The Twin Cities Marathon:

Woven together by the Mississippi River, you’ll find an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, the Twin Cities—Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, offering over 100 miles of paved trails, scenic parkways, and lakeside loops. Minneapolis boasts the Chain of Lakes, a network of paths perfect for uninterrupted runs, while St. Paul’s historic neighborhoods and riverfront routes exude a quintessential Midwest charm.

In a world where genuine connection can feel harder to come by, runners have a bit of a secret. We know how quickly a community can form when it’s built around the sport we love. And this community’s running culture seems to shine year-round, anchored in the fall’s marathon weekend. Charlie Mahler, Senior Media and Communications Manager of Twin Cities in Motion, shared that the event embodied this sense of community from the very beginning. Born in 1982, when founder Jack Moran and other leaders in the running community worked to unite Minneapolis and St. Paul after each had hosted its marathon the year before. “They saw the need for something bigger—a single race that could bring the entire community together,” says Mahler.

Ask anyone who has run, volunteered, or spectated the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, and they’ll probably start with the same three things: the scenic course, the spectator energy, and the downhill finish into the State Capitol grounds. Many people run for something bigger than themselves—raising funds for charities, honoring loved ones, or simply encouraging others. It’s a journey, and a finish, that rewards the runner’s miles of training that led up to the start line. The course is part of what makes this race so special. It winds past sparkling lakes, along the Mississippi River, and through tree-lined streets. Even experienced racers are surprised by how scenic it is for such a big-city marathon. As a former pro athlete recruiter, Mahler remembers riding the course tour bus with the elites before race day. “They’dalways remark on the scenery—and how they hadn’t expected it to be so beautiful. And these were athletes who had raced all over the country.”

Race weekend is not just about the marathon. It’s a celebration of running for all ages and paces, with the primary focus being the raising of over $1 million for nonprofits each year. This year, 30,000 runners will grace the streets across the marathon, 10-mile, 5K, 10K, and kids’ events. The Kids Run Free initiative, funded by generous donors, allows all runners 18 and under to participate in any TCM event for free. “We have seen a notable increase in Gen Z runners, which is exciting for the future of running,” says Mahler. Since 2022, more than 18,000 kids have crossed the finish line for free.

That sense of community doesn’t stop at the start line. In recent years, race weekend has grown in ways that reflect its values—creativity, inclusivity, and giving back. The Poster Show brings in local artists to create marathon-inspired works, splitting sales between the artist and Twin Cities In Motion’s nonprofit mission. In 2024, the Half for More charity was launched—the half-marathon finishes at the marathon finish line, with each runner pledging or donating at least $365; part of the Raise the Community Pace initiative, which aims to triple the number of charity runners and double the funds raised to $2.62 million annually by 2028. And this year’s new Equity in Motion program helps remove financial and systemic barriers so more people can participate.

All of this turns marathon weekend into more than competition—it’s a true celebration of the community. Whether you’re running the marathon, the 10-mile, the TC Half for More, or the family-friendly Saturday 5K or 10K, you’ll find your race. If you’re up for a big challenge, you can take on the Loony or Ultra Loony Challenges—three races over two days. No matter which you choose, you get the race experience and the chance to soak up the charm of the Twin Cities.

As with any event, not every year is seamless. In 2023, record-breaking heat of 91 degrees prompted the organizers to cancel the marathon and 10-mile run. “Since we were insured, we were able to fully refund affected runners,” says Mahler. “We have appreciated the understanding our participants showed regarding the decision, and we are pleased to see the event continue to grow in 2024 and this year.”

None of it would happen without the people behind the scenes. Volunteers have been the key to the event since its inception. Mahler reports that the marathon was organized almost exclusively by volunteers for the first half of its existence. Today, more than 350 year-round volunteers serve on committees, and about 3,000 more show up on race day to work aid stations, hand out medals, and cheer runners in. One of those volunteers is Brent Reykdal, a volunteer since 2005. With experience he found the need to make an even bigger difference and eventually took on a committee leadership role. “TCM has a way of turning volunteers into a community, a group of people bonded by the shared purpose of helping runners achieve something remarkable. That sense of belonging is what keeps me coming back year after year.” The volunteers are performing in their own way, “It’slike a well-rehearsed dance,” says Reykdal. “It’s the purest example of community in action and it gives me goosebumps every time.” He encourages those interested in volunteering to explore different roles and find an area that excites them - whether it’s handing out water or working behind the scenes. “You’ll walk away not just with great memories, but with friendships and a deeper connection to something bigger than yourself.” And Mahler can’t agree more. “Volunteers like Brent are the backbone of marathon weekend. They bring a dedication to organizing that is on par with that of runners training for the marathon. As Brent exemplifies, our volunteer leadership is experienced, knowledgeable, and driven to produce a memorable event each year.”

Then there’s the cheer community that has been built around the event. More than 40 official cheer zones line the course as part of the Diane and Alan Page Community Cheer Challenge. The challenge honors Diane Page—a beloved community member known for cheering at the Twin Cities Marathon, often baking treats, and rallying support for runners. After her passing in 2018, the challenge was created to carry forward her legacy of encouragement and community spirit. Over 70 companies provide more than $2 million in cash and in-kind support every year. Pulling all of this together is no small task. The event requires permits and coordination with four different law enforcement agencies: Minneapolis Police, Minneapolis Park Police, St. Paul Police, and the State Capitol Police. “We’re pleased by how all the agencies in our community come together to help us put on a safe, secure event every year. We consider them teammates in the efforts and we try to be a wholly responsible partner to them and our community,” says Mahler.

Every runner who toes the line has a story, and TCM believes that running together is better and that creating an inclusive space for everyone is essential. TCM has been ahead of the curve on inclusivity, adding non-binary divisions with prize money in 2022. The Athletes With Disabilities Program supports push-rim wheelchair athletes like Dave Eckstrom, who has impressively finished every single TCM. The program also provides guide runners for visually impaired athletes, and this year, adds a brand-new handcycle division.

Mahler remembers the year a Minnesota woman was in the final months of her brain cancer battle. Once a top ten finisher, she returned, surrounded by friends and family members to either run slower with her, run their race at their own pace, or come out to cheer. In essence, she chose the marathon as her going-away party. “It was a powerful, powerful moment, and I think it says something special about runners, the running community, and the gravity of our event to many of them,” says Mahler.

It’s moments like that which prove this race is as much about people as it is about performance. Whether for the marathon, the 10-mile, the TC Half Marathon, or the family-focused Saturday races, Mahler believes there is sure to be a right fit for whatever folks are looking for.

So, gather your friends and family and enjoy a weekend that brings together runners of all ages and abilities, volunteers, spectators, and an entire community that rallies around the sport. The course itself offers a journey through the heart of Minnesota—sparkling lakes, shaded streets, the Mississippi River, and the dramatic finish at the Capitol steps—but it’sthe people who make it unforgettable. Every cheer zone, every helping hand at an aid station, every story carried to the start line reminds runners that they are part of something bigger. That’s why so many return, year after year. For anyone considering the challenge of 26.2, or volunteering to help runners achieve their goal, there may be no better place to experience the beauty of a marathon and the spirit of a community than in the Twin Cities.

Things to Know Before You Go – Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

Race weekend draws about 30,000 participants across the marathon, 10-mile, 10K, 5K, and kids’ events. Even if you’re not running 26.2, there’s a race for you.

Called The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America®, the course passes lakes, follows the Mississippi River, and winds through tree-lined parkways before the striking downhill finish at the State Capitol, but not before testing runners with the challenging climb at mile 20 that makes the Capitol descent more rewarding.

More than 40 cheer zones, thousands of volunteers, and neighbors who treat race day like a holiday bring an unparalleled energy to every mile.

From non-binary prize divisions to the Athletes With Disabilities Program, from Kids Run Free to the Poster Show and Half for More charity race, Twin Cities In Motion is committed to inclusivity. The organization makes space for everyone and raises more than $1 million each year for community causes, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued.

October in Minnesota can mean perfect running temperatures, or it can fluctuate overnight, or even still bring the heat of summer, as it did in 2023. So check the forecast and plan accordingly.

The Twin Cities Marathon now has a 6-hour and thirty-minute course closure time starting this year (had been
6 hours for years). The course should be open to nearly
3 p.m., since race officials “start the clock” once the final starter in the last corral has crossed the start line.