Record 5,000 Runners Set for M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon in Burlington

The 36th annual M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Burlington, has drawn a record-breaking 5,000 participants, including marathoners, half-marathoners and relay teams. Organized by RunVermont, the Boston Marathon qualifier and Vermont state championship race unfolds on the traditional Memorial Day weekend Sunday, weaving through the city's vibrant streets and along the stunning shores of Lake Champlain. With 20,000 spectators and 800 volunteers expected, the event solidifies its status as Vermont's premier athletic gathering.

Elite invitees headline the field, including Bryan Morseman, who set the non-binary course record of 2:26:05 at the 2025 edition. Other notables feature runners with personal bests like a 15:21 5K and 1:08 half-marathon, many drawn by the race's RRCA Eastern Region Marathon Championship designation announced November 18, 2025. Hiro, a Boston Marathon finisher, joins the pack eager to tackle the 26.2 miles.

The marathon delivers a massive economic lift, injecting over $10 million into Burlington's economy through runner spending, tourism and related events, far exceeding prior estimates of $3 million. Local businesses from Church Street Marketplace to waterfront eateries anticipate a boom, underscoring the race's role in bolstering Vermont's post-winter recovery. RunVermont's Abbey Berger-Knorr highlighted the championship honor as a draw for top regional talent.