The Twin Cities Marathon is Minnesota’s signature fall running event — a weekend celebration that draws recreational runners, elite athletes, families, and cheering crowds to Minneapolis and St. Paul. Known for a beautiful point-to-point route that showcases two river cities at their best, the race is a highlight of the running calendar and a must for anyone chasing a scenic autumn marathon experience.
Below is a detailed, readable, and SEO-friendly guide to the Twin Cities Marathon, covering the Twin Cities Marathon 2025 schedule, the Twin Cities Marathon route, start times, practical race-day advice, and frequently asked questions.
Why the Twin Cities Marathon matters
The Twin Cities Marathon is more than a race: it’s a community festival that combines competitive running with family events, shorter races, and charity fundraisers. Runners get a rare point-to-point course that begins in Minneapolis and finishes at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, giving a sense of crossing two distinct city personalities in one effort. The event also includes a 10-mile, 10K, 5K and family activities during the weekend. The official organizer is Twin Cities In Motion.
Twin Cities Marathon 2025 — dates and start time
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend takes place the first weekend of October. For 2025, the weekend schedule spans October 3–5, with race-day events concentrated on Sunday, October 5. The full marathon’s published start time is 8:00 a.m. local time (Central Time); many of the supporting events — including the TC 10 Mile and the Half Marathon for More — follow staggered start times later that morning. If you’re planning travel, note that race-day roads and public transit schedules are adjusted early Sunday.
The route: what you’ll see on the Twin Cities Marathon course
The Twin Cities Marathon is prized for its varied, picturesque course:
- Start: U.S. Bank Stadium area in Minneapolis — urban energy and easy access to public transit.
- Mid-race: Runners head through neighborhoods, parks and along the Mississippi River greenways, enjoying changing fall colors and multiple crowd zones.
- Finish: The course culminates in St. Paul at the Minnesota State Capitol, offering a dramatic, civic finish line and large spectator turnout.
Organizers publish detailed course maps and mile-by-mile support locations (aid stations, medical tents, portable restrooms). If you’re spectating, the maps are helpful to pick ideal viewing spots; if you’re running, they show where to expect climbs, turns, and the loudest cheer zones.
Who runs the Twin Cities Marathon — fields and atmosphere
The event attracts a broad mix:
- Elite competitors chasing prize money and qualifying times.
- Club runners and trained amateurs aiming for personal bests or Boston-qualifying times.
- First-time marathoners who appreciate the supportive course and festival vibe.
- Families and youth who join Saturday and Sunday community runs and kids’ events.
Spectator energy along the river and through neighborhoods is a hallmark; local bands, neighborhood parties, and organized cheer zones create a festival feel that helps many runners through the early miles.
Practical race-day advice
Travel and logistics
Plan to arrive early. Roads start closing before dawn on race day; the busiest closures and traffic impacts typically begin by 5:00 a.m. local time. Public transit and designated parking areas are your best bet for getting to the start zone with minimal stress.
Hydration, clothing, and weather
October in Minnesota can be crisp in the morning and mild by noon. Layer with a throwaway outer layer for the start and remove it once you warm up. Follow organizer guidance on aid-station spacing — most stations provide water and electrolyte drink options.
Pacing and terrain
While many describe the course as runner-friendly, the route includes rolling sections. Expect small hills that test pacing in the middle miles rather than one long climb. Use the course maps to plan walk breaks or fueling windows.
Virtual and diversion options
If you can’t make it in person, Twin Cities In Motion often runs a virtual event option where participants submit their times later in the season. This expanded accessibility lets distant runners participate in the broader community.
Safety, rules, and legal considerations
Race organizers publish rules on pacers, unauthorized support, and competitive categories. From a legal standpoint, mass-participation events like Twin Cities require permits, coordination with city traffic control, and liability coverage for the organizer. If you’re running for a charity, check fundraising agreements and tax documentation — reputable events such as this provide clear charitable partner procedures. The event’s public notices also cover road closure permissions and emergency services coordination.
Conclusion
The Twin Cities Marathon combines a beautiful, runner-friendly course with festival energy and solid community support. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner chasing a qualifier, a first-timer looking for a well-organized debut, or a local spectator wanting a great day out, the Twin Cities Marathon Weekend has something to offer. Mark your calendar for early October, check start times and course maps before race day, and enjoy one of the Midwest’s best fall road-race experiences. TCM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the Twin Cities Marathon 2025 start time?
The full marathon is scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. Central Time on October 5, 2025. Check the official Twin Cities In Motion site for any last-minute adjustments.
2. Where does the Twin Cities Marathon start and finish?
The race starts near U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and finishes at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. Course maps are available from event organizers.
3. How do I spectate or track a runner?
Organizers post spectator maps and recommended viewing zones; many runners provide tracking links via the event app or assigned bib tracking. Parking near the finish is limited; using public transit or designated spectator zones is recommended.
4. Is there a virtual Twin Cities Marathon option?
Yes—Twin Cities In Motion typically provides a virtual entry option so runners who can’t attend in person can submit results during a specified window. Details and submission windows appear on the official event pages.
5. What other races happen during the marathon weekend?
The weekend includes the TC 10 Mile, TC 10K, TC 5K, family runs (Diaper Dash, Toddler Trot), and half-marathon options, providing distances for all ages and abilities
