By Kolby LaMarche

Ryan Smith, a 24-year-old from Boston running his first marathon, broke a long-standing course record at the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon yesterday, capping Vermont’s largest single-day sporting event with a standout performance, even in cool, rainy conditions.

Smith crossed the finish line at Waterfront Park in an unofficial time of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 52 seconds, surpassing the previous men’s open record of 2:17:03 set in 2001. The victory also qualified him for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.

The 37th running of the race drew thousands of participants and spectators to Burlington’s streets and Lake Champlain shoreline. 

Organized by RunVermont, the event featured a double-loop 13.1-mile course that took runners through downtown Burlington, the Church Street Marketplace, four city parks, and roughly 10 miles along the Burlington Bike Path with views of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake.

In the women’s open division, veteran runner Kellyn Taylor, 39, held off challengers to win in 2:35:18. Her time ranks third on the event’s all-time list. The race remained competitive throughout, with Taylor edging out second place in a tight finish that drew visible sportsmanship between the top women at the line.

Local athletes also shone. Darius Parker, 22, of Hinesburg claimed the top Vermont men’s title in 2:25:47. Brynn Orban-Salley, 26, of South Burlington took the top Vermont women’s spot in 2:58:09.

Race conditions proved favorable for fast times despite the Memorial Day weekend weather. A steady rain at the 7:15 a.m. start gave way to cool temperatures that runners described as ideal for distance efforts. 

Organizers had prepared for variable spring conditions, with road closures in place across Pine Street, sections of Main Street, Cherry Street, Lake Street, and North Avenue.

Officials have estimated the event, and others similar to it, brings needed dollars in visitor spending to the city and surrounding towns through lodging, dining, and local business patronage. 

Beyond elite competition, the race included thousands of recreational runners, relay teams presented by Darn Tough Vermont, and adaptive divisions.

Handcycle results saw Erik Corbett of New Hampshire top the men’s division and Devann Murphy win the women’s handcycle category. The relay format allowed teams of two to six runners to share the 26.2-mile distance, broadening participation for those not seeking a full solo marathon.

Smith, who took an early lead and pulled away decisively, finished well ahead of runner-up Kevin Heeman (2:19:25) and third-place Paul Neilan (2:19:54). In post-race comments, the debut winner expressed surprise at the record pace. “I really didn’t think that was going to be the expectation,” Smith said.

Taylor’s win added to a strong elite women’s field. She finished ahead of competitors including Heidi Westover, a six-time Vermont City Marathon champion who returned and placed second in the masters division.

The event requires extensive coordination with city departments for traffic management, public safety, and logistics. Burlington police, fire, and public works crews supported road closures and crowd control, allowing runners safe passage through the urban and waterfront sections.

For those competing, it requires extensive training, mentally and physically. For many, the marathon represents both personal achievement and connection to Vermont’s long-standing running community and events. 

This year’s field included athletes from across the country drawn by the event’s reputation and timing on Memorial Day weekend. Youth races held Saturday — the Vermont City Two Mile and Mini Marathon — extended the weekend’s activities for families.