How do I register for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon?

Registration opens in early March on a tiered pricing basis through Race Roster. The earlier you sign up, the lower the entry fee. You can also enter by joining one of the official charity fundraising teams.

What is the time limit for the marathon?

The course limit is 6 hours and 30 minutes from the time the start line closes. Roads, fluid stations, and medical support will not be available after 2:50 PM on race day.

Is the Twin Cities Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, it is a USATF-certified Boston qualifying course. Roughly 13% of finishers run a Boston qualifying time.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course is mostly flat for the first 20 miles, circling four lakes and following the Mississippi River. Miles 21-23 feature a steady climb up Summit Avenue in Saint Paul, with no individual climb exceeding 100 feet. The final half-mile drops downhill to the State Capitol finish.

What is the typical race-day weather?

Early October in Minneapolis typically brings cool, crisp conditions with temperatures in the 40s at the start and rising to the mid-to-upper 50s by midday. Wind and occasional rain are possible. The 2023 race was canceled due to unusual heat, so monitor pre-race weather alerts.

How many runners finish the marathon?

Approximately 7,000 runners finish the marathon each year, making it one of the larger marathons in the United States.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon is a sanctioned USATF event, which means qualifying times count toward Boston Marathon registration.

Sun, Oct 4 · 2026Minneapolis, MNSince 1982

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

The Twin Cities Marathon takes you from downtown Minneapolis around four lakes and along the Mississippi before climbing into Saint Paul for a finish at the State Capitol. The course is mostly flat with a real test in the final miles, and the fall foliage and crowd support make it worth every step.

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MEDTRONIC TWIN CITIES · US

Medtronic Twin Cities

SUN, OCT 4

2026

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Race Overview

EST. 1982

The Twin Cities Marathon goes from downtown Minneapolis to the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul, and it earns its reputation. The first half is genuinely fun. You circle Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Lake Nokomis on wide, tree-lined parkways with crowds cheering the whole way. Around mile 13 you turn north and run along the Mississippi River. The course is mostly flat through here and you will feel good. Don't go with it.

Around mile 21 you cross into Saint Paul and start climbing Summit Avenue. It goes up for about two miles and it does not let up. On fresh legs it is manageable. At mile 21 it is a grind. The last half-mile is downhill to the Capitol, which helps, but save something for Summit. Registration opens in early March on a tiered pricing system, so signing up early saves money. You can also get in through one of the official charity teams. The weather is usually cool and crisp in early October, which is ideal for racing, but heat cancellations have happened, so pay attention to pre-race alerts.

Field size

~6.5k

6,500 finishers

BQ rate

13%

Above national average

Time limit

6:30

Standard cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:08:51

Dominic Ondoro

2016

Women

2:26:51

Zinaida Semenova

2001

The Course

550 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑550 ft

Total descent

↓590 ft

Net elevation

↓40 ft

Highest point

950 ft

Lowest point

788 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

The Twin Cities Marathon runs point-to-point from downtown Minneapolis to the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul. The first half is the faster half: you circle four lakes on wide parkway roads with minimal climbing, then follow the Mississippi River north. No individual climb exceeds 100 feet. The challenge comes after mile 21, where the course rises steadily for roughly two miles up Summit Avenue into Saint Paul. On tired legs this uphill stretch feels longer than it is. The final half-mile drops sharply to the Capitol finish, which helps runners close strong. Start conservatively through the lake district and bank time for Summit Avenue. This is a net-downhill course overall, but the late climb means aggressive early pacing usually backfires.

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

42°F

High

60°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Early October in Minneapolis runs cool, and that's mostly good news. The morning start is typically in the low 40s, so dress for it. A throwaway layer or gloves for the corral is worth the hassle. By the time you're deep into the back half, temps have usually climbed into the high 50s or around 60, which is close to ideal for marathoning. It's not a guaranteed fast-weather day, but the window is genuinely favorable more often than not. If it comes in warmer than average, don't let the early miles fool you.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration, no lottery. Marathon fills steadily through summer; entry is usually still available a few months before race day. Time-qualifier and charity guaranteed-entry pathways exist for runners who miss the cap.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

MSP

10 mi

from the start

≈ 16 min transferOn the doorstep

What to expect

Most travelling runners fly into MSP, about 10 miles from the start, right on the doorstep by rideshare or transit, roughly a 16-minute trip. Stay close to the start in Minneapolis, MN so you're not fighting race-morning closures and transit on tired legs. Arrive a day early to clear the expo and bib pickup, and build in buffer for gear-check and corral entry.