Lace up your running shoes and usher in the spring season at the Spring Forward Half Marathon & 10K on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in beautiful Madison, Wisconsin. This cherished early-season community event offers a welcoming, low-key atmosphere, perfect for shaking off winter and testing your fitness for upcoming spring races or simply enjoying a scenic long run. Runners can choose between a challenging half marathon or a spirited 10K, both starting at the Vilas Park Shelter.

The Half Marathon course features a picturesque route that includes two laps around the stunning Madison Arboretum, connected by a 1.1K add-on through Vilas Park. The 10K offers a single, scenic lap of the Arboretum, allowing all participants to appreciate the beauty of nature as they run. With an elevation gain of approximately 167.8 meters and a maximum elevation of 303.17 meters, the course provides some rolling terrain to keep things interesting. Typical race day conditions in mid-March include highs around 43°F and lows around 25°F, with a slight 11% chance of precipitation, creating crisp running weather.

What truly sets the Spring Forward Half Marathon apart is its commitment to the running community: it's a free event, though donations are gratefully accepted to help sustain it. On-course support, including Skratch Labs Hydration Mix and water, will be available every 5K for three hours after the 10:00 AM CDT start. For those looking to optimize their performance, Indoorance is offering new 8- or 12-week training programs tailored to each distance, and the race hopes to include pacers this year to help runners achieve their goals.