Marathon Details - Twin Cities Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MN > Minneapolis-St.Paul > Twin Cities Marathon

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon & 10 Mile, 10K, 5K

Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN USA

October 6, 2024

http://www.tcmevents.org/alleventsandraces/medtronictwincitiesmarathonweekend

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Address:	Twin Cities In Motion 2635 University Avenue West Suite 190 St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone Number:	(651) 289- 7700
Fax Number:	(651) 289-7720
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.8

Organization 4.6

Spectators 4.9

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Number of comments: 454 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 46 > ]

R. M. from WV (10/7/2022) "Well organized event, no complaints or anxious mom" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Beautiful course, great crowd support, sufficient porta potties, buses were - no lines, no waiting - a little warm but a great race. Hills towards the end of the course are deceiving. Only concern is that the app to track runners was not 100% accurate. Had my daughter still running the course even though she had crossed the finish line.
T. D. from AL (10/4/2022) "Great marathon! It's as good as advertised" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a wonderful marathon that should be on everyone's bucket list. For an urban marathon, it's so scenic and the crowd support was amazing. The course is not as fast as Chicago due to the 2 miles of hills that start around Mile 20, but it's certainly more scenic than Chicago. My only complaint is that the Nuun electrolyte fluids were terribly 'watered down'. The fluid tasted about like water! After the race, many people complained about this issue on the Medtronic Twin Cities marathon Facebook page and that it was possibly a major factor in causing their cramps late in the race. Next time, I'll bring my own electrolyte fluids when running a marathon. This was an important lesson. Regardless, I hope to run this race again in the future!
Richard Ervais from Honolulu (10/2/2022) "Lovely course but needs more port-a-potties" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 My 190th marathon but my first time in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The weather was great, the course was lovely, the crowd support was excellent. Two comments - (1) not enough port-a-potties: there were lines at every cluster of port-a-potties and there were usually only 3 or so (towards the end of the race, I saw larger clusters with no lines, but by then they are not as needed as everyone dehydrates). Plus, they were far between and always at cheer zones, so the spectators were using them also. A port-a-potty stop should not add 5+ minutes to your time while you wait in line. A possible solution would be the urinal stands which provide 4 urinals in the same space as 1 port-a-potty. And (2) we asked a number of people at information desks and areas at the expo fairly basic questions that they could not answer (about using the bib for public transit). And, at the finish, I had to ask 3 different people which way the train was - the first 2 had no idea. Basic info which should be given to the volunteers.
T. S. from Mountaintop, PA (5/29/2020) "Fantastic marathon experience!" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a destination marathon for me. I'm from PA and have never been to MN. Upon arriving in Minneapolis, I rented a car and drove to the Expo in St. Paul. I was a little confused as to where to park, but ended up on the street right in front of the building at a meter. Once there, it was not too crowded and easy to find packet pickup. My hotel was in downtown Minneapolis. I was able to walk to the grocery store to pick up a few supplies with no problem and felt safe. I did some sightseeing the day before the race which was a lot of fun as a big Prince fan. One thing that really impressed me was the area was so clean with no trash or littering. On race morning, I walked to the stadium where the Minnesota Vikings play for the start and took some cool pics. The starting line was well organized. I enjoyed the course. It had some rolling hills, but nothing too difficult. The scenery was very pretty and roads were all closed to traffic. Spectators were plentiful. We ran downhill towards the finish at the capital at St. Paul. which was neat to see the building getting closer and closer. There was a free beer at the finish and ample food. Buses were a short distance away to take you back to Minneapolis. The shirt was beautiful. The medal was nice but nothing exceptional. In my 3 day stay, the first day was cool in the 40's, the second day it rained, but on race day it was sunny and beautiful so be prepared for variable weather. The only problem I encountered was at the airport on Sunday evening flying out. It was so crowded, I arrived about 2 hours early and almost didn't make the flight due to the long screening lines. I left Minneapolis thinking if it wasn't so cold there in the winter I would move there. All in all an excellent race and highly recommended!
N. L. from Michigan (10/13/2019) "Lived up to the hype!" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Every positive comment that I've read or heard about this marathon was spot on...this is a great race. Beautifully scenic course with varying sights and never any stretches of road that were too straight and boring. The course is challenging but not too much so...I enjoyed the varying terrain. My favorite and most memorable part of this race is the crowd support...outstanding. Three small gripes: 1) Underwhelming expo (but I can't ever say there has been an expo that I've loved) 2) food in the finishing chute was sparse and 3) it took forever to walk out of the finish chute. However, 5 star experience overall and would run again!
A. Y. from Florida (10/13/2019) "Classic Fall Marathon" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Twin Cities Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great course: large loop around lakes and along the Mississippi, beginning at the Vikings' stadium and finishing at the classic St. Paul Capitol. Solid organization: Super volunteers, easy packet pickup, buses back to the start and excellent communication from when you sign up. The Cities are worth visiting as there are many things to do in many areas, i.e., arts, sports, museums, shopping. Public transportation is easy to use. I flew in and used it exclusively. No rental car, cabs, Lyfts or Uber. Enough saving to fund another marathon entry! Ran in 2010 and pleased to see it has maintained its standards. If AG awards are important to you, you may want to check into that. Highly recommend this event. If you want a family friendly weekend, you'll be happy here.
J. G. from Williamsburg, Virginia (10/9/2019) "Gold Standard of a Marathon Event" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 When the weather is perfect for running, it can only make this event even more spectacular. Everything from the expo to the course was well organized. The pros: 1.) Beautiful route for all 26.2 miles, no running in industrial areas. 2.) Crowd support was awesome, people calling out your name and at times offering food/drinks. 3.) Easy race day logistics with free shuttles to the start or free use of the Metro light rail. 4.) Plenty of porta pots and water/Gaterade on the course. 5.) Large finish area with easy access to food and dry bag pick up. Cons: 1.) Course has some rolling hills in the beginning and after mile 21. Really not that bad, but keep in mind this is not a flat course. 2.) Finisher long sleeve tech shirt is given at the end of the race and was white, but that is a very minor issue. Overall, of the 23 marathons I have run, this ranks in the top 3 based on the course and how well it was organized. I highly recommend it, especially if you need to complete Minnesota for your 50 states.
S. S. from Calgary, AB (10/7/2019) "Tremendous Marathon - A Must-Do" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is such a great race. The organization is excellent, the volunteer support is tremendous, and the crowds are incredible. Here's a quick review: 1. The Expo is well organized and not too crowded. I showed up at 11:00 on Saturday and it wasn't too bad. 2. The bag drop and pickup were seamless. 3. I stayed in downtown Minneapolis because it's close to the start. That was convenient, but downtown Minny is a bit dead on weekends. Not sure if Saint Paul (where it finishes) is more lively. 4. The course - in one word: beautiful. You run along lakes, thorough beautiful treed neighborhoods and along the Mississippi. Note that it runs slightly downhill for the first 20 miles, then up for three before a downhill finish. You have to be really careful (like in Boston) not to go too fast in the first half. I highly recommend Coach Greg McMillan's course preview on Youtube. I followed his strategy (goal pace or slightly slower in the first half) and the hills were not an issue. 5. The finish area was well laid out and bus transportation back to downtown Minneapolis was quick and easy (and free). 6. Getting around without a car (and to and from the airport) is easy and cheap using the light rail trains. 7. MSP is a big hub, so lots of direct flights (no connections to fret over). 8. Finally, the crowds. I'd heard that the turnout was really good here, but I was still shocked at how many people were out to support us. Just amazing - I'm sure it knocked at least a minute or two off my time. Thanks Twin Cities - I'll be back!
P. M. from Toronto, ON Canada (10/9/2018) "Great race, beautiful course, amazing crowd!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race deserves its reputation as one of the US Top 10 and the most beautiful urban marathon in the US! The organization is top-notch. The expo is on a smaller side and easy to get to via car or public transit. Start area is well laid out with plenty of porta-pots. The race starts in downtown Minneapolis and goes in a large arc around the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, past beautiful parks with changing fall colours and through nicer residential neighbourhoods, mostly on scenic parkways 100% closed to traffic, towards the Mississippi River and St.Paul. It crosses the river at Mile 19 and continues on to the State Capitol past grand mansions of Summit Ave and the majestic St.Paul Cathedral. Fluid stations every 2 miles, every mile after Mile 20, are well-stocked and well-managed. Spectators line the course for the whole duration, and their support is loud and enthusiastic! The Twin Cities crowd really sets this race apart. The course has long flat stretches punctuated by small rolling hills and a more challenging steady 3 mile rise from the river to Mile 23. It finishes on a fast downhill with a breathtaking view of the Capitol. Post-race refreshments are many and varied, and a long-sleeve shirt you get after the finish is very welcome, as is complimentary beer (bring your ID!) The weather was perfect too, cloudy, cool (45F/7C) with only a light wind. Great BQ race - Worth a trip!
t. y. from iowa (10/8/2018) "A diverse course with lots of cheering fans" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This marathon brags about the beauty of its course and it deserves to. After a downtown Minneapolis start, the path runs past the Minneapolis entertainment district, along multiple lakes through some beautiful neighborhoods, along the Mississippi trail, through one of the most famous neighborhoods in St Paul, and then finally finishes in front of the state capitol. Even though they had 6700 runners, they use the corral system perfectly and things never got overly congested. The water stations are well spaced and adequate, but the best source of calories on this course are the ample supplies of candy, fruit, water bottles, and a few strategically-placed alcoholic beverages handed out by private neighborhood groups. Crowd support is significant and enthusiastic in the Twin Cities and they take pride in showing runners what 'Minnesota Nice' means. My two complaints with the race concerned parking and race-morning logistics. I never did figure out the 'best' place to park for the race, but settled on the Sears parking lot ($20) near the finish line and it worked well (the line for shuttle busses to the start took about 15 minutes, then a 20 minute bus ride). Once you get to the starting area, be properly dressed because there is nowhere indoors to wait for the start of the race (apparently, they used to open the Vikings stadium to wait inside, but no longer do that).

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 46 > ]

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R. M. from WV (10/7/2022) "Well organized event, no complaints or anxious mom" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Beautiful course, great crowd support, sufficient porta potties, buses were - no lines, no waiting - a little warm but a great race. Hills towards the end of the course are deceiving. Only concern is that the app to track runners was not 100% accurate. Had my daughter still running the course even though she had crossed the finish line.
T. D. from AL (10/4/2022) "Great marathon! It's as good as advertised" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a wonderful marathon that should be on everyone's bucket list. For an urban marathon, it's so scenic and the crowd support was amazing. The course is not as fast as Chicago due to the 2 miles of hills that start around Mile 20, but it's certainly more scenic than Chicago. My only complaint is that the Nuun electrolyte fluids were terribly 'watered down'. The fluid tasted about like water! After the race, many people complained about this issue on the Medtronic Twin Cities marathon Facebook page and that it was possibly a major factor in causing their cramps late in the race. Next time, I'll bring my own electrolyte fluids when running a marathon. This was an important lesson. Regardless, I hope to run this race again in the future!
Richard Ervais from Honolulu (10/2/2022) "Lovely course but needs more port-a-potties" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 My 190th marathon but my first time in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The weather was great, the course was lovely, the crowd support was excellent. Two comments - (1) not enough port-a-potties: there were lines at every cluster of port-a-potties and there were usually only 3 or so (towards the end of the race, I saw larger clusters with no lines, but by then they are not as needed as everyone dehydrates). Plus, they were far between and always at cheer zones, so the spectators were using them also. A port-a-potty stop should not add 5+ minutes to your time while you wait in line. A possible solution would be the urinal stands which provide 4 urinals in the same space as 1 port-a-potty. And (2) we asked a number of people at information desks and areas at the expo fairly basic questions that they could not answer (about using the bib for public transit). And, at the finish, I had to ask 3 different people which way the train was - the first 2 had no idea. Basic info which should be given to the volunteers.
T. S. from Mountaintop, PA (5/29/2020) "Fantastic marathon experience!" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a destination marathon for me. I'm from PA and have never been to MN. Upon arriving in Minneapolis, I rented a car and drove to the Expo in St. Paul. I was a little confused as to where to park, but ended up on the street right in front of the building at a meter. Once there, it was not too crowded and easy to find packet pickup. My hotel was in downtown Minneapolis. I was able to walk to the grocery store to pick up a few supplies with no problem and felt safe. I did some sightseeing the day before the race which was a lot of fun as a big Prince fan. One thing that really impressed me was the area was so clean with no trash or littering. On race morning, I walked to the stadium where the Minnesota Vikings play for the start and took some cool pics. The starting line was well organized. I enjoyed the course. It had some rolling hills, but nothing too difficult. The scenery was very pretty and roads were all closed to traffic. Spectators were plentiful. We ran downhill towards the finish at the capital at St. Paul. which was neat to see the building getting closer and closer. There was a free beer at the finish and ample food. Buses were a short distance away to take you back to Minneapolis. The shirt was beautiful. The medal was nice but nothing exceptional. In my 3 day stay, the first day was cool in the 40's, the second day it rained, but on race day it was sunny and beautiful so be prepared for variable weather. The only problem I encountered was at the airport on Sunday evening flying out. It was so crowded, I arrived about 2 hours early and almost didn't make the flight due to the long screening lines. I left Minneapolis thinking if it wasn't so cold there in the winter I would move there. All in all an excellent race and highly recommended!
N. L. from Michigan (10/13/2019) "Lived up to the hype!" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Every positive comment that I've read or heard about this marathon was spot on...this is a great race. Beautifully scenic course with varying sights and never any stretches of road that were too straight and boring. The course is challenging but not too much so...I enjoyed the varying terrain. My favorite and most memorable part of this race is the crowd support...outstanding. Three small gripes: 1) Underwhelming expo (but I can't ever say there has been an expo that I've loved) 2) food in the finishing chute was sparse and 3) it took forever to walk out of the finish chute. However, 5 star experience overall and would run again!
A. Y. from Florida (10/13/2019) "Classic Fall Marathon" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Twin Cities Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great course: large loop around lakes and along the Mississippi, beginning at the Vikings' stadium and finishing at the classic St. Paul Capitol. Solid organization: Super volunteers, easy packet pickup, buses back to the start and excellent communication from when you sign up. The Cities are worth visiting as there are many things to do in many areas, i.e., arts, sports, museums, shopping. Public transportation is easy to use. I flew in and used it exclusively. No rental car, cabs, Lyfts or Uber. Enough saving to fund another marathon entry! Ran in 2010 and pleased to see it has maintained its standards. If AG awards are important to you, you may want to check into that. Highly recommend this event. If you want a family friendly weekend, you'll be happy here.
J. G. from Williamsburg, Virginia (10/9/2019) "Gold Standard of a Marathon Event" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 When the weather is perfect for running, it can only make this event even more spectacular. Everything from the expo to the course was well organized. The pros: 1.) Beautiful route for all 26.2 miles, no running in industrial areas. 2.) Crowd support was awesome, people calling out your name and at times offering food/drinks. 3.) Easy race day logistics with free shuttles to the start or free use of the Metro light rail. 4.) Plenty of porta pots and water/Gaterade on the course. 5.) Large finish area with easy access to food and dry bag pick up. Cons: 1.) Course has some rolling hills in the beginning and after mile 21. Really not that bad, but keep in mind this is not a flat course. 2.) Finisher long sleeve tech shirt is given at the end of the race and was white, but that is a very minor issue. Overall, of the 23 marathons I have run, this ranks in the top 3 based on the course and how well it was organized. I highly recommend it, especially if you need to complete Minnesota for your 50 states.
S. S. from Calgary, AB (10/7/2019) "Tremendous Marathon - A Must-Do" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is such a great race. The organization is excellent, the volunteer support is tremendous, and the crowds are incredible. Here's a quick review: 1. The Expo is well organized and not too crowded. I showed up at 11:00 on Saturday and it wasn't too bad. 2. The bag drop and pickup were seamless. 3. I stayed in downtown Minneapolis because it's close to the start. That was convenient, but downtown Minny is a bit dead on weekends. Not sure if Saint Paul (where it finishes) is more lively. 4. The course - in one word: beautiful. You run along lakes, thorough beautiful treed neighborhoods and along the Mississippi. Note that it runs slightly downhill for the first 20 miles, then up for three before a downhill finish. You have to be really careful (like in Boston) not to go too fast in the first half. I highly recommend Coach Greg McMillan's course preview on Youtube. I followed his strategy (goal pace or slightly slower in the first half) and the hills were not an issue. 5. The finish area was well laid out and bus transportation back to downtown Minneapolis was quick and easy (and free). 6. Getting around without a car (and to and from the airport) is easy and cheap using the light rail trains. 7. MSP is a big hub, so lots of direct flights (no connections to fret over). 8. Finally, the crowds. I'd heard that the turnout was really good here, but I was still shocked at how many people were out to support us. Just amazing - I'm sure it knocked at least a minute or two off my time. Thanks Twin Cities - I'll be back!
P. M. from Toronto, ON Canada (10/9/2018) "Great race, beautiful course, amazing crowd!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race deserves its reputation as one of the US Top 10 and the most beautiful urban marathon in the US! The organization is top-notch. The expo is on a smaller side and easy to get to via car or public transit. Start area is well laid out with plenty of porta-pots. The race starts in downtown Minneapolis and goes in a large arc around the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, past beautiful parks with changing fall colours and through nicer residential neighbourhoods, mostly on scenic parkways 100% closed to traffic, towards the Mississippi River and St.Paul. It crosses the river at Mile 19 and continues on to the State Capitol past grand mansions of Summit Ave and the majestic St.Paul Cathedral. Fluid stations every 2 miles, every mile after Mile 20, are well-stocked and well-managed. Spectators line the course for the whole duration, and their support is loud and enthusiastic! The Twin Cities crowd really sets this race apart. The course has long flat stretches punctuated by small rolling hills and a more challenging steady 3 mile rise from the river to Mile 23. It finishes on a fast downhill with a breathtaking view of the Capitol. Post-race refreshments are many and varied, and a long-sleeve shirt you get after the finish is very welcome, as is complimentary beer (bring your ID!) The weather was perfect too, cloudy, cool (45F/7C) with only a light wind. Great BQ race - Worth a trip!
t. y. from iowa (10/8/2018) "A diverse course with lots of cheering fans" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twin Cities Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This marathon brags about the beauty of its course and it deserves to. After a downtown Minneapolis start, the path runs past the Minneapolis entertainment district, along multiple lakes through some beautiful neighborhoods, along the Mississippi trail, through one of the most famous neighborhoods in St Paul, and then finally finishes in front of the state capitol. Even though they had 6700 runners, they use the corral system perfectly and things never got overly congested. The water stations are well spaced and adequate, but the best source of calories on this course are the ample supplies of candy, fruit, water bottles, and a few strategically-placed alcoholic beverages handed out by private neighborhood groups. Crowd support is significant and enthusiastic in the Twin Cities and they take pride in showing runners what 'Minnesota Nice' means. My two complaints with the race concerned parking and race-morning logistics. I never did figure out the 'best' place to park for the race, but settled on the Sears parking lot ($20) near the finish line and it worked well (the line for shuttle busses to the start took about 15 minutes, then a 20 minute bus ride). Once you get to the starting area, be properly dressed because there is nowhere indoors to wait for the start of the race (apparently, they used to open the Vikings stadium to wait inside, but no longer do that).

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Marathon Details - Twin Cities Marathon