow was predicted for race day (but thankfully stayed away). Finally, it is an uphill finish.
Why would you travel to this race?
Hills hills hills, running try suburban neighborhoods, no community support, no idea where gu was available on course, poor finish area with a bagged sandwich
They can and should do better.
Pro
Free marathon photos
At least 22 major hills and 12 minor hills.
Very hilly but well organized, not crowded and good crowds.