Transportation | Weather | Things To Do
Transportation
Air Travel
Burlington is serviced by the Burlington International Airport, located in South Burlington and just 3.6 miles from the Race Start.
Ferry
Ferry service dates change annually; please visit Lake Champlain Ferries to check ferry season dates, locations, and schedules.
Road Closures
Most roads in Burlington are open during the race, with the exception of the downtown core which is closed 7:00-12:30. Certain neighborhoods such as South Cove, the Oakledge Park area, Lakeside Avenue, Lakewood Parkway, will experience delays when racers are present. Please contact the marathon office for the most up to date Road Closures.
Free Valet Bike Parking at Waterfront Park
How does it work? It’s like a coat check for your bike. Runners, volunteers, and spectators can drop off their bike (or stroller, scooter, trailer, etc.) at one of the Valet Bike Parking locations to make bicycling convenient, reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. Trained staff and volunteers will watch your bicycle so you can enjoy the Mini Marathon and Marathon. Avoid the fuss…and leave your bike with us! For more information about this service please visit: Local Motion.
Bike Parking (Sunday): opens at 6:00am and closes at 2:00pm; all bikes must be picked up by 2:00pm. Location: Lake Street (off of College Street at Waterfront Park)
Race Day Parking
Interactive Burlington Parking Map
There are many meters and parking garages located a short walk from the start/finish. Meters and city garages are free parking on Sundays unless signed otherwise.
Accessible Parking near Waterfront Park
Vehicles with a disabled persons plate/pass may access the following parking before 6:00am or after 11:00am. For the safety of our runners there is NO spectator vehicle access across the race course (Battery Street) between 6:00am and 11:00am; please plan accordingly. These parking areas do fill up.
- Lake Street, north of College Street
- Perkins Pier Parking Lot
Did Your Car Get Towed?
Vehicles are usually towed because they were in violation of the City Ordinances, or were towed from a privately owned lot, at the request of a property manager or owner. In either case, the company that towed the vehicle is required to contact the Burlington Police Department communications center and report the vehicle’s registration, make, date and location from where it was towed. During regular business hours, you may call (802) 540-2380; after hours please contact (802) 658-2700.
Weather
Weather content provided by NBC 5
As any marathoner knows, weather is a huge part of the race, both in how it will affect an individual’s performance, and how it will contribute to the overall “flavor” of the race. The NBC 5 Weather Team is dedicated to providing the very best weather information so you can plan accordingly for race day.
Climatology records tell us that we can expect a low of 48° and a high of 70° on Race Day. This translates to a temperature of about 54° at the 7:00 AM start of the race, with the temperature reaching about 67° by Noon. But those of us who live here know that those averages are just that – averages. More often than not, we see wild variations in our weather. The conditions for the VCM over the years have run the gamut from snow, sleet and cold to sunny and hot. And of course, there has been rain and wind. And every now and then, we get one of those ideal “average” days.
Here is a look at the race day weather in recent years:
Good luck and see you at the race!
Things to Do
Bike & Boat Rentals
Spend an afternoon pedaling the 12-mile Island Line bike trail up and down the Burlington Bike Path and out onto the causeway in the middle of Lake Champlain if you choose. Bike rentals available at Local Motion. Rent a dinghy at the Community Sailing Center and spend the afternoon tacking around Burlington Bay.
Shelburne Farms
This historic 1,400 acre working farm is a National Historic Landmark and a non-profit environmental education center. Visitors may enjoy the walking trails, children’s farmyard, inn, restaurant, property tours and special events.
ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center
ECHO features over 70 live species, over 100 hands-on exhibits, daily animal feedings and demos. Located on Burlington’s beautiful waterfront boardwalk, ECHO is an excellent activity for the kids following a picnic on the shore of Lake Champlain.
Places of interest:
Ben And Jerry’s
Birds of Vermont Museum
Cabot Creamery
Echo Center
Ethan Allen Homestead
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
Lake Champlain Transportation
Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Museum
Spirit of Ethan Allen
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Vermont Teddy Bear Company
Vermont Department of Tourism
