Twin Cities Marathon
Minneapolis, USA · First Sunday of October
Nicknamed 'The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America,' Twin Cities runs point-to-point from US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, passing the city's Chain of Lakes, the Mississippi River gorge, and the historic Cathedral of Saint Paul. The course is flat and scenic for the first 25 km; then the decisive test arrives on Summit Avenue (km 30–37), a sustained 70-metre climb that separates well-paced runners from those who banked too early. The 2023 edition was cancelled due to 33°C heat — the event has since committed to moving to mid-October from 2027.
Course
Elevation gain
175 m
Net elevation
+25 m
Finishers
~7,025
Month
October
First Sunday of October
Race-day weather
Median start temp
10°C
Historical range
5–20°C
Hot-year risk
High
Minneapolis in early October is typically ideal marathon weather (7–13°C), but rising autumn temperatures prompted a move to mid-October from 2027. In 2023 the race was cancelled outright when race-day temperatures hit 33°C — the clearest warning sign in American marathoning.
Getting in
Sells out fast. First-come, first-served; opens in March, cap ~11,000. No lottery. Sells out before race day — register as soon as registration opens. Charity team spots available. From 2027 the race moves to mid-October. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for Twin Cities Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Twin Cities Marathon a fast course?
Yes, it is a fast course by big-marathon standards. The course has 175 m of total elevation gain. We rate it 7/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the Twin Cities Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 10°C, with a historical range of roughly 5–20°C. Minneapolis in early October is typically ideal marathon weather (7–13°C), but rising autumn temperatures prompted a move to mid-October from 2027. In 2023 the race was cancelled outright when race-day temperatures hit 33°C — the clearest warning sign in American marathoning.
How do you get into the Twin Cities Marathon?
Sells out fast. First-come, first-served; opens in March, cap ~11,000. No lottery. Sells out before race day — register as soon as registration opens. Charity team spots available. From 2027 the race moves to mid-October.
Is the Twin Cities Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Twin Cities Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times.