Champlain Islands Marathon & Half Marathon

Race Date, Time and Location for 2026 Events

• DATE: Sunday, October 18, 2026
• TIME: 8:30 AM
• LOCATION: Folsom Elementary School, 75 South St, South Hero, VT 05486
• The Full and Half Marathon will both start at 8:30 AM directly in front of the Folsom Elementary School.

Course

• The marathon and half-marathon begin and end near the house where Clarence H. DeMar, seven-time Boston Marathon Winner, once lived.
• The half-marathon course is out and back on the west shore of South Hero and Grand Isle: a land of farms, apple orchards, and summer cottages.
• The entire course is paved.
• The full marathon course is two out-and-backs of the half-marathon course. USATF Certification (VT24002JK)

Aid Stations

• There will be an aid station approximately every 2 miles starting at mile 2 and stopping at mile 24 for a total of 12 aid stations (2-3 porta-potties on course).
• Water and electrolyte drink will be supplied at all aid stations.
• Additional assistance will be available to runners in the form of sweep vehicles.

Registration

• Pre-registration is now open. This event has sold out in recent years.
• GMAA members subtract $10 for Full Marathon, $5 for Half Marathon.
• Race day registration is from 7am to 7:45am.
• Maximum total number of runners is 500.

There is no race refund if you cannot participate. There are no deferrals, no wait list, and no bib transfers.

You may change the race distance with a $10 charge for switching from the full marathon to the half-marathon. To transfer event, follow these instructions:

1. Log into your Runsignup account at this link: Profile on RunSignUp
2. Find the Champlain Islands Marathon & Half Marathon section under "Upcoming Events" and Click on "Manage Registration."
3. Click on "Transfer Event" at the top.
4. Follow the prompts to continue the process.

Please confirm that you are registering for the correct event: Half-Marathon or Full Marathon before you complete your transaction. Thank you!

Shirts

• All participants will receive a race shirt.

Restrictions

• Runners must be age 16 or older.

Packet Pickup

• Friday, Oct. 16th - 12-6 pm at SkiRack
• Saturday, Oct. 17th - 12-6 pm at SkiRack
• Sunday, Oct. 18th - 7-8 am at Folsom School

SkiRack is located at 85 Main Street, in Burlington, VT.

Awards

• Awards will be given to the top overall male, female & non-binary finishers.
• The top masters will also receive awards.
• Medals to all marathon and half-marathon finishers.
• Please see the race director if you need to leave before the awards ceremony.

Lodging

Island Lodging on the race course (primarily small inns and B&:Bs):

• Crescent Farm Bay Farm B&:B 1-802-324-5563 (mile 2-3)
• Ferry Watch Inn 1-802-777-2530 (mile 8-9)
• link to full list of island lodging (maintained by the Islands Chamber of Commerce)

Lodging at exit 16 off Route 89 (Colchester/Winooski):

• Residence Inn 1-802-655-3100
• Hampton Inn 1-802-655-6177

Lodging at exit 14 off Route 89 (Burlington/South Burlington):

• Best Western 1-800-780-7234
• Holiday Inn 1-800-863-6363

Attractions

• If you can picture the Lake Champlain Islands in mid-October, then you have reason to join us.
• If you have never seen Vermont or the 'Islands' in October, then you have even more reason to join us with your entire family.
• Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce (800) 262-5226
• Burlington Things-To-Do

Past