Cycling & running events in Burlington, 2026

Burlington Training Notes

Running: Locals run the Burlington Bike Path when they want clean Z2 by Lake Champlain. Waterfront Park gives you 5 miles north to Colchester, and the path runs 2+ miles south to Oakledge Park. Sleepy Hollow has a 5-mile outer loop and a steep push to the Pinnacle. Sleepy Hollow has 5 miles of forested trails, and Burlington Wildways links Salmon Hole, The Intervale, and Ethan Allen Park along the Winooski River. Burlington Running Club meets Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm, and Saturday at 9am. The M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay and The Red Rocks 5K anchor the calendar.

Cycling: Locals ride the Burlington Greenway, the Island Line Trail, and the South Burlington Recreation Path for base miles and easy spins. The South Burlington Recreation Path runs about 20 miles with connectors and loops, and it links back toward the Burlington Bike Path. The ONE Love Loop keeps things urban, and Pine Streets Arts & Craft Loop rolls through the historic arts district on Pine Street. Sunny Hollow has beginner-friendly trails near downtown, and Leddy Park and the High School Trails have quick singletrack options. The climb is 1 km with 441 m elevation. The route totals 25 km and +2,225 m.

Season: Summer and fall are the best months here. Locals use summer evenings hard, because the waterfront still has enough light for a ride after work. The Emily Proctor Overnight route makes that feel normal, with 127 km and 1,480 m elevation for a solid gravel bike mission. Fall turns the cyclocross bike into the local cheat code on South Burlington dirt paths and light trails. Winter changes the setup more than the habit. Runners keep using clubs and paths, while cyclists reach for studded tires, front and rear lights, goggles, gloves, and a bike they can clean after road salt.