Saucony Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon & 5k/10k
Vermont's Covered Bridge Half Marathon offers scenic beauty and a fast course past Lake Champlain.
Race Date
Sep 12, 2026
Location
Shelburne, VT
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Location
- Shelburne, Vermont
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 3,564
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Set against the stunning backdrop of Vermont's countryside, the Saucony Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon is a beloved fixture for runners seeking both natural beauty and a solid performance.
This race, first run in 2002 and now in its 21st year, draws participants from approximately 28 states, highlighting its appeal as a destination event. The course itself is a journey through picturesque landscapes, featuring a mix of paved, dirt, and gravel roads. Runners will experience the charm of rural farmland and the serene beauty of Lake Champlain, notably passing by the iconic Holmes Creek Covered Bridge twice.
With an elevation gain of roughly 0 feet and minimal rolling hills, the course is designed for speed, making it a prime spot for personal bests. The event typically sees around 515 finishers, with a loyal ~11% returning year after year. The finish at Shelburne Beach provides a scenic reward, capping off a well-organized race day.
Race-provided description
This is definitely one of our racers' favorite races. There are no huge hills and the scenery is beautiful. Beginning and ending at picturesque Shelburne Beach, you will run along dirt, gravel and paved roads featuring scenic views of Vermont countryside and rural farmland. Run past Charlotte Beach situated on beautiful Lake Champlain just before entering the Holmes Creek Covered Bridge for the first time. The course continues on quiet, rolling hills before arriving at the turnaround. The half marathon runs through the covered bridge twice. The 5K and 10K turn around before reaching the bridge (although it's not that far beyond the 10K turnaround, so if you want to run through it, it's not going to add that much to your finish time for 10K runners).
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Short-sleeved t-shirt
Start Location
407 Beach Road, Shelburne, VT, 05482
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Lake River, Rural
Surface
Dirt Trail, Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout6921 years running
~446 finishers a year
growing or steady
11% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 28 states
winner 1:11:50
typical high 73°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
59°
Afternoon (High)
73°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,564 finishers actually crossed the line across 21 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,564
Median time
2:07:11
Latest turnout
262
States
49
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Saucony Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon & 5k/10k?
The Saucony Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon & 5k/10k is held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Saucony Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon & 5k/10k take place?
It takes place in Shelburne, Vermont.
What distances does the Saucony Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon & 5k/10k offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles.
Is the Saucony Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon & 5k/10k course flat and good for a PR?
The Saucony Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon & 5k/10k is a rolling hills, loop course course.
How many people run the Saucony Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon & 5k/10k?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,564 runners who have completed the Saucony Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon & 5k/10k.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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