Peter Malakhov's Staging Area

This race deserves its reputation as one of the US Top 10 and the most beautiful urban marathon! The organization is top-notch. Start area is well laid out with plenty of porta-pots. The race starts in downtown Minneapolis and goes in a large arc around the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, past beautiful parks and through nicer residential neighbourhoods, mostly on scenic parkways 100% closed to traffic, towards the Mississippi River and St.Paul. It crosses the river at Mile 19 and continues on to the State Capitol past grand mansions of Summit Ave and the majestic St.Paul Cathedral. Fluid stations every 2 miles, every mile after Mile 20, are well-stocked and well-managed. Spectators line the course for the whole duration (very much unlike Canada), and their support is loud and enthusiastic! The Twin Cities crowd really sets this race apart. The course has long flat stretches punctuated by small rolling hills and a more challenging though by no means killer 3 mile rise from the river to Mile 23. It finishes on a fast downhill with a breathtaking view of the Capitol. Post-race refreshments are many and varied, and a long-sleeve shirt you get after the finish is very welcome, as is complimentary beer (bring your ID!) The weather was perfect too, cloudy, cool (45F/7C) with only a light wind. Great BQ race – Worth a trip!