40 Facts About Madison Marathon

The Heart of Madison Marathon

The Madison Marathon, also known as the Mad City Marathon, is a beloved annual event in Madison, Wisconsin. It offers runners a unique and challenging experience, with a course that showcases the city's beauty and history. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic race.

1. Location and Start/Finish Point: The marathon begins and ends at the Wisconsin State Capitol building, the heart of Madison, Wisconsin.
2. Course Type: It's a road race but features a unique mix of crushed gravel and dirt roads, with larger rocks and potholes adding to the challenge.
3. Elevation: Starting at 9,250 feet above sea level, it ranks among the highest road marathons in the U.S.
4. Course Layout: The route runs from the start to Clover Meadows, the finish for half marathoners and the halfway point for marathoners, who then complete a 6.5-mile out-and-back.
5. Elevation Gain: Runners face a total elevation gain of about 3,000 feet, with significant uphills and downhills.

Weather and Historical Insights

Weather can play a significant role in the Madison Marathon, and its history is rich with memorable moments.

6. Weather Conditions: The race has seen closures due to heat, highlighting the importance of weather preparedness.
7. History: The inaugural marathon in 1974 saw 59 runners finish after 26.2 miles through the UW Arboretum and the city's Southwest Side.
8. Annual Participation: The event has grown to host runners from 40 states and several countries, with a 200-runner capacity due to US Forest Service regulations.
9. Race Director: Sam Korsmoe, who splits his time between China and Montana, directs the race with help from his son.
10. Start Time: Both full and half marathons start at 7 a.m., with the 10K beginning about 15 minutes later.

Registration and Race Day Logistics

Proper registration and understanding race day logistics are crucial for a smooth experience.

11. Registration: All runners must be officially registered with a visible race number; no on-site registration is available.
12. Registration Deadline: Online registration typically closes on November 1st at 11:59 PM, often selling out in all distances.
13. Delayed Start Policy: If conditions are dangerous, the race may be delayed up to an hour, with notifications sent via text, online updates, and live announcements.
14. Finish Line Time: The finish line stays open until 1 PM, requiring marathoners to maintain a pace of around 13:44 minutes per mile.
15. Medical Support: Ambulances and medical personnel are stationed at the start, finish, and along the course, with aid stations able to contact medical staff if needed.

Course Features and Participant Experience

The Madison Marathon offers a unique and scenic course, providing a memorable experience for all participants.

16. Water Stations: While water stations are available, participants need to be self-reliant, especially given the high elevation and challenging terrain.
17. Scenic Views: The race offers breathtaking views, including panoramas of Black Butte and other stunning mountain scenery.
18. Participant Experience: Described as personal and fun, the small participant numbers and serene environment enhance the experience.
19. First-Time Marathoners: It's a popular choice for first-time marathoners, offering support and stunning scenery to help them through their first 26.2 miles.
20. Marathon Maniacs and 50 Staters: The event attracts dedicated runners from the Marathon Maniacs and 50 Staters programs.

Challenges and Rewards

The Madison Marathon is known for its challenging terrain and rewarding experience.

21. Logistics Challenges: Buses pick up runners from Ennis, Montana, and drive them to the finish line before returning to the start, requiring careful planning.
22. Course Conditions: The crushed gravel road, with larger rocks and potholes, can be difficult for those used to asphalt or concrete.
23. Elevation Impact: The high elevation impacts runners, especially those not accustomed to it, often necessitating walking up hills.
24. Sun Protection: Sunscreen is essential as the sun can be brutal at high elevations, with many participants reporting sunburns.
25. Medals and Shirts: Medals are highly regarded, but the cotton shirts often disappoint, sometimes being used for quilts instead of running.

Post-Race and Community Support

The post-race experience and community support play a significant role in the Madison Marathon.

26. Post-Race Spread: The post-race spread is minimal, with no official food provided, so runners often rely on their own supplies or nearby vendors.
27. Finish Line Experience: Many runners feel a sense of accomplishment and relief at the finish, with the cool mountain air adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
28. Participant Feedback: Runners praise the scenic beauty and personal nature of the event, with the lack of crowds allowing full appreciation of the views.
29. Challenging Terrain: The difficult terrain requires self-reliance in terms of water and food, adding to the sense of accomplishment.
30. Community Support: Strong community support, with local volunteers and spectators cheering on participants throughout the course, enhances the experience.

Historical Significance and Future Plans

The Madison Marathon has a rich history and continues to evolve, ensuring it remains a premier marathon experience.

31. Historical Significance: With its first race in 1974, the marathon has evolved into one of the most respected in the country.
32. Course Evolution: Despite changes over the years, it remains one of the most challenging and scenic marathons in the U.S.
33. Participant Demographics: The race attracts a diverse group, including first-time marathoners, experienced runners, and those in the Marathon Maniacs and 50 Staters programs.
34. Safety Measures: Strict rules regarding registration and pacing ensure safety, with unauthorized participants banned from future events.
35. Medical Protocols: Robust medical protocols include ambulances and paramedics along the course, with runners able to notify volunteers for assistance.

Notable Moments and Community Engagement

The Madison Marathon has seen many notable moments and engages actively with the local community.

36. Course Closures: Extreme weather has led to early closures, such as in 2010 when heat concerns shut down the course.
37. Winners and Records: Notable winners include Ricky Reusser, who won four times, and Kayla Brown, who won the women's division with a time of 2:55:59.
38. Course Features: Significant elevation changes, including four to five miles of uphills and downhills, make it a challenging but rewarding experience.
39. Community Engagement: The race encourages local community engagement, with drivers planning ahead to ensure a smooth event.
40. Future Plans: Organizers continue to improve the event, ensuring it remains a must-run for serious runners with its unique course and stunning scenery.

A Marathon Worth Running

The Madison Marathon isn't just another race; it's a unique experience that combines challenging terrain, high elevation, and breathtaking scenery. Starting and finishing at the Wisconsin State Capitol, runners face a course filled with crushed gravel, dirt roads, and significant elevation gains. With a history dating back to 1974, this marathon has grown to attract participants from across the globe, all eager to tackle its demanding yet rewarding path.

Whether you're a first-time marathoner or a seasoned runner, the Madison Marathon offers a supportive environment and a sense of community. From the medical support to the scenic views, every aspect of this race is designed to provide a memorable experience. So, if you're looking for a marathon that tests your limits while offering stunning landscapes, the Madison Marathon should be on your list.