Vermont Business Magazine RunVermont has announced that the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon has been selected as the 2026 Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Eastern Region Marathon Championship. The goal of the RRCA Championship Event Series is to celebrate and shine a spotlight on well-run, community-focused events and to award their top performing runners. This prestigious designation recognizes the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon as one of the premier marathons in the Eastern United States.
The M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon, scheduled for May 24, 2026, will welcome participants from across the country to compete on one of the nation's most scenic marathon courses. The fast, spectator-friendly route highlights Burlington's historic city streets, while showcasing the lake and mountain views that have made this event a favorite among runners for more than three decades.
"Being named an RRCA Eastern Region Championship is a tremendous honor that reflects the hard work of our staff, volunteers, and the entire Burlington community," said Joe Connelly, Chief of Race Operations for RunVermont. "This designation elevates our event on the national stage and will attract competitive runners from throughout the region who are seeking to test themselves. We're excited to welcome these athletes to Vermont and showcase what makes our marathon so special."
“We are thrilled to have the Vermont City Marathon serve as the 2026 RRCA Eastern Region Marathon Championship,” said Andy Smith, Program Manager at RRCA. “The event captures what the RRCA stands for—grassroots, community-based running that brings people together and strengthens the local running culture. It is the perfect stage to celebrate our regional championship.”
The RRCA regional championship designation adds to the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon's reputation as Vermont's largest single-day sporting event, drawing over 5,000 participants annually and contributing more than an estimated three million dollars to the state's economy.
“M&T Bank is proud to return again as title sponsor of the Vermont City Marathon & Relay, reaffirming our commitment to the community and this iconic event,” said Heidi Stumpff, Regional President for Vermont at M&T Bank.
RRCA provides awards for: Open female, male, and non-binary; 40+ female and male; 50+ female and male; 60+ female and male; and open wheelchair athlete female and male.
Registration for the 2026 M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon is currently open and more information and the link to register is at www.runvermont.org/vermont-city-marathon-relay/.
For more information about the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon or to get involved as a volunteer or sponsor, visit www.runvermont.org.
About RunVermont
RunVermont is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of 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 the Road Runners Club of America
The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest distance running organization in the United States, with a mission to promote running as a competitive sport and healthy exercise. The RRCA champions Regional Championships to identify and celebrate top runners across the country. For more information, please visit www.rrca.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.
Burlington, Vermont (Nov. 19, 2025) – RunVermont
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!
