VermontBiz RunVermont announced October 1, 2025, that registration is officially open for its two largest annual running events: the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay and Half Marathon Unplugged presented by Switchback Brewing Co., along with the Memorial Day Weekend Youth Events (M&T Bank Vermont City Two Mile and Mini Marathon). These events draw thousands of runners and spectators to Burlington, VT, and the surrounding area each spring, celebrating community, fitness, and Vermont’s vibrant running culture for participants of all ages.
“The marathon season is such a special time for Burlington and the entire Vermont running community,” said Anthea Dexter-Cooper, Executive Director of RunVermont. “Each year, we’re inspired by the thousands of participants who come together to challenge themselves and celebrate the spirit of running. We’re thrilled to open registration early for these beloved events and can’t wait to welcome participants from near and far to experience everything our races and our city have to offer.”
The M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay
The M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay is Vermont’s largest single-day sporting event, with more than 5,000 registrants and 20,000 spectators. The 37th running will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, offering a scenic 26.2-mile course that highlights some of Burlington’s most iconic landmarks, including the Church Street Marketplace and the Burlington Bike Path along Lake Champlain.
The weekend offers multiple ways to participate, including the full marathon and two relay events presented by Darn Tough Vermont on Sunday (May 24th) and the Mini Marathon (ages 4–14) and the Vermont City Two-Mile (ages 9–14) on Saturday (May 23rd).
All Memorial Day Weekend events are proudly sponsored by premier title sponsor, M&T Bank.
“M&T Bank is proud to continue our support of the Vermont City Marathon & Relay, one of the state’s most cherished traditions,” said Heidi Stumpff, Vermont Regional President at M&T Bank. “This year, we’re especially excited to expand our partnership to include RunVermont’s youth events, fostering a passion for running in the next generation of Vermonters. These races unite our community in a meaningful way, and we’re honored to be part of this celebration of fitness, perseverance, and community spirit.”
This year, the relay portions of the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay are proudly sponsored by presenting sponsor, Darn Tough Vermont. In celebration of this new partnership, the first 100 team captains to register a relay team will receive complimentary Darn Tough socks at the Sports & Fitness Expo. Darn Tough is also the Official Sock of RunVermont.
“We are excited to sponsor the relay portion of this wonderful event. The M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay is such an important event for the Burlington community—bringing together runners and spectators alike to create an atmosphere of energy and connection that’s truly inspiring,” said Katie Jones, Senior Brand Manager at Darn Tough. “At Darn Tough, we value strength, resilience, and community, and this race embodies all of those qualities. We’re excited to support it and to celebrate alongside everyone participating this year.”
Half Marathon Unplugged
A favorite among local runners, including those preparing for a spring marathon, the 20th annual Half Marathon Unplugged will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Presented by Switchback Brewing Co., this race offers a scenic 13.1 mile course starting in Colchester and including over seven miles along the Burlington Bike Path next to Lake Champlain. Registration options include half marathon, two-person relay, and virtual race format.
“Half Marathon Unplugged is the perfect way to kick off race season in Vermont,” said Joe Connelly, Chief of Race Operations for RunVermont. “With its scenic point-to-point course along the Burlington Bike Path, it’s an incredible training opportunity for those gearing up for a full marathon or anyone looking for a fun spring race. Our team is already hard at work to ensure a seamless, safe, and memorable experience for all participants.”
Due to increased demand and the race selling out in 2025, RunVermont is returning to the two wave start format (9:00 AM and 11:00 AM), which will increase course capacity by a few hundred registrants.
Registration Information
Registration for both events opens October 1, 2025, with the lowest tier pricing now available. Those interested in registering for both the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon and Half Marathon Unplugged can choose a bundle option for even more saving.
Prices will increase incrementally in the months leading up to race day:
Participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot and lock in the best rate. All prices now include transaction fees for a simplified and transparent registration experience and an automatic discount of $20 will be included for marathon and relay (Half Marathon Unplugged and Youth Events) registrations paid for with an M&T Bank credit or debit card.
For more information or to register, visit runvermont.org.
About RunVermont
RunVermont is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting running as a lifelong activity and hosting premier running events in the state of Vermont. In addition to the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay, RunVermont also produces a variety of other races and community running programs throughout the year. For more information, please visit www.runvermont.org.
About M&T Bank
M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the northeastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information about M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.
About Darn Tough Vermont
Darn Tough Vermont is an American manufacturer of premium, all-weather outdoor and lifestyle socks backed up by the industry’s first and only Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. The company offers both Specialty and Tactical product lines. Darn Tough Vermont’s Specialty line of socks includes Hike, Lifestyle, Run, Snow, Athletic, Work, Hunt, and Juniors’ styles.
Darn Tough’s product is distinguished from industry competitors by 100 percent USA manufacturing; exceptional comfort, durability and fit; True-Seamless™ technology; and an exclusive blend of either ultra-fine, premium Merino wool or Coolmax®/Thermolite®. Founded by Ric Cabot in 2004, a third-generation sock maker, Darn Tough Vermont operates out of Cabot Hosiery Mills. With a focus on giving back, Darn Tough has donated over 1,500,000 meals to the Vermont Foodbank. For more information about Darn Tough Vermont socks, please visit: www.DarnTough.com.
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
