Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon
Madison Mini Marathon showcases the city's charm with a scenic loop past landmarks and the university.
Race Date
Aug 8, 2026
Location
Madison, WI
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Location
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 0.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 39,210
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon, now in its 18th year, offers a scenic tour of Wisconsin's capital city. The USATF-certified course is a loop that winds through iconic locations, including Capitol Square, State Street, and the University of Wisconsin campus. Runners will also experience the natural beauty of the Arboretum and Picnic Point, with picturesque views of Lake Mendota.
This well-established event draws approximately 3,195 finishers, with a notable repeat-runner loyalty of about 25% and participants traveling from around 41 states. The course is known for its flat profile, making it a potential PR course for many.
The post-race celebration, dubbed the 14th Mile Post-Race Party, provides live music, refreshments including a complimentary beer for those 21+, and continued stunning lake views, capping off a day that truly captures Madison's vibrant spirit.
Race-provided description
The 18th Annual Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon is an exciting and scenic running event that showcases the best of Madison. Runners will pass by iconic landmarks such as Capitol Square, the renowned Dane County Farmer’s Market, State Street, Camp Randall Stadium, and the Kohl Center. The route also takes participants through the picturesque Arboretum, Picnic Point, and the University of Wisconsin Campus, offering a true taste of Madison’s charm. After crossing the finish line, runners are invited to the 14th Mile Post-Race Party, where they can unwind and celebrate their achievement. Participants aged 21 and over can enjoy a complimentary beer, courtesy of Wisconsin Distributors. Those who prefer non-alcoholic options can enjoy a soft drink or bottled water. The post-race party features live music and stunning views of Lake Mendota, making it the perfect way to cap off the race.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Memorial Union Terrace, Madison, WI, 53703
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
WI25022DM · Madison Mini 2025
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
2 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8915 years running
~3,195 finishers a year
growing or steady
25% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 41 states
winner 1:11:40
typical high 81°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
65°
Afternoon (High)
81°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.2"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
75%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 39,210 finishers actually crossed the line across 15 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
39,210
Median time
2:17:36
Latest turnout
1,602
States
47
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon?
The Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon is held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon take place?
It takes place in Madison, Wisconsin.
What distances does the Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 0.1 Miles.
Is the Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 39,210 runners who have completed the Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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