Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

Often dubbed “The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America,” the Twin Cities Marathon delivers on scenery​. The race is a one-way route connecting Minnesota’s two largest cities: it starts in downtown Minneapolis (near U.S. Bank Stadium) and finishes at the State Capitol in St. Paul​. Along the way, the course showcases fall colors and city lakes – you’ll run past sparkling Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and along the Mississippi River. Historic Summit Avenue in St. Paul, lined with autumn trees and stately homes, comprises the final miles​. The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling; the biggest challenge is an extended gradual uphill from about mile 20 to 23 as you climb from river level up to the finish at the Capitol (roughly a 200-foot gain, which feels significant late-race)​. Overall, many runners find Twin Cities fast – there’s enough downhill and flat early on to offset the late hills. And the visuals are stunning throughout, from urban skylines to natural vistas.