Runners from across the region gathered in Vermont’s Mad River Valley for the 14th annual Mad Marathon.From 5Ks to the full 26.2 miles, the course took participants through the scenic heart of Waitsfield, offering not just hills and heat, but moments of resilience, purpose, and personal triumph.“I’m doing all this to prove to myself that I can do anything, and that life is worth living,” said Christina Lanaski of Fort Worth, Texas. She ran to raise awareness for suicide prevention and to support others facing similar struggles.“I wanted to do it for something bigger than myself,” she added.For others, the race was about pushing personal limits. Bryan Stocker of St. Johnsbury reflected on the mindset it takes to complete the challenge.“I remind myself of what I’ve overcome in the past. I trust myself and believe in myself.”He said the support from spectators made all the difference. “Even if you don’t know them, people are really kind. They’re cheering for you.”While some ran for a cause or a personal goal, others came simply to soak in the stunning Green Mountain views.“It’s the world’s most beautiful marathon,” said Liam Hackett of Burlington. Christian Day of Barre agreed: “There’s just really good scenery.”From emotional finishes to shared high-fives, the Mad Marathon was more than a race; it was a testament to endurance, community, and the power of showing up.

WAITSFIELD, Vt. —

Runners from across the region gathered in Vermont’s Mad River Valley for the 14th annual Mad Marathon.

From 5Ks to the full 26.2 miles, the course took participants through the scenic heart of Waitsfield, offering not just hills and heat, but moments of resilience, purpose, and personal triumph.

“I’m doing all this to prove to myself that I can do anything, and that life is worth living,” said Christina Lanaski of Fort Worth, Texas. She ran to raise awareness for suicide prevention and to support others facing similar struggles.

“I wanted to do it for something bigger than myself,” she added.

For others, the race was about pushing personal limits. Bryan Stocker of St. Johnsbury reflected on the mindset it takes to complete the challenge.

“I remind myself of what I’ve overcome in the past. I trust myself and believe in myself.”

He said the support from spectators made all the difference. “Even if you don’t know them, people are really kind. They’re cheering for you.”

While some ran for a cause or a personal goal, others came simply to soak in the stunning Green Mountain views.

“It’s the world’s most beautiful marathon,” said Liam Hackett of Burlington.
Christian Day of Barre agreed: “There’s just really good scenery.”

From emotional finishes to shared high-fives, the Mad Marathon was more than a race; it was a testament to endurance, community, and the power of showing up.