Run Madtown

Join us between 05/23 - 05/24/2026

Run Madtown Race Description

How do we kick off summer in Madison?  We RUN MADTOWN!

Join us on Saturday May 23rd 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 24thth 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!

Get ready for the Run Madtown
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   Add to my calendar 2026-05-24 12:00:00 2026-05-24 12:00:00 America/Chicago Run Madtown Madison, WI Beth Salinger

  • Run Madtown Where & When
  • Location: 715 State Street, Madison, WI 53703
  • Race Dates: 05/23 - 05/24/2026
  • Categories:
    • Twilight 5K
    • 10K
    • Half Marathon
    • Mad for Madtown (5K & 10K)
    • Mad for Madtown (5K & Half Marathon)

Run Madtown Reviews

4.4 - 28 reviews

Review Run Madtown

Most Helpful Review
4.0/5
Course: 5.0/5
Organization: 3.0/5
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 Joseph F. 2/2 found this review helpful.
5.0/5
Course: 5.0/5
Organization: 4.0/5
2023 Race Review
Review On: 2023-05-30 09:09:05
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 Amanda S. has attended 2 times
1/1 found this review helpful.
3.0/5
Course: 2.0/5
Organization: 4.0/5
2023 Race Review
Review On: 2023-05-30 21:24:00
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 Susan C. has attended 3 times
1/1 found this review helpful.
5.0/5
Course: 4.0/5
Organization: 4.5/5
2023 Race Review
Review On: 2023-05-30 17:37:03
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 Krista E. has attended 1 times
1/1 found this review helpful.
2.5/5
Course: 3.5/5
Organization: 3.0/5
2023 Race Review
Review On: 2023-05-30 21:59:33
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 Courtney K. has attended 5+ times
1/1 found this review helpful.
5.0/5
Course: 5.0/5
Organization: 5.0/5
2023 Race Review
Review On: 2023-05-30 08:37:21
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 Kimberlee G. has attended 1 times
4.5/5
Course: 4.5/5
Organization: 5.0/5
2023 Race Review
Review On: 2023-05-30 08:52:31
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 Steve C. has attended 3 times
1/2 found this review helpful.
5.0/5
Course: 5.0/5
Organization: 5.0/5
2023 Race Review
Review On: 2023-05-30 09:19:56
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 Alice H. has attended 5+ times
3.5/5
Course: 4.5/5
Organization: 4.0/5
2023 Race Review
Review On: 2023-05-30 09:33:52
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.

Emily Jo P. has attended 5+ times
1.0/5
Course: 5.0/5
Organization: 5.0/5
2024 Race Review
Review On: 2024-06-09 17:21:47
Madtown Half Marathon

This was a beautiful course. I ran this race last year and loved it just as much. With all my heart I want to run it next year in 2025. My daughter and her husband live in Madison and it has been a fun weekend to spend with them. This year I realized that a Drag Queen was the announcer for the event. I will not be signing up next year on account of this which grieves my heart. Drag Queens are adult entertainment which makes this event NOT family friendly. Would you consider a veteran being the announcer in future years being that the race occurs on Memorial Day weekend? I will return to running this race in the future if the Drag Queen no longer announces for the race.

verified participant race review Mary D. has attended 2 times

View all Run Madtown reviews.

Join us at the Run Madtown in May for a great race. The Run Madtown works hard to deliver you a memorable race experience. We would love to hear from you, so consider writing us a review.

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