Run Madtown Race Description
How do we kick off summer in Madison? We RUN MADTOWN!
Join us on Saturday May 24th for the Twilight 5K. This family friendly event is perfect for runners, walkers, pets and strollers as you run through the University of Wisconsin!
On Sunday, May 25th the fun continues with 10K or half marathon options. Pace leaders will be available for both the 10K and half marathon, beautiful course showcasing the University of Wisconsin, Camp Randall Stadium, the Capitol building and much more!
Join us Memorial Day Weekend to RUN MADTOWN!
- Location: Madison, WI 53703
- Race Dates: 05/24 - 05/25/2025
-
Categories:
- Twilight 5K
- 10K
- Half Marathon
- Mad for Madtown (5K & 10K)
- Mad for Madtown (5K & Half Marathon)
Run Madtown Where & When
Most Helpful Review
Fun Run
The course itself was nice! There seemed to be something for everyone, from cityscapes to a more rural feel, you truly got the best of both worlds. The course has its challenging inclines at times as well! The one issue I had was the availability of water/refreshment afterwards. I had a difficult time finding the water station after the run. I know I wasn't the only one as I went to where water was being handed out for finishers and was denied another water bottle. Another runner asked right after me and was also denied. I eventually found the gallon jugs of water but perhaps some signage of some type would be nice. Also, having them on ice, or at least some, would be nice as well. I'll be back next year!
![most helpful race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Fun Run
The course itself was nice! There seemed to be something for everyone, from cityscapes to a more rural feel, you truly got the best of both worlds. The course has its challenging inclines at times as well! The one issue I had was the availability of water/refreshment afterwards. I had a difficult time finding the water station after the run. I know I wasn't the only one as I went to where water was being handed out for finishers and was denied another water bottle. Another runner asked right after me and was also denied. I eventually found the gallon jugs of water but perhaps some signage of some type would be nice. Also, having them on ice, or at least some, would be nice as well. I'll be back next year!
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Great race!
This race is so fun! Love having a 5k at night, makes it even more fun! I’ve also run the half (been years) lovely course! Only thing I would suggest is for the 5k, please have those interested in walking to be at the back. Really throws off the runners when walkers are in the mix at the beginning.
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Great experience!
Very well organized from registration to packet pick up to crossing the finish line! Loved the 7pm start for a change of pace. Thanks to all of the volunteers and MPD for keeping everyone safe!
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
2023 race
Thank you for organizing a great race! There were a few disappointments from the setup this year to years in the past. It seemed like many things were “skimped upon”. No vendors at packet it pick up, in the past pick up has been a fun event to explore. The lack of energy at the finish line, when the race was held on the square the energy is insane. Loud music leading up to the finish line, this year the pump up vibe was on at the finish line, none leading up to it. After finishing, the post race snacks were not impressive. The vibe was different this year, missing the excitement. The volunteers were amazing and the race route nice. We really do appreciate the hard work of all.
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Best Race Course
This race had the best course! It was shady with beautiful scenery. Will definitely be back next year. Also, the water stations every 1 1/2 miles was great!
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
LOVED the Drag Queen announcer!!!
Everything about this race screamed Madison. It was wonderful! I love the tie-dye, the flamingos, and most especially the announcer. It made my day to see the inclusion. Well done and I hope they are a regular addition to the race.
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
5K course
The 5 K course, around the Square and down State street, was wonderful. Wow -what a run. Well done overall.
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Great But..
Great set up. I loved how we were allowed to have dogs at the 5K--I think it brought a lot of people joy! I didn't like the disorganization of the Conquer the Challenge--I asked after I finished Sunday's race while I got my 1/2 medal and the volunteers didn't know if I even got a medal for finishing the challenge. Nobody knew and when I got to the information desk, two other people were also asking. Pacer I ran with wasn't very kind either. Also expensive.
Madtown is Fantastic
Love this city! I am WI native who currently resides in TX, this was my 2nd Half-Marathon ever and it felt so good to run at home. My partner and I also volunteered the night before at the 5K which was a blast. Everyone is so friendly. Loved everything except that hill at mile 9 lol But I will be back running this race again!
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Great Course
Always like running thru Madison. 👍 to the organizers and the City of Madison. Loved the arboretum, Edgewood hill, and the downhill finish along State Str. How about some entertainment along the course and packet pickup during the 5k?
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Great run!
Such a fun day- love the course except the huge hill between mile 9-10. I think you should make the medal optional. When registering for the event you should have a box opting in (or out) for the medal. If you want the medal your cost should be higher than if you don’t want it. Or scrap the medal idea all together and lower the cost of the run or donate that money to a charity.
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Madtown Half Marathon
Beautiful course! Well organized! This year's medals were Amazing, like a piece of art. I'm going to hang it in a window like a sun catcher. My only little complaint would be the post race food was disappointing. Bananas, and all prepackaged snacks!
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Great event!
This event was very well organized and the course was excellent. Definitely one of the best events that I have run in.
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Not what it used to be
I first ran this race because the 10 K had you finishing at the capital as the lights came on, which was pretty cool. And also, because they gave you beer and pizza at the end. Now, the twilight run is only a five K, doesn’t end at the capital or at twilight, and there is no pizza. They will give you one beer if you enter a cage with no food or places to sit. I don’t think that I’ll be back.
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Run Madtown
I really enjoyed the course! Had a great time and met some wonderful people! Would highly recommend.
![verified participant race review](/img/reviews/Race-Review-Verified-Runner.png)
Madison, WI Weather
Last year the weather condition was Sunny.
![Clouds](https://openweathermap.org/img/w/02d.png)