This has been my favorite marathon by far and I didn't even PR!

The course was spectacular. It's hard to run 26.2 miles and not have some dull miles on the course, but this race was beautiful the whole way through - whether running through downtown Minneapolis, along the lakes, or in and around residential areas.

Pros:
- Well organized transportation to/from the race
- Good massages post race
- Good shirt
- Great medal

Cons - I don't have any!

I'm trying not to repeat a marathon, but if I were to, I think this would be the one.

The Twin Cities Marathon is by far my favorite way to run 26.2. This year's race did not disappoint.

Pros
CROWD SUPPORT: Constant & best around.
Organization: Flawless execution.
Aid stops: Well-stocked.
Course: Beautiful & not boring.
Finish: Awesome. Downhill & energetic.
Start-line: Corral 1 is spacious.
Gear: Nice long-sleeve & medal.
Expo: Navigable & not too chaotic.
Weather: Ideal fall weather.

Cons
Course: Uphill the last few miles.
Food at finish: Not impressive.
Start-line: Corrals 2 & 3 are packed.
Parking: Challenging, as expected.

Overall, you can't go wrong with Twin Cities. It's not what I'd consider a PR course, but I have run my two fastest times on this course due to crowd-support alone. I plan to run it every year until my running days are over.

Perfect organization from the time you register until you finish, amazing course, and great spectators. Additionally, if you from our out of town the TC are a great place to spend the weekend - not to expensive with all the amenities. This has to be one of if not the best marathon in North America.

An incredible experience! Beautiful course, extremely well organized from the time you register until you finish the race, and wall to wall spectators from the start of the race until the finish. I really don't know where the race organizers could improve. If you have not run this marathon put it on your list! Furthermore, if you are from out of town, the Twin Cities is also a great place to spend a few days.

Ran my third marathon here, and other than being disappointed with my time was very impressed. It was a very well run event, and the crowd support was probably the best I've seen. My only complaint, and by no means is this even a real complaint, is there are not enough clocks on the course. I'm sure anyone who trains in even moderatly hilly areas handled the hills well, but I train in central Ohio and the hills (particularly Summit Ave. miles 21-25)were considerably more challenging than what I expected. I hadn't planned on doing a PR, but also didn't plan on losing a full minute from my Boston time. The last 1/3 or 1/2 mile is spectacular...downhill, amazing view, lots of spectators.

Absolutely fantastic race in all respects. The weather, scenary and crowd support were great. I would put this marathon at the top of the list.

Terrific event! Crowd support is intense for a race this size. The Metrodome makes a great place to stay warm before the start, the scenery along the course is consistently attractive (no industrial dead zones to run through), the goodies (medal, shirt, armsox) are first-rate, and did I mention the crowds?! The only quibble I'd have is that parts of the race are run on single-lane streets, and it got congested occasionally, especially at water stops. Most of the time I was running with the 3:30 pacer, though, so maybe it was just crowded around him. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better marathon experience.

This was my eighth Twin Cities Marathon, and despite my worst time ever (due to injury), it was still thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. The expo is always well organized and full of everything you may need for the race or for a future race. The staging area at the start is inside the Metrodome which means no waiting in long lines outside for porta-potties or shivering in the cold for long periods before the start (sometimes the starting temps can be in the low 30s, although this year was 45). The course is great; I BQ'd at TCM a couple years ago. It is also known as The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America, the fall colors are usually near peak and the course winds around many of the lakes in Mpls. The hills on Summit Ave are not a huge deal if you are having a good race...however if you are struggling and having a bad race, those hills can be pretty brutal. The finish is one of the best I've ever experienced (except Boylston Street in Boston). The fans are AMAZING! There is fan support everywhere along the course (even 3-4 people deep at some points). The part along Summit Ave is inspiring as fans with signs, cow bells, thunder sticks, hand clappers and anything else that makes noise do their best encourage us along (their support is unwavering, their sobriety...questionable at best at this point).

I may be a little biased since I live in the Twin Cities, but I have run over 20 marathons across the country and I must say...Twin Cities Marathon is a MUST RUN for any runner.

Near perfect conditions for an incredibly well-organized race. Everything from the packet pick-up to the finish line gear check operated smoothly. The course is incredibly beautiful. You run by a stately Basilica with tolling bells, go by 4 lakes, cross the Mississippi river, and run through a beautiful neighborhood in St. Paul, while appreciating gorgeous fall colors. The dramatic view as you head to the State Capitol is as good as it gets in an urban marathon.

The crowds were plentiful and very supportive. There was a fair amount of music including NFL football great and MN Supreme Court Justice Alan Page who plays the tuba every year at the same spot, near mile three.

The medal was very nice. I liked its modern, understated design (which matched the design on the finisher's shirt). With so many marathons giving out large, garish medals (think Disney), I appreciated the simple, elegant design of the Twin Cities' medal.

My only complaint concerns the finish line. The finish area was clearly organized and well-run. The food was pretty good. I particularly liked the soup broth and the chocolate milk. Ice cream would have been nice, but I am sure it would be chancy to provide it given the wide swings in the weather possible in early October. My complaint is that there used to be a tent outside the finisher area where runners and their families could relax and enjoy food, including free pizza. Now this tent is used for 'corporate sponsers' only. I was really looking forward to the pizza!

Otherwise, the marathon was a great experience. I look forward to running it next year.

While foot pain, leg cramps and the late heat significantly slowed my time, the sheer beauty of the course and great fan support made it memorable. You run through pretty lakeside neighborhoods complete with cheering fans stacked several deep there to motivate you. My only suggestions for improvement are to give more advance warning of which side of the road water will be provided. But I would highly recommend to others considering this race.