Great Runs in Burlington and Vicinity
Lake Champlain and mountain views frame Burlington, Vermont’s largest city. Burlington is a hot spot for all types of athletes, because of its outdoorsy vibe, close proximity to the mountains, and endless supply of biking and hiking trails. The Church Street Marketplace is the commercial center of this bustling and compact small city.
Burlington’s running centerpiece is the 13-mile Island Line Trail along Lake Champlain. There is also a growing network of bike paths, which are great for running. The Catamount outdoor center in nearby Williston and the trails of Shelburne Farms are other area running highlights. Burlington is also home to the Vermont City Marathon, which brings runners from far and wide to race on this gorgeous albeit brutal route.
Weather is a factor in Burlington. Lake Champlain modifies temperatures somewhat but is also responsible for Burlington’s fair share of cloudy days. Summers are pleasant and not too hot with average highs around 80F (26c) and mostly comfortable nights. Winters can be bitter, with average January highs in the high 20s (-5C) and lows close to 10F. Burlington is among the country’s snowier cities, averaging 80 inches a year. So, one must be cautious about surface conditions. Fall is gorgeous. Vermont’s famous foliage beckons autumn running in Burlington. Spring can seem like a long time coming, but the greening up is a treat.
The Iconic Routes:
- Island Line Rail Trail
- Green Mountain Marathon route
- South Burlington Rec Path
- UVM 5k Loop
- VT City *Modified* Marathon Loop
- Catamount Outdoor Family Center
- Shelburne Farms
Island Line Rail Trail, Burlington:
3.3 miles one-way. Start: Oakledge Park. MAP.
13 miles one-way entire trail. MAP. Trail Map
The Island Line Trail is one of New England’s most visited and spectacular rail-trails, and the signature running spot for Burlington. It borders the waterfront in the city of Burlington and strings together several shoreline parks in a linear path to offer spectacular views of Lake Champlain and New York’s Adirondack Mountains. The trail is relatively flat and starts at Oakledge Park on Flynn Street in southern Burlington, which offers plenty of parking and amenities. From there route travels north along the waterfront to North Beach, which is the 3.3 mile marker and offers remarkable lakeside views. The main Island Line trail terminates at North Beach.
Looking to go further? The full trail is 14 miles and features a unique and scenic trip out over the lake on a marble causeway around the 12 mile point. Other noteable markers include: Leddy Park at the 4.2 mile point, which is the city’s largest park, and features a sandy beach, picnic area, and lakefront vistas.
The Winooski River Bridge is just a few miles north and is the crucial link that unites the Island Line Trail and the Colchester Causeway. The causeway is just beyond Colchester’s residential neighborhoods and Airport Park. Running along the crushed stone surface of the causeway gives you a sense of skimming the water’s surface. It ends abruptly where a seasonal bike ferry run by Local Motion is located at the end of the causeway and brings travelers over to South Hero.
Green Mountain Marathon, South Hero:
13.1 ONE-WAY [MAP] Parking: Folsom School
This certified marathon/half-marathon begins on South St., in South Hero and makes its way along the west shore of Lake Champlain towards Grand Isle. South Hero is about 20 miles from Burlington and an easy drive on I-89, taking Exit 17 to Route 2. The start and end of this race is near the house where Clarence H. Demar, 7 time Boston Marathon Winner, once lived.
The route follows West Shore Rd. heading north for 11 miles. The terrain on this course is flat with some rolling hills. It is part dirt road, making it easier on the joints, especially if you’re running a whole marathon! The course features beautiful views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks in New York from, as well as farmland and apple orchards, making it the idyllic Vermont course. Since it’s an out and back, you can adjust the mileage to whatever you’re feeling that day, you’ll get the scenery either way! Snow Farm Vineyard and Winery is at 2.5 mile mark. Stop in for a glass and relax or use it as your turn around point for a great 5 mile loop. A little less than the 4.5 mile point you’ll see Health Hero Farm, a 180-acre certified-organic farm, that raises cattle and has their own vegetable CSA.
South Burlington Rec Path:
7 miles RT. [MAP] Parking: South Burlington High School
The South Burlington Rec Path is a network of paved paths through the city, totaling 21.2 miles. There’s a wide range of landscapes it crosses — from urban to countryside. One of the main features is Overlook Park on Spear Street, which offers stunning views of Lake Champlain twice during this out and back (perfect excuse to take a quick break to take in the views).
Our route covers 7 miles round trip of this path, starting at South Burlington High School, which has a large parking lot open to the public during non-school hours. From there you’ll go down Dorset Street, with a serious climb in the beginning, making your first mile tough but rewarding. At the end of the bike path on Dorset Street, you cross over into Nowland Farms neighborhood which leads out to Overlook Park. You’ll join back onto the bike path from there which leads to Szymanski Park, your turn around point. This loop highlights the prettiest views in South Burlington.
University of Vermont 5k Loop:
3.1 mile (5k) loop [MAP] Parking: Gutterson Garage, free after 3:30pm (until 7am) on weekdays & all weekend
Burlington was voted Amercia’s #1 College Town by Travel + Leisure and is home to the beautiful University of Vermont. Take a tour through their athletic facilities and neighboring bike path in this 5k loop. Starting off at the recently renovated Virtue Field, this route leads you behind the track and right past the charming Burlington Country Club golf course. From there you’ll take a loop around the UVM research facility, leading you through a woodland section, then back out onto the bike path and towards UVM. On the way back you’ll pass UVM’s Dairy Farm, which is home to the school’ CREAM program, where students can learn how to manage an actual dairy herd.
VT City *Modified* Marathon Loop:
5.3 miles [MAP] Parking: Oakledge Park or Flynn Ave.
At just under 5.3mi, this loop gives you just a taste of the VT City Marathon, including the infamous Battery St. Hill, the steep climb runners dread shortly after the half-way point. Unfortunately, the taiko drummers will most likely not be cheering you on as you make this climb but you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment when you reach the top nonetheless! The route then proceeds to circle you around and down another fun section or the race and Burlington itself, the Church Street Marketplace! This pedestrian-only street is home to some of Burlington’s best shops and restaurants. From there you’ll return back onto Pine St, part of the arts district, and head back towards the “finish line” at Oakledge Park. If you’re interested in running the whole race, check it out here.
Blue Trail, Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston:
3.1 miles [trail map]
Parking: Daily use rates for trails and parking are $8 for Adults 18+
With over 20 miles of trails and loops ranging from 5k to 15k, the Catamount Outdoor Family Center is ideal for any skill level. The property is situated on two hills, making way for panoramic views of the Green Mountains and the Winooski River Valley in the East and the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain in the West.
The Blue Trail is flatter than some of the other trails and starts in a grassy field that eventually progresses through the enchanting, leaf-strewn, woodland area.
Local Tip: Stop at Adams Apple Orchard on Old Stage Road in Williston for an apple cider slushy on the way home!
Shelburne Farms:
4.5 mile loop [trail map here] Parking: $8/adults, $5/children
Shelburne Farms is a 1400 acre working farm, a National Historic Landmark with stunning waterfront views. For runners, there are more than 10 miles of walking trails that are open year-round, weather permitting. This loop starts from the Welcome Center. From there you’ll pass the Farm Barn, the hub of Shelburne Farms’ education programs and nonprofit administration. The trail wraps around Whimsy Meadow and up Windmill Hill. As you loop around you’ll pass the shoreline, with great views of the mountains. On your way back you’ll go by the Market Garden, a 7-acre mixed vegetable garden that produces many organic vegetables highlighted at their restaurant at The Inn at Shelburne Farms. This loop is the most inclusive of all the major features at the farm.
Where to Stay:
There are three “clusters” of hotels in Burlington: downtown, off I-89 near Exit 14w and along Rt. 2, and in nearby Williston. For running purposes, the best bet is to try to stay at one of the town center hotels, which lie west of S. Willard St. between Pearl St. and Main St. Good bets here are the Hotel Vermont, the Courtyard Burlington Harbor, and the Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn. If you are at one of the hotels near I-89, it’s about 2 miles down to the waterfront. The campus of UVM is near this area, and since you’ll probably have a car, it’s about 3 miles south to the South Burlington Rec Path. In South Burlington, the Green Mountain Suites is a good bet. Note there’s not much for running or staying near the airport.
For a real escape, stay and run/bike on the Hero Islands. The North Hero House Inn on North Hero is wonderful, and so is Adams Landing on Grand Isle.
Stores and Group Runs
Fleet Feet Sports is the one dedicated running store in the Burlington area. Their location is in Essex Junction, a major shopping area 6 miles east of downtown. Group runs Saturday 8am. Interval training Thursday nights.
Skirack Run Center: Skirack is a well-known outdoor sports store in Burlington, featuring a Run Center within the store. They provide a comprehensive running shoe fit service, which consists of observing and measuring your feet to establish which shoe will best suit you. Included with this service is a 30-day guarantee that if If you are not completely satisfied with the fit of your running shoes, you may bring it back within 30 days and put the cost of your purchase towards a different pair of running shoes.
There is also a Finish Line running/shoe store in the Macy’s in downtown Burlington.
Group Runs/Community
If you’d like to connect with some group runs in Burlington, here are some good running clubs to check out:
Fleet Feet Sports. Group runs Saturday 8am. Interval training Thursday nights.
Green Mountain Athletic Association: Since 1976, GMAA has been linked with running in Vermont. With about 400 members of varying ages, skills, and goals, this association unites all those who love to run. GMAA sponsors a full queue of races, from 5ks to marathons, including the oldest continuously held race in VT, the Archie Post Five Miler. The club was even one of the founders, and continuing supporter, of the Vermont City Marathon! Check out all of their sponsored races on their website.
Fleet Feet Sports Lake Champlain Running Club: Fleet Feet Sports, RaceVermont and Shelburne Health and Fitness have launched the Lake Champlain Running Club (LCRC). They have Saturday Morning and Thursday Evening group runs/ more information here.
Catamount Outdoor Family Center: Join Catamount Outdoor Family Center for the largest weekly trail running series in the country! They have a Tuesday night trail running series during the summer months. It’s $8/race or you can buy a summer pass.
EVENTS
Running calendar for Burlington and surrounding area:
Major events are:
Vermont City Marathon. May. A great and popular event.
Green Mountain Marathon. October. Begins and ends near the house where Clarence H. Demar, 7 time Boston Marathon Winner, once lived. It is out and back on the west shore of South Hero and Grand Isle; a land of farms, apple orchards and summer cottages. The terrain is flat to rolling and about half dirt road (hard packed and well maintained). The half marathon course is an out and back that finishes at the Folsom School (same as the full marathon).
Archie Post 5-Miler. September. Oldest race in Vermont. Great course along bike path near UVM and Vermont Country Club.
Art Tudhope 10k. 10K out and back through Charlotte. This fast course is a mix of dirt and paved roads, along apple orchards, views along Lake Champlain, and the covered bridge at the turn around point. The start and finish is at Shelburne beach.
