Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend
St Paul, MN
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 Miler, 10K, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend is the community’s signature running and fitness celebration. Entering its fifth decade, the weekend features runs for participants of all ages and paces. The community-inclusive event also includes live art, course entertainment, the Summit Beer Garden, and welcomes non-participants to join the 300,000+ cheering spectators … MORE
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Very well organized
Bib pickup was a very easy process. They even have volunteers to verify your bib chip is working and properly assigned to you. Plenty of vendors and giveaways at the … MORE
Bib pickup was a very easy process. They even have volunteers to verify your bib chip is working and properly assigned to you. Plenty of vendors and giveaways at the expo. I just don’t like that you have to pay for parking 😡. Race morning went very smoothly, boarded buses at the finish area out to Minneapolis after a short wait. Music, entertainment, and plenty of porta John’s all around the start area. Bag check was done by corral assignment= a very good idea. Plenty of refreshments at the finish line, and I went right to the beer garden. Hotels downtown are pretty expensive. My group stayed in Eagan. Much cheaper hotel prices. Drove to State Capital finish area, plenty of free parking on race morning.
Beautiful course
This fall race brings about the best. The course has its challenges like rolling hills, beautiful fall scenery, and visual appeals including rounding up three lakes heading into the state’s … MORE
This fall race brings about the best. The course has its challenges like rolling hills, beautiful fall scenery, and visual appeals including rounding up three lakes heading into the state’s capital. The spectators lining the entire route means boredom is out of the question. Soak in the usual “Minnesota Nice” atmosphere.
Marathon #10
Overall the expo was ok. No issues getting to start with the transportation provided. Silly complaint on my part, start was at the Minnesota Vikings Arena, would have been nice … MORE
Overall the expo was ok. No issues getting to start with the transportation provided. Silly complaint on my part, start was at the Minnesota Vikings Arena, would have been nice if that was open to wait in there, as it was a chilly morning and would have been very welcoming!
Course was difficult, hilly and towards the end challenging.
Highly recommend!
Very well organized, incredible crowd support, frequent aid/hydration stations. Absolutely beautiful course. Race shirt and medal look great. If I'm being picky, the course felt crowded for most of the … MORE
Very well organized, incredible crowd support, frequent aid/hydration stations. Absolutely beautiful course. Race shirt and medal look great. If I’m being picky, the course felt crowded for most of the 26.2 miles (narrow roads in several places). There were several times, late in the race, where it was very difficult to pass. The expo was great and had plenty of stands/vendors, but was crazy crowded… Post race, the shuttle back to Minneapolis from St. Paul was super convenient and easy. This was my third marathon and overall, the smoothest experience. I would highly recommend this race!
Incredible support makes this race
Pros: amazing spectators, interesting course, lots of toilets in the start area, good aid stations, mild weather (this year), great race shirt, fun shakeout runs Cons: it's not the fastest … MORE
Pros: amazing spectators, interesting course, lots of toilets in the start area, good aid stations, mild weather (this year), great race shirt, fun shakeout runs
Cons: it’s not the fastest course out there, disappointing expo, scenery not as great as people suggest.
Overall: highly recommend
Great Crowd Support
The course was a down and back and was mostly flat. The start line was a little crowded and took a minute or two to space out. The scenery was … MORE
The course was a down and back and was mostly flat. The start line was a little crowded and took a minute or two to space out. The scenery was mostly through a neighborhood. The crowd support was top notch.
PR Race
The course was a down and back and was mostly flat. The start line was a little crowded and took a minute or two to space out. The scenery was … MORE
The course was a down and back and was mostly flat. The start line was a little crowded and took a minute or two to space out. The scenery was mostly through a neighborhood. The crowd support was top notch.
Great Course Support
The best thing about this race was the course support. The water stops were frequent, and the course was filled with spectators and cheering sections. Great swag for the Looney … MORE
The best thing about this race was the course support. The water stops were frequent, and the course was filled with spectators and cheering sections. Great swag for the Looney Challenge. Shirts, medals, backpack, and socks. Would definitely recommend.
Run like the wind
Expo was at the St Paul River centre, next to the Minnesota Wild arena. The shirt is a black long sleeve which few people wore. Lots of smoothie and syrup … MORE
Expo was at the St Paul River centre, next to the Minnesota Wild arena. The shirt is a black long sleeve which few people wore. Lots of smoothie and syrup samples at the expo, as well as a company testing your hydration levels and one that promised to improve your vertical leap by shocking your muscles (I added 1.5 inches to my leap)
The race starts next to the Vikings stadium in Minneapolis and runs counterclockwise for 15 miles, straddles the Mississippi for 4 miles, then heads east to the finish in St Paul. The only real shortcoming of this race was that the gear check table was so slow. I got in line at 7:30 for an 8am start time. 20 minutes later, with no end in sight, 25 of us panicked and set down our bags in a big pile, and the volunteers processed it just fine. Why couldn’t we just do this in the first place? Another minor gripe: there are no clocks on the course except for the finish line.
But the course itself was great. We straddle four lakes in the first 15 miles, although this means high winds. There are few extended straight roads in this course, everything gently curves so you can never see more than 1/3 mile ahead. Fantastic crowd support, with some spectators bringing dogs to pet. One guy even brought his 50 inch flatscreen down to the curb and played the Vikings game on TV for the spectators! Water stops were almost every mile, which I loved because high winds dehydrate me quickly. Mimosas at mile 3, some beer at 23, and whoever gave out free White Castle burgers at mile 22, you saved me.
You reach St Paul in the last mile and there is a nice downhill to the finish. Post-race party is on the lawn next to the State Capitol. Plenty of free local beers to use your beer ticket on.
This race boasts it’s the “best big city marathon”. I got similar Midwest hospitality vibes from Des Moines and Fargo, two of the highest rated small marathons. To scale the production up to one of the largest marathons in America makes this race a great pick.
Best Race Hands Down
Spectators at every inch of this course! I ran alone but with the city coming out to support, I ran with everyone! I believe at mile 24 or 25, a … MORE
Spectators at every inch of this course! I ran alone but with the city coming out to support, I ran with everyone! I believe at mile 24 or 25, a group of volunteers hang with you while you go up the last hill, and all I can say is THANK YOU! Production, course, course support, nutrition, merch…everything 10/10! Highly recommend!
Never Coming Back
I've ran TC multiple times and have had a great race there, however, after the sh*t show they had last year (thankfully was not running), I will never advise this … MORE
I’ve ran TC multiple times and have had a great race there, however, after the sh*t show they had last year (thankfully was not running), I will never advise this race to anyone.
The fact that they took away people’s opportunity to race, last minute while knowing the temps were going to be where they were, while also doing it after people got on busses, rented hotels, got family there, is absolute crap.
I highly recommend staying far away from this race, as the operators seem to think they’re more knowledgable of making decisions for people’s health than the actual people in the race.
Races have been done in warmer temps, and TC really sh*t the bed here.
Like I said, never coming back.
They canceled the race 2.5 hours before
They cancelled it but there were still PLENTY of people who ran anyway. All around there were parks and trails filled with runners wearing their bibs getting out to run. … MORE
They cancelled it but there were still PLENTY of people who ran anyway. All around there were parks and trails filled with runners wearing their bibs getting out to run. Some ran the actual course. I was from out of town and didn’t know the course so I just ran laps around a lake for 26.3 miles (I ran extra just in case.) I went to MSP to run a marathon so I ran a marathon.
Neighbors and friends of racers were sprinkled throughout the neighborhoods with makeshift aid stations.
I wish they would have left it up to the runners to decide what they wanted to do: we all signed waivers. We all trained in the heat over the summer. You’ve got to adjust your expectations when it’s warmer. Smart, realistic runners know this.
I won’t go back. I’ll find some other race in Minnesota to run. This race got my $135 already as did this town’s economy. I’m salty about this one.
Gorgeous Race
This is one of the most scenic and gorgeous races I have run. As a point to point race, I recommend staying in St. Paul as that is where it … MORE
This is one of the most scenic and gorgeous races I have run. As a point to point race, I recommend staying in St. Paul as that is where it finishes. The swag and race production were both great.
Beautiful Course, Awesome Spectators
The 2022 Twin Cities Marathon was my first marathon. Overall it was a really good experience even though I was seriously questioning my decision to run a marathon during those … MORE
The 2022 Twin Cities Marathon was my first marathon. Overall it was a really good experience even though I was seriously questioning my decision to run a marathon during those last miles. I felt like the race management did a great job of consistent communitication leading up to race day with regular emails (2X a month, I think) and regular postings on social media. They also had special emails and a facebook group for first time runners.
The aid stations were terrific! Hands down to amazing volunteers. I was a middle of the pack runner and the stations were well stocked and quite long so I had no problems getting either Nuun Endurance, water, or both drinks.
The amount of spectators along the course was amazing. Seriously, spectators lined all along the entire race course, even on the bridge going over the Mississippi River. For a first time marathoner, this was awesome to see. The constant cheering definitely helped to keep me going when I hit that serious struggle point around miles 23-24.
I am slightly disappointed with the race swag. The medal is great, definitely a very solid heavy medal, and it was the 40th anniversary of the marathon so that is neat to have on my medal. We also received a long sleeve shirt and a 40th anniversary BOCO hat. The hat is actually really good quality and I have already worn it on a rainy run a few weeks post marathon. The shorter distances did not get the hat, but a pair of Fitsok socks with the TC Marathon weekend and leaf stitched in. I was disappointed that the marathoners didn’t get the socks that said ‘marathon’ on them, but also very fortunate to have neighbors that ran shorter races and ended up with more than one pair of socks so they gifted me a pair. I was also disappointed that there was not a special finishers shirt you received after crossing the finish line. I know many marathon distance races do this, so I guess I just expected it.
The expo was pretty easy to navigate and parking was a breeze. The expo is in downtown St Paul, so we did have to pay to park in a parking ramp, but being that we went on Saturday it was very easy to get in and out of, and we were able to use the skyway to connect from the parking ramp to the expo. The expo itself was smooth sailing, getting race bib and swag first, then continuing to the specific race weekend gear for sale. Brooks is a sponsor so they had a lot of clothing with the TCM logo on it. Of course I ended up my a TCM jacket and have already worn it a few times, both out and about and for running. Then a bunch of other vendors and other races had booths set up with information and items for sale, including some fueling options.
Post-race food was a little disappointing. Mostly it was a variety of snack foods, a banana, and a bottle of water. They were also serving Nuun, not sure if it was more endurance or a specific recovery drink. I just know I picked up the fullest cup I could see, chugged it and had it quickly refilled by an attentive volunteer. Probably should have gone for a third cup in hindsight, but was happy to have more liquid/electrolytes right there at the finish line. From reading previous reviews of TCM my understanding is that the food selections were better/more filling in the past. This difference may have been for the VIP access – I know for a fact they had a lot more food options, or might just be related to all the happenings of the last couple of years and choosing to only have pre packed snacks.
Race course/weather: Running in Minnesota in early fall can be a bit unpredictable, weather wise. I’ve seen snow and I’ve seen 80 degres. This year was a bit on the warm side, starting temperatures in the mid 50s and ending (for me) around 70 degrees. The cloud cover didn’t last for more than a few miles, so I was happy that a good portion of the race course was shaded. There were definitely a couple spots with a lot of sun, but I would say overall more shady than sunny. A majority of the course was tree lined, and lots of views of the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis. Crossing the Mississippi, the course follows the river a bit more with mansions on one side, then when you get to Summit Ave the course is a very long straightaway until the end. Summit was tree lined, spectator lined, and mansion lined, so the views were good if you weren’t on the struggle bus at this point (mile 22-end). The course had a long hill near mile 2, and then very small rolling hills until around mile 20-21, and a couple bigger hills that really aren’t that bad except that they are after mile 20. Then Summit has a very gradual incline that probably wouldn’t be noticed except that it is in the final miles. I didn’t think the course was that difficult – my difficulties were from not having the whole mental game figured for the last few miles.
Parking was a breeze because now you can reserve spaces in parking garages ahead of time. (Who knew?). The course is a point to point, so they had shuttles to bring people from start to finish and vice versa. The metro transit train also ran right by the start and finish, and race participants could ride for free with their bib. My friends and I stayed in a hotel by the start line, so there was no worrying about parking for us on race day morning.
Overall I would definitely recommend this race, and will probably do it again myself!
FABULOUS FANS/SPECTACULAR EVENT
If you’re looking for a perfect course while running in cool temperatures with great organization and fabulous fan support along the way, this is it! Added bonus of the beauty … MORE
If you’re looking for a perfect course while running in cool temperatures with great organization and fabulous fan support along the way, this is it! Added bonus of the beauty of the peaking fall colors in the height of the season adding immense beauty! This was a top of the notch race all around and was truly enjoyable! I would highly recommend and plan to run this one again at some point as it was definitely memorable!
Medtronic TC 5K and Corporate Challenge
I have run in this race several times, always as part of a corporate team in the Corporate Challenge. This is a USATF certified and chip-timed course that is very … MORE
I have run in this race several times, always as part of a corporate team in the Corporate Challenge. This is a USATF certified and chip-timed course that is very professionally produced. There are typically 2,000+ runners in this race. You will need to train on hills if you don’t want to have a bad time – the first 1/2 mile is about 80 feet of elevation change, all up, and it can take the wind out of your sails for the balance of the next 2.6 miles. The middle part of the course is small rolling hills and then you get the 80 feet of downhill elevation change at the end. This is a big event, it is the day before the Medtronic Marathon on the Sunday following this Saturday race. There is a lot of fanfare and it is fun, with hundreds of spectators along the course. If you are in the Twin Cities area around early October, you should think about this race!
Awesome event with great crowd support
Everything about this race is awesome. Crowd support the entire race. Cool fall temperatures. Well organized start area and finish area. Highly recommended event. MORE
Everything about this race is awesome. Crowd support the entire race. Cool fall temperatures. Well organized start area and finish area. Highly recommended event.
Huge race, smooth production!
It always amazes me how well they pull off this race - it’s huge with both the 10 miler and full marathon on the same day. I enjoy the course … MORE
It always amazes me how well they pull off this race – it’s huge with both the 10 miler and full marathon on the same day. I enjoy the course although the hills can be challenging and also Summit Avenue, my gosh the city needs to do something about that road. It’s in terrible condition and saw several runners take a tumble on the bumps and cracks. So it is a bit hazardous. But after surviving that stretch soon comes the awesome downhill finish to the State Capitol, always so glad to see! Great race and great fall weather in Minnesota is a must to experience.
Fun, but challenging hill miles 20-23
The race starts in Minneapolis and finishes in St. Paul. Don't stress about where to stay (near the start or near the finish) since they provide shuttles from St. Paul … MORE
The race starts in Minneapolis and finishes in St. Paul. Don’t stress about where to stay (near the start or near the finish) since they provide shuttles from St. Paul to the starting line. I stayed in St. Paul because I didn’t want to wait to get back to my hotel. St. Paul has a good light rail system.
I started out a bit too fast because my watch wouldn’t pick up my pace due to the tall buildings in downtown Minneapolis. About a mile or so in, my watch finally “clicked” and I saw that I was going about a minute/mile faster than I would have liked. My bad.
Nice scenery running past the lakes and the Mississippi River. Very well supported. Good entertainment along the course. Even though I knew about the big uphill from miles 20-23, it still was a bear getting through it. I walked more than I would like to admit. 🙂
Great finish at the state capital. One word of warning. If you do not carry your ID with you, you cannot get the free beer at the end of the race. I was 57 and they wouldn’t serve me.
Great course
Lovely race. Come visit MN for this one. Large well organized race with great get together at the end. Run through beautiful historic Minneapolis homes. MORE
Lovely race. Come visit MN for this one. Large well organized race with great get together at the end.
Run through beautiful historic Minneapolis homes.