The race is completely flat, as far as I'm concerned. I've read repeatedly about the incline up Summit 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! read more

Twin Cities In Motion - Races & Competitions Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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I had a great experience running the Twin Cities Marathon this year-so glad I signed up! 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! read more

Twin Cities In Motion - Bib + envelope it came in, finisher medal, and long-sleeved finisher shirt - Races & Competitions Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

This review is for the Twin Cities Marathon. I've run this race twice. 2017 and 2018. What an experience! It's called the mist beautiful urban marathon in America and I can see why. 2017 was rainy so I struggled even more than usual. Still, the organization , fuel stops and the amazing crowds pulled me through. 2018 was perfect weather. Again, I struggled but that crowd...amazing support for the entire 26.2miles. The foliage is at its peak and the race covered both Minneapolis and St Paul, by lakes galore and over rivers. Once you hit the top of the hill near the finish it's hard not to get choked up. You'll see a giant American flag and run by the beautiful church. After crossing the finish line you get your medal and make your way to get water, drinks, chips and many other options. They have changing tents and then it's easy to make your way back via public transit . As a bonus, your bib gets you free transit all day. I'm retired from full marathons now, but I'd highly recommend this race for anyone looking for a full marath read more

Fun to watch and run. It's one of the few sporting events that is still free to watch. If you're going to watch It starts at 8 and I recommend watching at after mile 14, the higher miles are less hectic. Grab warm coffee and if you get there by 8:45ish you'll see the elite runners and then hang around, cheer on the elite and see the not so elite. Kids love watching this race and cheering on the runners. It's a beautiful marathon for fall in MN to run, they have chip timing that sends text messages to your family and friends about your location so they can track your progress. Finishers get a nice performance shirt and a medal. You have to register early because it fills up quickly. Also you have to finish the course in under 6 hours to avoid the sweeper bus. Wish they could give everyone the chance to finish but the streets of Minneapolis and Saint Paul can only be closed for so long I guess. I don't know if this is a PR race or not. It's pretty flat except for the last 6 miles on summit and even those hills are very small but after running 20+ miles you can feel them. There are water and Powerade stops every few miles. GU stop around mile 17 and very nice people (I don't think they are associated with the race) handing out bananas and orange slices. The 10 miler is also an option but to get in you have to sign up for the lottery because it's so popular. read more

All my favorite races have been TCM races. I signed up for the summit challenge this year and I had a million and 1 questions. I think I called before each race at least once. I like the charities that are supported. I love the way the races are set up. I never have questions that someone doesn't answer. Great shirts and swag! read more

The Twin Cities Marathon is a gorgeous course and just stunning when the weather is perfect, which is was on Sunday. There's just a few things that would make the marathon better. 1) 2 corrals is not enough. Have more corrals. This is SO needed. It is just a clusterfuck from beginning to mile 8 or 9??? 2) The crowds were great! I love their cheers but to the lady who was blowing bubbles (the soap bubbles for kids) around mile 4-6 please don't do that next year. I know your heart is there but it's really annoying. Also, it would be great if there would be bathroom stalls just for spectators and just for runners. We all have to go pee or poo. It's just a bit frustrating when the clock is ticking and non-racers are in line. Don't get me wrong, I love you crowds but let's have a bathroom for them only. 3) It would be awesome if the water tables were before the Gatorade tables. H2O helps our thirst. Gatorade just makes us more thirsty. My big tiff was that they just need to have more corrals or less runners. I feel bad for the runners who came in after 6hrs who didn't get a medal and t-shirt --hats off to you guys who stuck through and finished the race. Not to rub it in, I have to admit their medal is pretty damn sweet. Better design than LA and NYC. Thanks to all the volunteers, performers, and the crowds!!! P.S. If you don't want to do the pasta loading the night before, go to Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza. Oh, and like everyone said, it's a pretty flat course. read more

I've run the TC marathon three times. October 2012 was my 10th overall marathon. I love the course, the crowd support, and the corral starting keeps things from getting too crowded if you are looking to run this as a race as opposed to looking to simply finish. There are several local races leading to the TCM that allow you to qualify for your appropriate corral. Packet Pickup was a breeze for me, I was able to grab my bib over my lunch break. Maybe for an out of towner the expo could get difficult, but you do have ample garage space just across the road. At 43 years old, I finally broke my 20 year old PR on this course that I had set in Chicago read more

What a great experience for my first marathon! So many spectators that keep you motivated with funny and encouraging words. The medal is just beautiful. And I can't wait to wear the beanie and finishers shirt. So well organized and the email updates were so helpful! If you are thinking about doing a marathon, I highly recommend this race! The weather in MN in October is spectacular! All the fall colors along the lakes are breathtaking. read more

Twin Cities In Motion - 26.2! - Races & Competitions Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

On Sunday, October 9, 2016 I completed my first full marathon! It was the Twin Cities Marathon and it was a fantastic experience. I don't have other full marathons to benchmark, however I have run a number of other road races and this was my best experience by far. The weather in early October in Minneapolis can be either perfect or cold and wet. I lucked out with perfect weather and the fan support could not of been better! read more

Twin Cities In Motion - Races & Competitions Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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I've run 27 (going on 28 next weekend) marathons from Boston to Lahina (Maui). Twin Cities is a Top 10 Marathon not only in the United States, but possibly the World. Each year they improve the logistics of the run, always improving. 1/4 Million spectators along the course tells you that are always welcome. Not my favorite (Grandma's is mine) but a real close second. read more

Ran Twin Cities last year as my first full. Could not have chosen a better race. Organized runner frinedly race with tons of spectators. After a few bad weather years, last year was perfect. Race is almost full again this year. If you don't get in, make sure yu join the party on Summit. Hint to all the non-runners... eat at the Pasta Party the night before (open to the public)... all you can eat and drink... you can have my beer. read more

Amazing experience. If a marathon is on your bucket list, make this marathon your first. The crowds, the sights and sounds and all the little details will make you want to do it again. See you in October! read more

TCM will always be my favorite marathon. Great crowds to keep you running the entire course. Great volunteers at every aid station. A brutal hill at mile 21-23 that will test you physically and mentally. My only piece of advice for runners... look-up from my shoes and enjoy the scenery along the way. Especially when you cross the Franklin bridge at 19 - check out the gorgeous river views - best part of the cities is on that bridge, on the first Sunday in October. read more

One of the best large urban marathons. Gorgeous course and amazing crowd support the entire way. Here is some course specific information for those running. http://jordanhanlon.com/twin-cities-marathon-2013-spectators-report/ read more

Great Race! Very simple and not many pot holes on the course. Rainy and misty day which I think is PERFECT running weather! Many corporate competitions and family races happening same weekend. Logistics were okay. Plan to park off of University Ave and walk to the start line. Caribou coffee RULES here so it was nice to get a cup of free coffee right after a cold rainy race :) read more

An awesome urban marathon that travels from downtown Minneapolis to the state's capitol in downtown St. Paul. Passes numerous city lakes as well as travelling the banks of the Mississippi River. Nearly a crowd of 10,000 participate in this annual October event so watch for early registration in the spring if you want to get in on it. Also a 10 miler available by lottery - registration in July. Get running! read more

I ran this marathon Oct 4th, 2009. Hats off to the Twin Cites--they did a great job! The course has a small incline the last 5-6 miles which will take a toll on you. A tough PR course, but well worth it. The timing is tough with Chicago and New York right after this race--does not draw a lot of super elites due to this. Crowds were good, plenty of water stations. I can not say anything bad about this race--you will not be disappointed. Registration is limited.... read more

Totally chaotic and not-up-to-the-challenge organizing team, unable to deal with such an event. My worst experience ever - and I ran 15 marathons.. read more