Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend

From the start next to the new Vikings football stadium to the finish by the state capitol, this point to point road chip-timed marathon features lots of lakefront, stately old mansions, river crossings, fall color, bands, constant spectators and parkways with some significant ups and downs, hard surfaces and uncertain weather, although more apt to be cold and wet than hot and dry. Due to the large number of participants, runners now start from 3 corrals. I began midway in the 3rd corral this year. I was about 15 minutes behind the lead runners when I crossed the start line. I am now 68 and slow, i.e. I now do a combination of 50% walk – 50% run. 20 years ago I ran this race under 3.5 hours – now 5.5 hours. I have enjoyed this race 23 of the last 25 years. Twice I was running a 100-mile ultra that day instead. It has a good expo with convenient packet pickup. The finish line is well organized, albeit crowded with modest post-race food (Gatorade, water, yogurt, fruit cups, bananas, energy bars, chocolate milk, broth and whole wheat muffins). Your name and residence city-state is announced as you approach the finish line. There are finish line and mid-race photos available. You have good access to bus or train transport from the finish line to the start of the race. I recommend parking at the finish and taking the bus. More toilets along the course would be nice. Beverage (energy drink first and water second) is served every 2-3 miles, although it should be on both sides of the road at each aid station, given the large number of runners. There are faster races to qualify for Boston if qualifying is a goal and a challenge for you. There are races less crowded, fewer turns, more downhill and with softer surfaces. I have qualified for the Boston marathon 7 times, finished a marathon or beyond in every state, finished 144 marathons, but although close a couple times, I NEVER qualified for Boston at this race. Expect to pay $10-20 to park for the expo and start of the race – or be prepared to walk (a mile maybe) before and after the race or packet pickup. When the Metrodome existed, runners warmed up inside at the start. Now with the new Vikings stadium, runners have NOT been allowed inside, so waiting up to an hour outside before the start of the race is often cold (frosty ground) and potentially wet. BE PREPARED, as you likely will use the complementary drop bag service for warmup clothing transport to the finish line, where mylar thermal blankets are distributed. The past couple years, cloth gloves (useful!) were included in packet pickup. Also be ready for the mostly uphill miles 19-23 as they come at a tiring time of the race.