Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
The Lowdown
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.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Legendary crowd support
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Downtown Minneapolis
Race start in the heart of Minneapolis with views of the IDS Center and the city skyline
Chain of Lakes (Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet)
Runners pass scenic parkland and lakefront trails in the early miles
Stone Arch Bridge and Mississippi Riverfront
Scenic stretch along the river with views of the historic Stone Arch Bridge
Minnehaha Falls Park
Near the course corridor, a popular green-space landmark known for its waterfall and trails
Mississippi River crossing
The course crosses or parallels the river as runners head east toward Saint Paul
Summit Avenue (Saint Paul)
Iconic stretch lined with historic Victorian mansions in the later miles of the marathon
Landmark Center & Rice Park (Downtown Saint Paul)
The race finishes in downtown Saint Paul near the Landmark Center and festive Rice Park
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Minneapolis , MN, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Must be 16 years or older on race day to enter the marathon
- Complete official race registration and sign the required waiver
- Bibs and registrations are non-transferable
- Runners must finish within the official course time limit (6 hours 30 minutes); participants who cannot maintain the required pace may be removed from the course
- Entrants must follow all race and USATF competition rules
- Wheelchair and handcycle competitors must register in the appropriate division and may require prior approval or classification
- Medical clearance is recommended for participants with pre-existing health conditions; race medical staff decisions are final
- Proof of age or identity may be required at packet pickup or on race day
Required Documents
- Photo ID
- Registration confirmation
Entry Methods
- Online registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
All standard entries are non-refundable
Bib transfers are not permitted
Deferral to the 2027 race is allowed through August 31, 2026 for a $30 processing fee
Medical deferrals allowed with physician documentation; entry fee credited toward the following year minus a $30 processing fee
The course is point-to-point from downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul and finishes along the Mississippi River with scenic views of the Saint Paul riverfront and downtown skyline.
Finishers receive a commemorative medal and a technical finisher shirt, and there is a well-stocked post-race festival with food vendors, a beer garden, and recovery areas.
The event weekend includes a race expo with packet pickup, vendor booths, a kids run (KidDash), and community events such as a pre-race pasta dinner hosted by local partners.
Aid stations are frequent—typically every 1.5–2.5 miles—offering water, electrolyte drink, and gels, and medical tents are available at the finish area for recovery support.
Parking in downtown Minneapolis is limited on race morning so organizers provide shuttle services from designated lots and recommend arriving early or using public transit; there are awards for overall, masters, and standard five-year age-group categories.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.