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Twin Cities Marathon

St. Paul, MN
Sunday, October 4, 2026


  4 Stars from 29 Reviews

Course Description
The Twin Cities Marathon is a very popular fall marathon choice and is annually one of the largest marathons in the U.S.

The course is a point-to-point course beginning near U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis and finishing at the State Capitol in Saint Paul. The course route travels around four lakes and both sides of the Mississippi River. The course is mostly flat with some rolling hills along the way. However there are no significant climbs.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Minnesota Marathons near St. Paul, MN



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Sunday, October 4, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 51°F (10°C)
Average High: 62°F (16°C)
Average Low: 40° F (4°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.85
Course Score: 98.85

Race Size

2026: No Results
2025: 7,002 Finishers
2024: 6,787 Finishers
2023: No Results
2022: 6,501 Finishers
2021: 3,203 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: N/A
2025: 4.3%
2024: 6.6%
2023: N/A
2022: 7.9%
2021: 8.2%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

2026 Race Day Weather Forecast


Race Day Temperatures

 High: 66°F  (19°C)
Low: 50°F  (10°C)

Race Start Conditions

 52°F  (11°C)

Clear
NW 7 mph 

PR Score
(Normal Score)

 98.47
(98.85)

Course Score

 98.85

The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. You may need to adjust your pace slightly.




Twin Cities Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Twin Cities Marathon was the 12th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 12th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 4.3% of Twin Cities Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 6.6% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Twin Cities Marathon ranked 316th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 244th in 2024. In Minnesota, it ranked 6th in 2025 and 6th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Twin Cities Marathon has a Course Score of 98.85, ranking it as the 246th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 6th fastest marathon course in Minnesota.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Twin Cities Marathon a PR Score of 98.85. The PR Score ranks the Twin Cities Marathon as the 184th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 4th best marathon for a PR in Minnesota.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Twin Cities Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Minnesota for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Twin Cities Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed246th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 6th fastest marathon course in Minnesota
Top 53% Nationally#6 of 7 in Minnesota
PR Potential184th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 4th best marathon for a PR in Minnesota
Top 40% Nationally#4 of 7 in Minnesota
Boston Qualifier Rate316th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 6th highest BQ percentage in Minnesota
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 67% Nationally#6 of 8 in Minnesota
Race Size12th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd largest marathon in Minnesota
Based on 2025 results
Top 3% Nationally#2 of 9 in Minnesota

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 950 feet (289m)
Min Elevation: 788 feet (240m)

Elevation Gain: 576 feet (175m)
Elevation Loss: 495 feet (150m)


Twin

Course updated 07/07/2026




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Race Reviews


4.0
Based on 29 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Scenic course- faster than you'd think

Full Review:

Very scenic course with tons of crowd support the whole way. Felt like more downhill than advertised. Parkways were a little narrow/crowded at times, but that was short lived.
Reviewed by AP About 2024

Endless cheers from spectators

Full Review:

Twins Cities is my favorite race yet. Temps are cool, a ton of spectators cheering for you, many pace teams, well organized drink stations.

Race Tips:

There is a gradual uphill from roughly mile 21-24. On tired legs, it feels like a bit of an eternity. Our pacer intentionally did a positive split and informed the whole group of this strategy. I was skeptical as I've always tried to negative split, but I think this was the optimal plan.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Plenty of hotels near the start and shuttles were readily available from the finish back to the start.
Reviewed by MP About 2024

They'll take your money and run!

Full Review:

They canceled the race because of 70 degree weather. I have no hope for this race in the future.

Race Tips:

Avoid it!
Reviewed by JD About 2023

Rip off

Full Review:

They knew all week the weather and cancelled the morning of. No refunds? What a joke this was planned to take everyones money! I will not recommend anything for this run. I will not sign up again.
Reviewed by T$ About 2023

Non-profit only cares about profit

Full Review:

Cancelled the marathon and 10 mile runs the morning of the race due to "extreme temps" that weren't , and which had been forecasted one week before with no changes. They waited until 5:30 in the morning the day of to cancel, ensuring that the expo and other events milked as much money from participants who won't get a chance to run.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2023

Last minute cancellation/money grab

Full Review:

They canceled the marathon last minute when conditions improved from the Friday forecast. They obviously wanted people to come through the Expo to make their merchandise revenue. I'll never support, run, or recommend this race again. Refunds we won't even mention that.

Race Tips:

Stay far away from this race. Its non empathetic organizers only want their money. Look at their generous $40 credit after they cancelled for covid. A disgrace. They should be investigated for fraud.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hotels hike up rates for the race but that is to be expected.
Reviewed by Curtis About 2023

ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!

Full Review:

Cancelled due to weather conditions but nothing has changed in the forecast for the last 72 hours. But what did change? The amount of swag that TCM needed to unload. What a ripoff and scam.
Reviewed by MB About 2023

Cancelled for 70° weather

Full Review:

After training all summer in sometimes 100° weather, the we se jokers cancelled it over 70° weather.

Race Tips:

Find a different race, this one is a bust.
Reviewed by Dan About 2023

Cancelled last minute

Full Review:

The race was cancelled 1.5 hours prior to the start time for 'black flag heat' when temperatures were in high sixties/seventies for what would have been the duration of the 10 mile time. I can completely understand cancelling the event for safety purposes, but the manner in which this was executed was inexcusable. Would have appreciated knowing the night before rather than to find out as I am excitedly out the door for the race. My heart breaks for marathoners who had trained for this race for months only to have it cancelled the morning of. I find it interesting that the city cancelled it late enough that they were still able to hold their expo were hundreds of people bought merchandise, and when the city profited off the capital from increased tourists in the city for the race. Beyond dissappointed.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2023

Thank you for watching out for us!

Full Review:

I did NOT run the TCM 2023 today because they made the decision to cancel. while a lot of folks are Big Mad, as a back of the packer, I'm quite happy they cancelled. It's hot! And would have been dangerous. I will definitely come back another year.
Reviewed by Rc About 2023

About 2023...

Full Review:

Always a fantastic race environment and very scenic fall course. Anyone reading the 2023 reviews: what those reviewers don't tell you is that they were refunded in full *and* given priority to sign up for 2024 first (normally sells out so that's a big deal). They were understandably upset at the poor communication the week of the race (TCM's messaging should have been "based on current forecast, there is a reasonable chance that we'll see black flag weather and will have to make a tough decision. we'll keep you posted" instead of "the race is on" all week until suddenly when it's off at 5:30AM the day of) and were too antsy to get their refund, which they did get within a few weeks. Ignore those reviews - overreactions in the moment (we all do it).

Have you ever had a pro football Hall of Famer play his sousaphone for you as you run by during a marathon? Now you will as Alan Page cheers from mile 2.5 every year. Expect fan support from start to finish. There isn't anywhere on the course with no fans, and only a couple small pockets with scattered fans.

Race Tips:

Most of the elevation is between miles 20-23 so need to keep some extra energy in the tank for that and not get caught up early in the downhill and flat miles 2-10 as you go down and around the lakes.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Taking the light rail train to the start is the way to go, so either get dropped off by a friend or uber at the closest light rail station or, if you're from out of town, stay at a hotel in downtown Minneapolis and walk over, or a hotel in Bloomington by the Mall of America and the airport and also take the train in.
Reviewed by Run Good About 2023

Beautiful course and great community support from start to finish

Full Review:

I love this race. I've run it 13 times. The climb from mile 20 to 23 is challenging but doable. Fans are enthusiastic and supportive. Weather is almost always perfect, and the fall colors are beautiful.

Race Tips:

Most of the elevation gain happens between miles 20 and 23, so you want to prepare for that and pace conservatively the first half to keep from blowing up late. Fall color is pretty around Lake Harriet and along the Mississippi River. Be sure to take in some of the scenery if you can.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

If you have someone to meet you at the finish line, then the airport hotels are a good option as you can take the train right to the start line. You can actually take the train back as well but you need to connect back in downtown MPLS. The parking lot for the shuttle bus in St Paul to go to the start line is expensive but there is quite a bit of free parking nearby if you arrive early.

The gear check can get backed up if you wait too long to check your gear bag and get into your corral. If the start temps are in the 40s, a light pair of gloves and a hat covering your ears goes a long way to keeping you warm enough while you wait for the start. Lots of runners will wear a long sleeve shirt that they throw to the side after a mile or so. Clothes offloaded during the race are collected and dontated. The number of bathrooms are adequate so lines do not take long.
Reviewed by Mike Olsen About 2022

Top Notch

Full Review:

The race was wonderfully organized. Crowd support the whole way. The last section of the course is tough with the hill around mile 22, but the overall experience is two thumbs up.
Reviewed by AN About 2019

Local Insight

Full Review:

Typically cold at start - dress in rags to discard. Very good "fan" support, water station frequency and bathrooms. Miles 20 thru 24 are up a constant slight incline and this makes this a hard course. Wind can be an issue between Miles 14-17. Heavily crowded and gated at finish line so plan your escape and meeting well. Good luck.

Race Tips:

Cold to start. Second half is tougher than first half. Can't avoid the pavement with crowds lining the edges.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Use light rail train (free on race day) when you can. escaping the finish line is not easy with the crowds and all the fencing and narrow walkways - especially with sore legs. I've done it 3 times and live along the course.
Reviewed by CBO About 2018

Full Review:

incredible fan support, great atmosphere throughout the course. The scenery is great, but I was enjoying the fans so much.

Race Tips:

Mile 21-23 hill was challenging for me. Most of the marathon is on wide enough roads but it does narrow for a stretch near Lake Harriet around mile 7 and runners bunched up.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

If you can stay in downtown St. Paul, you hop on the light rail (which is free to runners) and then can walk back to your hotel from the finish line. Hotel 340 in St. Paul doesn't come up on many of the common travel sites and is a great option. I was able to get a relatively inexpensive room there after the larger hotels were booked up.
Reviewed by ER About 2016

Full Review:

Great course, fantastic crowd support, very well organized...and wonderful weather!
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2016

Full Review:

Reviewed by MT About 2016

Full Review:

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2016

Full Review:

Beautiful course, excellent weather, enthusiastic fans. You can't ask for more. I was told that the race usually starts inside the stadium so there is shelter if the weather is bad. For 2016 the Vikings had a home game so the race was not allowed to use the stadium. Fortunately the weather cooperated but I still would have liked being able to go in the stadium.
Reviewed by kb About 2016

Challenging, but one of the best in the country

Full Review:

Deceptively challenging, but hands down one of the best in the country. There is great crowd support and it's set up perfectly for friends and family to line the course. America's most beautiful urban marathon!

Race Tips:

Pro: It's in early October, so temperature is not usually an issue as it tends to cool down.

Con: Miles 21-26 are gradually uphill whereas the beginning of the race is flat or downhill. So it tests ability to finish strong!
Reviewed by JDN About 2016

Find the Minnesota nice on this course

Full Review:

GREAT fan support the whole course!! Epic scenery with mostly flat roads, dashed with a few hills to keep it fun!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hotels near the mall of America and take light rail 20 minutes to the starting point, can take the light rail all the way back to the mall from the finish line
Reviewed by Jay About 2016

Full Review:

Great time of the year for a race, get to see a lot of the Twin Cities, great crowds, variety of scenery (city, nature, river, bridges, homes, etc), love crowds up the hill into St.Paul, plus the downhill sprint to the finish :)

Race Tips:

Ignore the 'mostly flat'... there is a significant hill at mile 1.6-2.3 that is 100', which seems like not a big deal, but if paced fast - can sap much needed energy storage... possible issue late.

Also... how can they not mention the hill going from the river up into Saint Paul? Mile marker 21->23... roughly 150' climb.
Reviewed by Nick About 2015

Full Review:

The course is mostly flat. There is beautiful scenery running along several small lakes in Minneapolis. the fan support along the course was great.
Reviewed by LJH About 2015

Full Review:

The Twin Cities Marathon is an excellent marathon to run. Great organization for the race and community involvement. It is beautiful to run in the fall along the boulevards and lakes. Cheering bands, music and enthusiasm that help the runners. Even though there are about 8,000 runners on the course, with 2 lanes it does not seem crowded. The finish at the Capital is excellent and downhill finish helps tired legs.

Race Tips:

Some of my best marathons have been on this course. I would recommend a conservative approach due to gradual hills on the Saint Paul side of the river. Particularly, when you are tired the hill seems to be very long. Study the elevation map to be ready. The weather can be warm so adjust your pace accordingly. Frequently it has a cool start so warm up gear is important. Don't overdress because it usually warms up.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There are many motels within travel distance and the freeway system is good for getting everyone to the Metrodome. I usually get there plenty early for the port-o-Johns and to be familiar with the start line. Several races are going off so it can be confusing. Know your pace and stick with that early on when the miles seem easy. A good pacing watch is really important and running with someone is good too.
Reviewed by Paul About 2015

Full Review:

It's hands down one of the best races I have ever participated in. Top notch organization, fun, and friendly atmosphere, more spectators than you could ever imagine! This is my favorite race!

Race Tips:

Once you see the cathedral of St. Paul peeking through the trees get ready to fly to the finish line! Also - they have a huge American flag about a quarter mile from the finish line and it waves ever so gently in the breeze. Awesome!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I usually stay at the Crowne Plaza. They have a bus shuttle that picks you up from the hotel entrance, and brings you essentially right to the start line of the race. Super slick!
Reviewed by Nathalie About 2014

Full Review:

It has a very good organization. The spectators support is amazing. The race is pretty flat and the weather helps during the course for a good time.

The start line is a plus, cause you can wait inside the stadium so the cold does not affect at all.

Race Tips:

You may keep the pace during the whole race.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I would rather the hotel near the finish line.
Reviewed by Rolando Guevara About 2013

Full Review:

Beautiful course with a lot of community support.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2013

Full Review:

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2012

Full Review:

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2012