The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend is more than Sunday’s beautiful 26.2-miler. We offer races, walks and activities for every age and ability level! Learn more about the weekend’s events and activities by using the navigation bar at the left or top of your screen.
Eventful for the entire family! Our weekend events include:
More than 120 vendors with the latest in running and fitness gear and helpful information on equipment and nutrition gather for the Health & Fitness Expo, a two-day event before the marathon and 10 mile that is free and open to the public!
Our legacy event, the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, is a top 10 U.S. marathon and has become an annual celebration of fitness and fun this October. The race has 300,000 spectators, 5,000 volunteers, more than 25 entertainers and Cheer Zones, plus a “27th Mile” filled with post-race activities.
In the Medtronic TC 10 Mile, runners take on the 5th largest 10 mile race, also known as the Shortcut to the Capitol®, because participants are able to follow the last seven spectator-lined miles of the marathon route. The participant field limit fills by online drawing in July.
TC 10K and TC 5K – These walker to runner-friendly out and back courses begin and end on John Ireland boulevard, near the State Capitol. Enjoy the scenery along historic Summit Avenue and cross our marathon finish line. All participants receive technical event shirts (kid’s sizing available) and post-race water and food.
Diana Pierce Family Mile, presented by Medica and Half Mile, presented by KS95 – These walker to runner-friendly out and back courses begin and end on John Ireland boulevard, near the State Capitol Enjoy the scenery along historic Summit Avenue and cross our marathon finish line.
The 50-yard Toddler Trot on the State Capitol lawn is great for kids learning to love to run! The event is run in waves, starting with the youngest competitors.
A “competitive” crawl on the State Capitol lawn, the Diaper Dash, presented by Pioneer Press is perfect for little ones still on their hands and knees.
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Challenging and beautiful
This is the 2nd time I’ve run this race and I’m planning on coming back next year. The weather has been perfect running weather. Even though this is a challenging … MORE
This is the 2nd time I’ve run this race and I’m planning on coming back next year. The weather has been perfect running weather. Even though this is a challenging course with rolling hills it’s my fastest marathon times. I loved the crowd support and the beautiful course. The race was very organized and easy logistics.
Most Scenic Urban Marathon (AS BILLED!)
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 … MORE
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.
It is a BEAutiful race!
It is a great race with beautiful scenery. You run through the city, around the lakes, and along the river. Plenty of spectators to cheer you on and provide support. … MORE
It is a great race with beautiful scenery. You run through the city, around the lakes, and along the river. Plenty of spectators to cheer you on and provide support. A great race overall and well run. I was injured so not a PR. I plan to tackle it again in 2019.
Well run
Great course! Almost always a good weather weekend. Let's hope for the same next year! A really fun event for both racers and spectators. The course was set up and … MORE
Great course! Almost always a good weather weekend. Let’s hope for the same next year! A really fun event for both racers and spectators. The course was set up and organized very well. The volunteers were awesome, and the race ran very smoothly from what I could see.
Spectators carried me the whole way!
The spectators at this race are constant! I didn't think much about my body at all because there was so much cheering along the way to keep your spirits up! … MORE
The spectators at this race are constant! I didn’t think much about my body at all because there was so much cheering along the way to keep your spirits up! Make sure to run the tangent, I ended up running 26.6 instead. The corral start went smoothly, and the finish line as well. It seemed like a ways to walk through everything, but I felt it was reasonable considering runner safety. It was nice to have a changing tent to get into warmer clothes, too. Take some time to hang out and walk around afterwards. I was rushed and totally missed my free beer and the PR bell. For spectators: my crew saw me four times, but that is probably about max unless you bike and are able to follow near the route.
Perfect morning to run through MN
As a spectator, this was a fun race, but I had to move quick! I made it to 3 spots along the course, at 2 miles, 6 miles, and at … MORE
As a spectator, this was a fun race, but I had to move quick! I made it to 3 spots along the course, at 2 miles, 6 miles, and at the finish. I had to plan out where I wanted to be and move quickly to get to the next spot, as the runners I was watching were towards the front. It was a gorgeous fall day, a little chilly in the morning, but perfect for running. The course was set up and organized to a T, the volunteers were awesome, and the race ran very smoothly from all I could see between the 10M and the full marathon.
My favorite marathon so far
TCM is a great marathon. The spectator support, scenery, production and course are all fantastic. It's not a killer course. It's really an enjoyable experience, made possible by all the … MORE
TCM is a great marathon. The spectator support, scenery, production and course are all fantastic. It’s not a killer course. It’s really an enjoyable experience, made possible by all the folks who put it together.
Fun Race, Nice Course
Fun start to TC marathon weekend. Mostly flat course through some beautiful neighborhoods. The race is well organized with plenty of water and food for runners. MORE
Fun start to TC marathon weekend. Mostly flat course through some beautiful neighborhoods. The race is well organized with plenty of water and food for runners.
The best marathon
There are so many great things about the Twin Cities marathon: 1. It's beautiful - peak fall colors throughout two beautiful cities 2. Crowd support - there are constantly people … MORE
There are so many great things about the Twin Cities marathon:
1. It’s beautiful – peak fall colors throughout two beautiful cities
2. Crowd support – there are constantly people cheering for you throughout the entire 26.2 miles
3. Overall well put-on race – my absolute favorite race – it’s very well organized and just awesome!
There's a reason I keep coming back.
I'm on a mission to run a marathon in all 50 states before I die. I have run Twin Cities Marathon eight years in a row. And I also plan … MORE
I’m on a mission to run a marathon in all 50 states before I die. I have run Twin Cities Marathon eight years in a row. And I also plan on running this marathon every year until I die. I’ll be 97 when it’s TCM’s 100th anniversary. I really hope I’m around for it. It’s that awesome.
I love this marathon so much for a few reasons. For one, it has the absolute best crowd support. Two, from the lakes to the changing leaves to the gorgeous houses, the course is stunning. Three, there’s enough hills to make the course challenging without being to difficult. I also love that both the Minneapolis basilica and the St. Paul cathedral ring their bells for the runners. AND there’s a big downhill finish.
Best. Marathon. Ever.
Unforgettable Race Weekend
The entire weekend from expo to race day was awesome. The crowd support and volunteers were exceptional. So much excitement I didn’t reach for my marathon playlist until Mile 20. … MORE
The entire weekend from expo to race day was awesome. The crowd support and volunteers were exceptional. So much excitement I didn’t reach for my marathon playlist until Mile 20. The race was perfectly organized. If there were any hiccups I couldn’t see it. I’d do this race again.
A+ Fall Marathon
Beautiful tour on foot of mpls to St. Paul. Excellent spectators and crowd support. Everything about the race weekend was smooth—expo, race morning, volunteers were ALL STARS. MORE
Beautiful tour on foot of mpls to St. Paul. Excellent spectators and crowd support. Everything about the race weekend was smooth—expo, race morning, volunteers were ALL STARS.
Beautiful, perfect size
This was my second time running this race. I previously travelled from the east coast of Canada to run this in 2011. When I decided to attempt a marathon again … MORE
This was my second time running this race. I previously travelled from the east coast of Canada to run this in 2011. When I decided to attempt a marathon again 7 years later this one was at the top of my list. It was a fantastic experience both times. It has the race organization, course amenities and expo of a large race but a field size that allows you room to breathe yet still have enough people around you running and cheering to keep you going. The scenery is beautiful and the course is very manageable even if you feel Summit will never end!! The weather is also generally favorable which is a huge consideration for me. It has a very friendly vibe also. I had huge PBs her both times and pretty even splitting. A 20min PB the first time and 24min the second time, though that was mostly by waiting many years between attempts ;). I would highly recommend this race. I had a wonderful experience both times and it was most definitely worth the trip!!
Make It a Tradition
The Twins Cities Marathon is an event like no other. If you know “Minnesota Nice” multiply it by a million... that’s how I would describe this event. The marathon is … MORE
The Twins Cities Marathon is an event like no other. If you know “Minnesota Nice” multiply it by a million… that’s how I would describe this event. The marathon is first class all the way from organization to the breathtaking scenery to the endless, encouraging spectators. My dad ran the first, and his only marathon, the TCM in 1982. I will never forget being a 7 year old watching him attain a goal no one ever thought possible due to health concerns – the experience lived with him, and me, his entire life. When my dad passed, I vowed to run my first marathon in his memory – and I haven’t missed a Twin cities Marathon since. Did you know the first logo contained two hearts – symbolizing the “Twin” Cities… I perfer to believe it’s because once you run this stunning marathon not many others can compare. It will take hold of your heart. I’ve toed the line at Boston twice (as a qualifier) and the London Marathon getting my finishers medal from none other than Prince Harry himself but Twin Cities Marathon is the one I will come back to again and again. The one that truly holds my heart. And always will.
My favorite race(s) of the year.
I have ran either the Twin Cities marathon or the 10 Miler for years. The 10 miler was the first longer distance race when I stated running, and will always … MORE
I have ran either the Twin Cities marathon or the 10 Miler for years. The 10 miler was the first longer distance race when I stated running, and will always be special. This year was like previous years… The organization from registration the post race was excellent. The spectators were awesome. Seeing so many people up and out in the early morning cold cheering on all the runners is energizing. From the little kids out supporting theirs family members to the houses alnong the corse that have parties during the race.
This marathon is truly beyond words
This was the first time I was in Minneapolis, first time traveling far for a marathon. This course was like a tour through all the special parts of the Twin … MORE
This was the first time I was in Minneapolis, first time traveling far for a marathon. This course was like a tour through all the special parts of the Twin Cities. THE PEOPLE! I LOVED THE ENERGY! The crowds filled my heart with an energy that causes me to tear up just thinking about it. I danced, I high fived, and I beat my previous marathon time by A HALF HOUR! What a feeling! The course description prepared me for the hills and I conquered the course while still feeling humbled by the nature all around. Really hope to run again soon! THANK YOU TWIN CITIES!
Beautiful Course and amazing volunteers
Well organized and the crowds along the course are amazing. Plenty of water stops and first aid stations. Great race for 1st Time marathoners and top athletes. Great community event. MORE
Well organized and the crowds along the course are amazing. Plenty of water stops and first aid stations. Great race for 1st Time marathoners and top athletes. Great community event.
TCM Puts on Fantastic Events
Participating in Twin Cities in Motion marathon weekend at any distance, or contribution is a must for any athlete and Minnesotan. The weekend is flawless from registration to completion! MORE
Participating in Twin Cities in Motion marathon weekend at any distance, or contribution is a must for any athlete and Minnesotan. The weekend is flawless from registration to completion!
Woo, first marathon!
While this was my first marathon, I've definitely been a spectator at many and the crowd at Twin Cities is unparalleled! Smoothly run; picturesque course; and amazing crowd. MORE
While this was my first marathon, I’ve definitely been a spectator at many and the crowd at Twin Cities is unparalleled! Smoothly run; picturesque course; and amazing crowd.
My 1st And didn’t disappoint!
The course and spectators were both amazing. It was my 1st so don’t have much to compare to but I would recommend this race to anyone, especially those who have … MORE
The course and spectators were both amazing. It was my 1st so don’t have much to compare to but I would recommend this race to anyone, especially those who have never done one.