The race is completely flat, as far as I'm concerned. I've read repeatedly about the incline up…read moreSummit Ave. around mile 20. But other than about a short hill a block long, I don't recall any other "hills". (Keep in mind, this, coming from a San Franciscan.) The tour of the lakes was a treat, as was the various neighborhoods the course wound through. Out of the 35+ races I've done, this is my favorite, thus far. I'm a big fan of well-organized races that are smaller and more low-key. But I forget how a huge amount of support can help. I have never done a race with this many spectators lined up from beginning to end, cheering for YOU. After awhile, you zone out--especially in those latter miles when all you want to do is finish--but whether you realize it or not, their enthusiasm certainly keeps your morale up. Thank you, MSP, for your Midwestern hospitality!

I had a great experience running the Twin Cities Marathon this year-so glad I signed up!…read more Email updates were helpful and timely, my corral placement (there were 3 and I was placed in 2) was fair, and I love that I didn't need to enter a lottery to enter like I had to for Chicago last year. The expo (held at the St. Paul RiverCentre this year) was busy but pretty well-organized, if you knew to head past all of the booths to the packet pick-up. Participants had to self-scan their bibs to activate the timing chip, but that only took a second and there wasn't much of a line. Wide variety of cool running apparel/gear and marathon essentials sold, along with lots of freebies (yay Clif bar samples, Caribou coffee, and other swag). I found this expo much less stressful than Chicago's. The race course is absolutely beautiful, taking you from downtown Minneapolis to St. Paul. After some hard-core googling for previous marathoners' accounts of this race, I psyched myself out about hills, especially on Summit Ave. My take on this after running the race: don't worry! There are some hills, but nothing crazy, and the course is quite flat for the most part (and there's an downhill finish that makes you feel amazing crossing the finish line). Running around the lakes was probably my favorite part. Crowd support was amazing (lots of funny signs, kids offering high fives, and nice spectators offering hugs/water/donuts/beer/fruit/etc.), and the volunteers made the race go super smoothly! Powerade/water stations were labeled clearly and staggered appropriately every few miles (along with port-a-potties), and the post-race refueling options were great (bananas, fruit cups, chocolate milk, soup, coffee, water, chips, nut rolls, etc.). Got an emergency blanket, and the finisher medal and long-sleeved tech shirt I received are pretty and of good quality, too! I also love that as a spectator or runner, you can sign up to receive mobile text notifications on up to 3 runners-that way you know when runners pass certain points and finish the race! My results were also available by the time I got back home from the race, and the photos should be up within a few days. (Instant gratification is my fave!) Would definitely return to attempt a PR on this marathon. Highly recommend for marathon newbies or veterans!

actually insane that i did this…read more as someone who doesn't workout (like i literally just walked around lakes everyday for a week to "train" for this) this wasn't as bad as i thought it was gonna be. i did all of the obstacle courses except for tear gas and electric shock. luckily i was with the HOTWORX team so it helped a lot since you really need boosts to complete a few. i was fully prepared to just check this off once but i would do it again.

Ram Racing puts on one if the best ran races in the Twin Cities. Race starts on time, 5k is…read morefinished before 15k elites make it to the finish line. Anderson Race Management provides chip trimming. Bonus, chocolate fondu & hot chocolate at the end of the race. Thank you @hotchocolate15k for a wonderful #15k race this morning. Well ran race, beautiful scenic course. One tip, this race never goes down I'm price, search google for bonus codes for extra free swag!

Super fun race! I wish it was 50 and sunny like last year in November but the weather didn't deter…read morethe racers! I did the 10k and the course was beautiful, definitely a good number of hills which gives it a bit of a challenge. The finishers mug was also a nice warm treat after which made pushing through the cold worth it! My only feedback is the finish line was a little bit of a walk to the area where you get the finishers mug and we only got water bottles at the finish, it would've been nice if they were a little closer or get a banana or something small at the finish. Otherwise it was a fun race and well put together!

We booked a private party for adults at Pro Kart and had an awesome experience from start to…read morefinish. The booking process was super easy, straightforward, and pleasant. They send the check-in form ahead of time, so once you arrive it's quick and seamless, no standing around filling out paperwork. You can bring your own helmet or use one of theirs, which is nice, and I loved that you can choose between different course and race options. We booked the Grand Prix package and it was perfect. Tons of lap time, a great mix of practice, qualifying, and racing, and plenty of time actually on the track. They also have an option to show up and drive also for spontaneous dates. The karts themselves are great. Fast, gas-powered, and really fun to drive. The track setup is well designed and makes the racing feel legit, not gimmicky. One of the best parts was getting to see all the stats afterward, lap times, rankings, and performance breakdowns. It adds a competitive edge that makes it even more fun for a group. The staff were super friendly and helpful throughout the whole experience, and everything ran smoothly. This is such a great option for adult group events, birthdays, or date night. We would absolutely do this again.

First time visit! I was super intimidated going on the track especially figuring out the helmet,…read morecart, and remember the flag colors but the staff is helpful, easy going, and attentive. I felt like I got plenty of track time and overall a fun experience!

I love this race. I've only run it once, but having downtown Minneapolis shut down to allow folks…read moreto run a fast road race was a blast! Runners are broken up into various waves. I was in the 40+ masters wave, and was able to nearly toe the line. Some slower milers were up front as well, so that would be a strike against the organizers. Each 1/4 mile is marked off with a timing split, tho I somehow missed the first 1/4 mile marker. Not sure what happened there. Maybe the haze of lactic acid build up was messing with my vision? After you are finished, you can watch the elite women and men race. I feel fortunate that I've seen 5 or 6 people race a mile in under four minutes by attending this race. Not too many people can say that, you know

I had never gone to the horse races, and my first experience was Canterbury Park with my family. We…read morewere in the area for a wedding, and man oh man, I wish I knew about the Sunday fun racing beforehand! We had a pleasant experience. Food options felt a bit limited, and I'm not much of a gambler, so the sheer amount of gambling options felt overwhelming to me. We made it through about 4 races before wanting to go. We had a fine time, and I'm glad I now know what horse racing is like.

A great spot for some solid entertainment! Watching the horse races is such a fun way to spend an…read moreafternoon. However, if you aren't much of a gambler, it can get pretty boring after just a few races. There are a few restaurants on site as well as many bar options but the drinks are relatively pricey! It's also a great spot to host a work or team building event!

After many years of the state fair, I reluctantly went to state fair over Labor Day, and actually…read moreloved it. The new food vendors we tried were great! All time favorites year after year include: Que Viet egg roll, Turkey to Go sandwich (super tender and tasty), and blueberry ice beer. Mouse trap is alway good. The new nitro ice cream is crazy creamy. I'll reluctantly be back next summer ;)

So tbh I'm not a big fan of the MN state fair Too many…read morepeople, smells and fried foods On the other hand it is a huge part of summer here in MN Definitely try to go during the weekday and early to avoid the crowds Don't park or drive there just do the park and ride bus system- so easy and then you don't deal with the traffic The grandstand has some great concerts, the food is getting more expensive as is the entrance fee but there are some good stuff out there lie the Amish donuts