Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon is often called the most beautiful urban marathon in America, a point-to-point route from Minneapolis to St. Paul that strings together lakes, the Mississippi River, and tree-lined parkways ablaze with autumn color. The course rolls gently for most of its length before a deceptive late climb up Summit Avenue toward the State Capitol that tests tired legs. Held in October, it delivers crisp fall conditions and warm, knowledgeable Midwestern crowds. The scenery is the headline, though the closing rise demands a measured early effort. It suits runners who want a stunning, fall-foliage course and respect the late hills over a flat-out fast time.
Course Insight
Salt Lake City runs net downhill from the foothills into the valley, fast but run at well over 1,300 metres where thinner air quietly taxes any sea-level plan. The descent is a gift that can shred quads if you take it greedily, so pace it gently. Account for the altitude by easing your effort early. April conditions are usually pleasant. Run the downhill under control and the altitude stays manageable rather than ruinous.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (278m), tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Point-To-Point
- Elevation gain
- 278m
- Elevation loss
- 457m
- Highest point
- 1485m
- Lowest point
- 1295m
- Net drop
- -179m
- Start
- Olympic Legacy Bridge
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Race History
The Salt Lake City Marathon was established around 2004 as a scenic course through the Utah capital beneath the dramatic Wasatch Mountains. Run at over a kilometer of elevation with some gentle descents, it built its identity around the striking mountain setting. From its founding it grew into the city's signature road race. Held each April, it draws a field to the mountain-framed city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Salt Lake City International (SLC)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown for proximity to the finish and full hotels, the Avenues for charming stays near the descent, and Sugar House for quieter, characterful options.
- Getting to the start
- It's net-downhill point-to-point; take the official shuttle or TRAX light rail toward the higher start, as the course descends into downtown.