How do I register for the Med-City Marathon?

Registration is open to everyone and runs on a tiered pricing model. Early bird pricing opens October 1 and runs through January 14. After that, registration stays open online through race day, space permitting.

Is the Med-City Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the course is USATF certified and qualifies for Boston. About 10% of finishers hit a BQ time, so it's achievable but not guaranteed by the course alone.

What is the course like elevation-wise?

The course is point-to-point with a net drop of 265 feet. It's not flat, though. There's real rolling terrain and over 500 feet of gain in the early miles, so the descent into downtown comes later in the race when you most want it.

How do runners get to the start line?

You park downtown and take a free shuttle bus to the start near the airport. Shuttles run every 20 minutes starting at 5:20 AM and the ride takes about 15-20 minutes. Plan ahead so you're not rushing.

What's the weather typically like on race day?

Mid-May in Rochester tends to start cool, in the low 50s, and warm up into the low 70s by late morning. It's manageable but not cold-weather fast, especially if the sun is out in the second half.

How big is the field?

The race typically sees around 360 finishers, which makes for a small, uncrowded race. You'll have plenty of room to run your own pace without fighting for space.

May 2027 · est.Rochester, MNSince 1996

Med-City Marathon

Med-City Marathon runs point-to-point through Rochester, MN, finishing downtown near the Mayo Civic Center. It's a low-key, well-organized race with a net-downhill course that rewards patient, even pacing.

Net downhillOpen

Register on RunSignup

MED-CITY · US

Med-City

MAY 2027

estimated

UNLOCK YOUR FIT SCORE

How does Med-City stack up for you?

Answer 6 questions, and we’ll score this race honestly and compare it against every other marathon in our directory.

Take the 2-min quiz

Race Overview

EST. 1996

Med-City is a small, honest race in Rochester, and it rewards runners who show up prepared and don't overcomplicate things. You start near the airport, get on a shuttle with a few hundred other people, and then run back toward downtown. The course rolls early, which surprises some folks who just see "net downhill" and assume easy. The climbing is real in the first half, so be patient there. The back half trends down into the city and that's when the work pays off.

This is a genuinely good option if you're chasing a Boston qualifier and want a low-pressure environment to do it. Open registration means no lottery stress, and tiered pricing rewards you for signing up early in the fall. The field is small enough that you'll have room to run your own race from the gun. Just don't ignore the early rollers. Bank energy there and the downhill finish is yours.

Field size

~360

360 finishers

BQ rate

10%

Above national average

Time limit

6:00

Tight cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:25:54

Pete Gilman

2005

Women

2:56:30

Kathy Neises

2002

The Course

513 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑513 ft

Total descent

↓778 ft

Net elevation

↓265 ft

Highest point

1,283 ft

Lowest point

977 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

The course runs point-to-point with a net drop of 265 feet, which is helpful but not dramatic. Expect rolling terrain through the early miles as elevation gain accumulates to 513 feet total, so the descent isn't free. The back half trends downhill into downtown Rochester, which is where you can push if you've been disciplined. Don't treat the opening miles as a gift and bank time early. The net loss is real but the gain is real too. Saving your legs through mid-course pays off on the drop into the finish. The course is USATF certified, and the modest field means clean running without weaving.

DIFFICULTYROLLINGPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

View official course map Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

51°F

High

73°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

May in Rochester can feel mild or it can feel like summer is arriving early. Low-50s at the gun is comfortable, but afternoons push into the low-70s, and a point-to-point course means you're finishing well into the warmest part of the day. If you're going for a time, don't wait until you're thirsty to hydrate. The back half is where the heat becomes a factor, and that's also where you want to be running strong. Dress for a cool start and plan to run warm.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration with tiered pricing. Early bird pricing available October 1 through January 14. Registration remains open online through race day.

Register on RunSignup

Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

MSP

70 mi

from the start

≈ 111 min transferManageable drive

What to expect

Rochester International Airport (RST) is 8 miles south of the start line near the airport. Runners park downtown and take free shuttle buses (approximately 15-20 minutes) to the start, with shuttles departing every 20 minutes from 5:20 AM. The finish line is in downtown Rochester near the Mayo Civic Center.

Frequently Asked

7 questions

Compare your options

Related races

Browse all races