Course Map
Route based on 2023 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
Twin Cities is billed as the most beautiful urban marathon, a rolling October course through fall colour that saves a sting for the end: the long climb up Summit Avenue in the final miles, just when the legs are spent. Pace the rollers by effort and hold something back for that late ascent toward the cathedral and capitol. Crisp autumn air suits fast running. The scenery is a genuine lift. Save for the Summit climb and the finish rewards the patient rather than punishing the greedy.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Point-To-Point
- Elevation gain
- 164m
- Elevation loss
- 164m
- Highest point
- 290m
- Lowest point
- 242m
- Net elevation
- 0m
- Start
- Minneapolis
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:08:51 — Dominic Ondoro (Kenya), 2016
- Women's
- 2:26:51 — Irina Permitina/Zinaida Semenova (Russia)
Race History
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon was first held in 1982 and is often called the most beautiful urban marathon in America, a point-to-point route from Minneapolis to St. Paul through lakes and tree-lined parkways. Its scenic, fall-foliage course with a late climb up Summit Avenue gave it a distinctive character. From its founding it grew into one of the Midwest's premier marathons. Held each October, it draws tens of thousands amid brilliant autumn color.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown Minneapolis for proximity to the start, downtown St. Paul for finish-line convenience, and Uptown for lively stays near the lakes stretch.
- Getting to the start
- It's point-to-point from downtown Minneapolis to St. Paul; walk to the start near U.S. Bank Stadium, with light rail available back from the St. Paul finish.