Champlain Islands Marathon
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Event overview
The Champlain Islands Marathon & Half Marathon takes place on October 18, 2026, in South Hero, Vermont. The event offers two distances:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
The field is limited to a maximum of 500 runners. Runners must be age 16 or older. All participants receive a race shirt, and medals are awarded to all finishers. Awards will be presented to the top overall male, female, and non-binary finishers, the top masters, and the top finisher in each age group.
Course and logistics
Both courses begin and end near the former home of Clarence H. DeMar. The half-marathon is an out-and-back route along the west shore of South Hero and Grand Isle through farmland, apple orchards, and areas with summer cottages. Terrain is flat to rolling and the entire course is paved. The full marathon consists of two out-and-backs of the half-marathon course. The course is USATF certified (VT24002JK) and may be used to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Aid stations are provided approximately every 2 miles from mile 2 to mile 24 for a total of 12 stations, with water and electrolyte drink at all stations and 2-3 porta-potties on course. Sweep vehicles are available. The marathon time cutoff is 6 hours; the half-marathon cutoff is 4 hours.
Packet pickup is available at SkiRack in Burlington and at Folsom Elementary School in South Hero. GMAA rules prohibit running with a baby jogger or dog; headphones are strongly discouraged. There are no refunds, deferrals, or bib transfers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
