Leaf Peepers Half Marathon
Vermont's Leaf Peepers Half Marathon offers a scenic fall road race through Waterbury.
Race Date
Oct 4, 2026
Location
Waterbury, VT
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Location
- Waterbury, Vermont
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 12,824
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Leaf Peepers Half Marathon, first run in 1984 and now in its 32nd edition, is a beloved fall tradition in Waterbury, Vermont. This road race draws participants from across approximately 32 states, showcasing the vibrant autumn foliage that Vermont is famous for.
With a median field size of around 291 finishers, the event maintains an intimate yet growing atmosphere. The course is a net-zero drop, certified by USATF, and offers a fast, flat profile conducive to personal bests. Typical race-day temperatures hover between a comfortable 50–69°F, making for ideal running conditions.
While the repeat-runner rate is about 13%, the race’s charm lies in its scenic setting and the promise of a well-organized event. The accompanying 5K provides options for all levels, and the fall colors provide a stunning backdrop for every runner.
Race-provided description
Leaf Peepers Half Marathon & 5K HomeRace InformationResultsRegistrationPhoto GalleriesCourseAboutContact Us Leaf Peepers Half Marathon and 5K Sunday, October 4, 2026 Registration for the 2026 races is now open. Register Online 2025 Leaf Peepers Results Half Marathon Overall Half Marathon Age Groups 5k Overall 5k Age Groups Neal Graves – 5k – 1st Male – 17:40 Sarah Stone – 5k – 1st Female – 21:43 Dominique Cruz – 5k – 1st NB – 35:50 Dave Sinclair – Half – 1st Male – 1:07:27 Addie Hedges – Half – 1st Female – 1:32:55 Megan Petrine – Half – 1st NB – 1:56:11 Complete 2025 Photo Gallery Register Online --> Leaf Peepers Half Marathon has been a destination fall road race in Waterbury VT si
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.1%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
VT19004JK
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8232 years running
~291 finishers a year
growing or steady
13% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources · 6 photos
runners from 32 states
winner 1:24:20
typical high 69°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
50°
Afternoon (High)
69°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
7 mph
Wind
76%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 12,824 finishers actually crossed the line across 32 years.
Most recent
2024
Total finishers
12,824
Median time
2:07:16
Latest turnout
321
States
49
Turnout by year
2014–2024
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon?
The Leaf Peepers Half Marathon is held on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Where does the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Waterbury, Vermont.
What distances does the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K run.
Is the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Leaf Peepers Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 12,824 runners who have completed the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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