Toby Linder's Staging Area

Seemed like people were spectating along the entire course! Logistics are decent, we stayed in Minneapolis and walked to the start. Could easily use the light rain system to get around too. Save some energy for uphill section ~M21-23 (but at the least the last 0.25 is downhill!) Overall a great event by a great city!

There are plenty of reviews, videos, etc., about the course, which is mostly packed gravel on an old railway, so no surprises. Yes, the tunnel is dark, damp with some puddles, so watch your step. The trail is not closed to other traffic, but the cyclists, runners, walkers did not pose real problems. Weather was pretty good, so fluid stations were sufficient for me. (If you’re running >9min pace then carrying a bottle might be advised). There are few, maybe zero porty potties supplied by the race along the course. (The few I noticed I believe are part of the trail system).Used my favorite shoe, Saucony Endorphin Pro! Traction, footing was fine, but the shoe felt “dead”, so carbon plated shoes did not work for me. (Of my last 17 marathons, this was my slowest time). As expected no crowds, scenery is just spectacular for the entire 26 miles, which makes up for any other short comings! Post race had sufficient snacks, the cool water tank for your legs and the cold hand towel are great! Shuttles from finish back to your car worked out fine too.

My friend ran the half, their start area logistics were not ideal. Only a few porty potties (marathon start had decent number, 30???) Halfers they had to drop their bag at the marathon start before they took the ~30 min shuttle to the half start.