Vermont City Marathon

Location: Burlington, Vermont
Country: United States
Website: https://www.runvermont.org/
2025 Marathon Date: 25/05/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 24/05/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:17:04
% Sub-3s: 5–10%
# Sub-3s: 50–99
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Vermont City Marathon is a respected spring marathon held in Burlington, Vermont, drawing a loyal base of New England runners and visiting athletes each May. With a scenic lakeside course and strong community support, the Vermont City Marathon is a serious contender for sub-3 runners looking for a mid-sized North American race with genuine character.

The course follows a mostly closed-road route through Burlington’s urban streets, bike paths, and waterfront areas. Runners pass through tree-lined neighbourhoods, out-and-back segments, and several climbs that, while not steep, break up the pacing rhythm. The course includes a mix of open roads and narrower trails, requiring concentration in the later stages.

Weather conditions are typically cool and conducive to racing, with average morning temperatures between 8–13°C and a low risk of heat. Occasional wind off Lake Champlain can be a factor, but shelter is generally good. The start and finish are centrally located, and logistics are smooth, with shuttle buses and well-organised corrals.

Spectator support is a major strength of the Vermont City Marathon. Crowds gather along Church Street and in the Battery Park area, with live music and cheering zones adding to the buzz. Volunteers are highly engaged, and aid stations are frequent and well-run.

Around 6% of finishers go under three hours, and the field includes a committed group of club-level runners, especially from the northeastern US. The Vermont City Marathon is a fine option for sub-3 hopefuls who want a course that’s not quite flat but rewards strategic effort and offers a memorable community-driven race experience.