Twin Cities Marathon
One race. Two cities. Endless fall color.
About
Known as “The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America,” the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon blends Midwest hospitality, elite-level competition, and scenic fall running into one of the country’s premier destination races. The point-to-point course connects Minneapolis and St. Paul — living up to the race’s name — while taking runners through lakeside parkways, historic neighborhoods, and stretches along the Mississippi River. Popular with both Boston qualifiers and first-time marathoners, the race is known for its strong community support, approachable race weekend atmosphere, and balance of beauty and speed.
Course
Overview
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon feels less like a single race and more like a running tour through Minneapolis and St. Paul, living up to its name from start to finish. The course begins with the energy of downtown near U.S. Bank Stadium before winding past city lakes, tree-lined parkways, historic neighborhoods, and stretches along the Mississippi River. Runners move from the skyline and crowds of Minneapolis into the character and charm of St. Paul before finishing near the iconic State Capitol. Along the way, the race leans into local flavor with Minnesota-based Anderson’s Pure Fuel maple syrup served on course alongside traditional hydration stations.
Course guide
Downtown Release
Miles 0–3Start near U.S. Bank Stadium with dense crowds and fast energy. The course features wide roads and a slight downhill/flat feel.
Pro tip: Beware of the adrenaline rush; avoid going out too hard to preserve energy for later.
Chain of Lakes Cruise
Miles 3–10This scenic section runs through the lakes, showcasing beautiful parkways that are mostly smooth and runnable.
Pro tip: Focus on enjoying the scenery; maintain a steady effort rather than banking time.
Nokomis Transition
Miles 10–14As the course transitions away from the city, the crowds thin and the terrain features slight rollers.
Pro tip: Stay on top of your hydration and fueling; this is a critical time to prepare for the second half of the race.
Start
U.S. Bank Stadium
401 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA
Finish
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155, USA
Bib Pickup & Expo
Health & Fitness Expo
- Fri, Oct 2 3:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Sat, Oct 3 2:00 AM – 10:00 AM
You will need your race number (emailed the week of September 29) and a photo ID to pick up your packet at the Health & Fitness Expo. The Help Desk located in the packet pickup area is staffed by individuals available to help you with registration-related issues. There are also two “Race Number Look Up” tables located near the packet pick up entrance. There is no packet pick up on race day. No exceptions.
- Over 80–100 health and fitness exhibitors
- Latest running gear, shoes, and apparel
- Official ASICS marathon merchandise
- Free samples, massages, and wellness experiences
- Nutrition, recovery, and training tips from fitness brands
- Hands-on health and fitness activations
- Opportunity to meet fellow runners and marathon participants
- Official race bib and packet pickup location for registered runners
- More than 42,000 attendees expected during marathon weekend
- Free and open to the public at the Saint Paul RiverCentre
The Twin Cities Health & Fitness Expo is the official kickoff event for Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend. Held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, the expo brings together runners, fitness enthusiasts, families, and brands for a large-scale health and wellness experience. Visitors can explore more than 80–100 exhibitors featuring running gear, fitness products, nutrition tips, recovery tools, free samples, massages, and official marathon merchandise. The expo is also where registered participants pick up their race bibs before race weekend. It is free and open to the public.
Arrival & Logistics
Official race-day infoParking • Parking is available near the start and finish lines, but spaces may be limited. • Please arrive early to secure a spot. Transit • All Marathon Weekend participants will have free access to Metro Transit bus and light rail on Sunday, October 4 • Access your free pass using the provided link or by showing your bib on race day. Shuttle to Start • Free participant buses will be provided for Marathon, 10 Mile, and Half Marathon participants. • Buses will transport runners to the start line from St. Paul in the morning. Finish Line Shuttles • Rides will be available from the finish line back to the start line area in Minneapolis and to downtown St. Paul. • Check back later this summer for more information on shuttle schedules and locations. Drop-off Locations • The start line is located at 615 S 6TH ST, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55415. • Designated drop-off areas will be available near the start line.
Gear drop
Participants may place their gear and other items in the clear, plastic race bag provided at packet pick up. Gear check can only be dropped off at the Marathon start line in the clear, plastic bag given at packet pick up. Items in other bags will not be accepted. Please be mindful to not overstuff your bag and do not leave valuable items (phone, car keys, etc.) in your gear check bag. Gear check will close on Sunday at 3:00 P.M. at the Capitol Grounds. NOTE: Gear check drop-off will be available ONLY on race day at the event site.
Volunteers
Volunteer signupOther race weekend options
Medtronic TC 10 Mile, TC 10K, TC 5K, KARE 11 Family Mile, Half Mile, Toddler Trot, Diaper Dash, TC Half Marathon for More, TC Loony Challenge, TC Ultra Loony Challenge
See official race optionsSocial events
Finish parties, post-race socials, and meetups.
Twin Cities Marathon Finish Festival
Minnesota State Capitol — 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155, USA- Recovery services
- Sponsor activations
- Food and beverages
- Reunion areas
- Photo opportunities
- Finisher celebration spaces
Post-race gathering area near the marathon finish featuring recovery services, sponsor activations, food and beverages, reunion areas, photo opportunities, and finisher celebration spaces following the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon.
Marathon · Start 8:00 AM · Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN · Start: U.S. Bank Stadium
Also this weekend
- Medtronic TC 10 Mile
- TC 10K
- TC 5K
- KARE 11 Family Mile
- Half Mile
- Toddler Trot
- Diaper Dash
- TC Half Marathon for More
- TC Loony Challenge
- TC Ultra Loony Challenge
Sponsor
Medtronic
Engineering the extraordinary
Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN
Title sponsor of the Twin Cities Marathon Weekend and longtime supporter of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul running community through endurance events, wellness initiatives, and local race partnerships.