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Vermont City Marathon

Burlington, VT
Sunday, May 30, 2027


  4.8 Stars from 13 Reviews

Course Description
The double loop Vermont City Marathon starts and finishes in Waterfront Park along the shores of Lake Champlain.

May Other Marathons in May Other Marathons in Vermont Marathons near Burlington, VT



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, May 30, 2027
2026: Sunday, May 24, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Multiple Loops
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 60°F (15°C)
Average High: 71°F (21°C)
Average Low: 48° F (8°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.75
Course Score: 98.06

Race Size

2026: 1,472 Finishers
2025: 1,521 Finishers
2024: 1,381 Finishers
2023: 1,163 Finishers
2022: 1,305 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 13.9%
2025: 11.2%
2024: 10.9%
2023: 12.2%
2022: 15.6%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 14 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 73°F  (23°C)
Low: 54°F  (12°C)

Race Start Conditions

58°F  (14°C)
Humidity: 77%

Partly Cloudy
S 6 mph

PR Score

96.35

Course Score

98.11






Vermont City Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Vermont City Marathon was the 60th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 58th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 13.9% of Vermont City Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 11.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Vermont City Marathon ranked 114th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 41st so far in 2026. In Vermont, it ranked 1st in 2025 and 1st so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Vermont City Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Vermont City Marathon has a Course Score of 98.06, ranking it as the 341st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest marathon course in Vermont.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Vermont City Marathon a PR Score of 97.75. The PR Score ranks the Vermont City Marathon as the 310th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 1st best marathon for a PR in Vermont.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Vermont City Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Vermont for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Vermont City Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed341st fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 1st fastest marathon course in Vermont
Top 74% Nationally#1 of 4 in Vermont
PR Potential310th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 1st best marathon for a PR in Vermont
Top 68% Nationally#1 of 4 in Vermont
Boston Qualifier Rate114th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in Vermont
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 24% Nationally#1 of 4 in Vermont
Race Size60th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 1st largest marathon in Vermont
Based on 2025 results
Top 11% Nationally#1 of 4 in Vermont

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 232 feet (70m)
Min Elevation: 98 feet (29m)

Elevation Gain: 855 feet (260m)
Elevation Loss: 856 feet (260m)


Vermont

Course updated 05/12/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Vermont City Marathon

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Race Reviews


4.8
Based on 13 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Great race for late May

Full Review:

I rather enjoyed this mid-sized race. The town and the course were interesting and I would go back just to vacation there. Plenty of aid stations, well-organized, and people offering up maple syrup shots.

Definitely liked the free race photos! There's no half marathon, but there's a heavy focus on relay teams. The upside of this is there are even more people cheering (runners who finished their legs) than there might otherwise be, but the downside is you'll often get passed by fresh runners. (Note: relay runners have to wear an additional relay bib on their backs, so you can easily identify them. Nice.)

Race Tips:

I would describe the course as rolling hills. There's the one long one just past the start, which you end up doing four times, but there was great support there. There are also a few sections which are narrow and could be congested until runners spread out.

The current course layout is two laps of a figure-eight-ish layout. They made it very clear where to turn, so no issues with the course itself. This layout also made it very easy for spectators to see their runners multiple times along the race, and in general since it's two laps, it makes it feel like there's always people around versus if they were spread out over a single 26.2 loop.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The race is held on Memorial Day weekend, so travel might be harder.

In 2025, race day weather was perfect, Being held in the end of May, I could easily imagine it being rainy or hot in other years.
Reviewed by GC About 2025

Fantastic!

Full Review:

The course is a good balance of a couple of gentle climbs, smooth downhills, and nice flats. The support for a small town race is quite good. Very well organized with water/gatorade stops every 2ish miles. Easy logistics.

Race Tips:

Great opportunities for running the tangents. Kept my watch distance quite close to race distance.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hotel Champlain (Hilton property) was perfect for walking down to the start line and back after. Highly recommend staying near the waterfront as this makes the logistics super easy. Also, an easy walk to the skinny pancake (crepe place that knocks it out of the park).
Reviewed by LM About 2025

Big crowds!

Full Review:

Large marathon with tons of people both competing and watching.The course has some long, unshaded sections, so if it's projected to be sunny & warm (like it was this year, 2024), be aware & adjust pace accordingly.

Race Tips:

A lot of folks seemed to be hurrying to the start line as the race was going. Thousands of people run in this race, so get to the starting line early!
Reviewed by WB About 2024

Beautiful run along Lake Champlain

Full Review:

The course is not flat, but its not hilly either. Its a double loop, and the only real hill is right at the start (and the half) up from the lake in downtown Burlington. It's not long at all though. Other than that, the course is slight downhill or uphill with a downhill finish. Lots of shade even on a sunny day as it runs on some narrow trails, not just city streets.

Race Tips:

The course is quite narrow in spots, and congested at the start. I think it easily could be a BQ course, though.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I stayed at the Champlain college dorm which is utilitarian but just fine. Small single room with a locking door and shared shower and bathroom. I didn't even see my suite mates until after the race. Very affordable, too. About a mile uphill from the start/finish, which is fine if you take it slowly.
Reviewed by wer About 2023

Fun race but a difficult to PR (6x Finisher)

Full Review:

VCM is a great race. I've run it 6 times over the past 10 years with a few course changes recently. It's a big deal for the town and there is usually a great turnout. It's also well supported from an aid station perspective. The start is a little cramped but it's easy to get as far as you need forward. They do a great job having pacers available for the standard 3:30 and up goal times.

I would argue it's a tough course to PR. It's not flat and the elevation profile doesn't show just how many little ups and downs there are throughout the entire race. There are lots of turns, and overall the pavement is super choppy. Temperature and shade along the route is also now an issue. Expect temps averaging close to 80 now by mid-day over the last few years. Enjoy the route but temper your goal time expectations due to course and weather.
Reviewed by TR About 2023

Full Review:

Too little shade along many stretches of road. Now, sun/heat is not a problem in Vermont, but last two years where very warm. '16 was canceled at noon; '17 the start was moved an hour earlier in the day

Race Tips:

The "Assault on Battery" is the only real climb and comes at 15.5 miles. It's long and steep at the end. I power-walked it, and I do not think I lost that much time -- but sure saved some strength!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book hotel EARLY! Burlington VT is a beautiful city, but I do not think they have sufficient hotel rooms near downtown. You may find yourself way out there.
Reviewed by NC About 2017

Full Review:

Great spectators and friendly course, awesome volunteers. Too many relay runners make the first half challenging to wade through.

Race Tips:

Save some energy for the last six miles on the deserted bike path.
Reviewed by CF About 2017

Vermont's Best Road Marathon - 15x finisher

Full Review:

VCM is a clover-shaped course, so your friends and family can see you run multiple times and finishes at the lakeside park off Lake Champlain with a fun after-party and great music. The course is filled with very enthusiastic spectators and roadside bands.

Race Tips:

The marathon has a pretty winding course, so hit your tangents. It has quite a few hills, but are all manageable. Water station every two miles (about 3-4 gu or banana stops) and quite a few homeowners handing out items too. Like all New England races, the weather and temps can be very different each year. Be smart and use a Pacer, for at least the first half... it will pay-off :) Oh and save some energy for mile 15's Battery Hill!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Try and get there early and park down near the finish area. It's only a few tenths of a mile up to the start and you'll be happy to have the car close-by after the race :)
Reviewed by RWM About 2017

Great race experience

Full Review:

Cloverleaf course, great scenery, great crowd support

Race Tips:

Pacing groups are really helpful preparing for unexpected hills

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay in hotel in downtown burlington
Reviewed by Mark Foley About 2017

Great course, awesome fans, beautiful features.

Full Review:

One large hill at mile 15, last 3 miles along Lake Champlain on a bike path. Miles 4-7 are rather boring because of an out and back on a split highway.
Reviewed by VCM About 2017

Full Review:

The lake and Adirondacks are gorgeous, the crowds are dense and super-supportive in the neighborhoods, the cloverleaf shape is fun, and the aid stations are really well-run.

Race Tips:

Don't underestimate the hills on the out-and back on Rt. 127 (miles 4-9 or so). It's very exposed and the perspective can throw of your read of the road.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

It's hard to get downtown and parking is a bear. Give yourself plenty of time and anticipate a bit of a hassle getting back out of the crowd unless you're finishing sub-2:45.
Reviewed by NPG About 2016

Full Review:

My First marathon, I loved the city, and the support. I loved the varied terrain of the course, from city streets, to rolling hills, to the burbs with their parties. I hated the heat, I hated blowing up, and I hated not getting an official time due to course closure. I don't think the organizers could have done anything differently, it was just a terrible day to run a marathon. The weather did not cooperate.

Race Tips:

Be prepared to be exposed. There isn't a ton of shade on course, wear sunscreen, and be aware of the crazy New England weather which sees 40-80* days.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Don't worry about down town parking, there is plenty to be had, just get there early to avoid road closures. The design of the course doubles back and around, so there are opportunities to see the race multiple times from the same location. Also, be aware there are a ton of non marathoners, which make the course filled with a variety of expierence / and fatigue level folks, not just folks at your pace, which can alter your perception of the course. Nothing worse than someone 2 miles in when you are 18 deep and feeling the wall.
Reviewed by AO About 2016

Full Review:

Very scenic, enthusiastic crowd, beautiful town, good volunteer support. The only downside is the emphasis on relay racing. Tough to have droves of fresh runners bounding by you 20+ miles into your race.

Race Tips:

Rather twisty the first 2-3 miles. Stay away from relay exchange zones. Biggest hill about 14-15 miles in.
Reviewed by JP About 2012