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Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: St Paul, MN, USA
- Race Date: 10/04/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Description
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon is a Boston qualifying race often called “the most beautiful urban marathon in America.” The point-to-point course starts near U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and winds past a chain of lakes, tree-lined parkways, and the banks of the Mississippi River before finishing on historic Summit Avenue at the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. With no climbs longer than 100 feet and stunning fall foliage, this early-October race is a favorite for scenery-seekers and Boston Qualifiers alike.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Additional Details:
Fourteen fluid stations line the Twin Cities course with water, sports drink, and Nuun, but the standout is a genuinely Minnesota touch: Organic Pure Fuel by Anderson’s Maple Syrup, served on course instead of the usual gels. The Diane and Alan Page Community Cheer Challenge turns spectating into a competition of its own, with neighborhoods across the Twin Cities vying to bring the loudest, most creative crowd support, and the tally of participating cheer squads regularly tops 300,000 people. Finishers can add a personalized iTAB engraved with their name and finish time to their medal, a small but popular way to make the keepsake feel one-of-a-kind. Between the syrup and the neighborhood rivalry, this race has personality well beyond its famous scenery.
Course Information
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6 hours
# of Finishers
Marathon: 7,002
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 576 ft (175 m)
Elevation Loss: 495 ft (150 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 45°F
- High: 64°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Full Marathon Training Plan
Structured plans for every experience level, from your first 26.2 to chasing a new PR.
Things to Do in St Paul, MN, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Museums & History
Minnesota History Center
Explore the state’s story at the Minnesota History Center, home to interactive exhibits and archives spanning Minnesota’s full history — an easy, indoor stop after race day.
Arts & Culture
Creative Enterprise Zone Murals
See more than 65 outdoor murals on a self-guided tour through the Creative Enterprise Zone — a relaxed, low-impact walking stop after race day.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Como Park Conservatory
Wander Como Park and Conservatory, the oldest free zoo and garden in the country — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day after racing.
Outdoors & Trails
Mississippi Riverside Trails
Bike or walk Saint Paul’s extensive Mississippi riverside trails, part of the city’s expansive park system — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Como Zoo
See numerous animal exhibits at the Como Zoo, part of the country’s oldest free zoo and conservatory — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Sports & Entertainment
Science Museum of Minnesota
Explore interactive science exhibits at the Science Museum of Minnesota along the Mississippi River — a relaxed, indoor way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
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Boston Qualifier: Yes