M&T Bank Mini Marathon - 1 Mile Fun Run

The M&T Bank Mini Marathon 1 Mile Fun Run brings race-weekend energy to Burlington’s Waterfront Park, right on Lake Champlain. If you’re traveling with kids ages 4 to 14, this is the cleanest way to plug into Vermont City Marathon weekend without committing to longer distances. Your runner gets a flat, scenic mile with the lake in view and a finish chute designed to feel like the main event.

The morning runs by age group, which keeps the flow calm and the course manageable. You’ll have easy sightlines along the park paths, and the final stretch is ideal for photos as the kids funnel into the chute. After the finish, the area around the playground and shoreline becomes a natural meet-up point, and you can transition straight into downtown for lunch or a walk through shops.

Plan to arrive by 8:45 AM to find your staging area and handle any last details. Parking near the waterfront tightens quickly alongside the larger marathon schedule, so city garages farther uptown often save time if you do not mind the walk down. Registration is typically $33 per child and includes a race shirt, and spots can fill weeks ahead. Bring layers and sunscreen since the lake breeze can feel cool in the morning.

Good to know: the event is for ages 4 to 14, and while the park allows dogs, keep pets on a short leash and clear of the running path. The run usually proceeds in light rain, with schedule changes only in more severe weather. For the simplest logistics, stay in the Burlington city center or the South End so you can walk to the park, or book a family-sized vacation rental through Lake.com for the holiday weekend.