The fifth annual Mad Marathon is poised for a full weekend of events and nearly 1,000 runners coming from around the world. On race day, Sunday, July 12, there is early race number pickup from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. at the Waitsfield Inn. After the national anthem, the race begins at 7 a.m. on the Mad River Green. With 20 water stations, sponsored by various businesses and nonprofits, on the 26.2-mile course, no one will go thirsty.
After finishing, racers can collect a free beer at the Waitsfield Inn's beer garden by showing their race bib (21 and older). Another popular gathering place is Lareau swimming hole, only a half mile from the finish line. Top runners are expected to finish in just over two hours; however, some runners will be on the course for the better part of Sunday. While still under construction, the Waitsfield covered bridge and Bridge Street remain part of the Mad Marathon course. That last mile is a popular place to cheer runners on as they head to the finish line on the Mad River Green.
"On behalf of the Mad Marathon team, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the support of the Mad River Valley community. After five years, I shouldn’t still be amazed, but I am. People go above and beyond in so many ways, our runners included. We are fortunate to live in this incredible part of gorgeous Vermont and this weekend we will be sharing it with runners along with their families from around the world,” said founder and race director Dori Ingalls.
The list of road closures and times is below.
Mad Marathon Road Closures (Except for local residents)
6:45 to 7:15 a.m. -- Main Street between Mad River Green south entrance and Slow Road.
6:55 to 7:15 a.m. -- Main Street between Slow Road and Bridge Street.
6:55 a.m. to 1:25 p.m. -- Bridge Street between Main Street and Joslin Hill Road.
7 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. -- Joslin Hill Road.
7:10 to 9:30 a.m. -- North Road to Carpenter's Farm.
7:20 to 9:30 a.m. -- Meadow Road.
7:25 to 10 a.m. -- East Road.
7:35 to 10:15 a.m. -- Common Road.
7:50 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. -- East Warren Road/Common Road to East Warren Road/Joslin Hill Road.
8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. -- East Warren Road/Common Road to East Warren Road/Roxbury Mountain Road.
7:55 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. -- Main Street between Mad River Green south entrance and Slow Road. (Allow access to Mehuron's from the south end – NOT Slow Road.
8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. --East Warren Road/Roxbury Mountain Road and Brook Road/Plunkton Road.
