Next race
Sunday, 3 October 2027
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 175 m gain
175 m climbing
Race profile
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon (listed here as Minneapolis Marathon) draws thousands of finishers on an urban point-to-point road course from Minneapolis to Saint Paul, United States. It starts downtown Minneapolis and finishes at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul after passing the Chain of Lakes. Mostly flat with gentle undulations and a late Summit Avenue climb.
Minneapolis Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 4,500 finishers
Course & terrain
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon is a point-to-point urban course from downtown Minneapolis (615 S 6th St) to the Minnesota State Capitol grounds in Saint Paul, winding past the Chain of Lakes between the two cities. The Minneapolis start and lake paths are mostly flat, while gentle rollers and the late climb on Summit Avenue make the Saint Paul finish the tougher closing stretch. Spectators gather downtown at the start, along the Chain of Lakes, and on John Ireland Boulevard at the Capitol finish.
The Minneapolis Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 175 metres of climbing and 150 metres of descent, with a net climb of 25 metres from start to finish.
Rolling · 175 m gain — approx. 253 m above sea level
↑ 175 m · ↓ 150 m · net +25 m
Registration
For the Minneapolis Marathon, yes. The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon holds USATF certification, meaning times run here are eligible for Boston Qualifying submissions and other events that require a certified course.
Getting there
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field (MSP)
12 km / 7 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Minneapolis.
Grandma's Marathon is a classic North Shore point-to-point from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota, drawing about 6,500 runners each June. The net-downhill course follows Lake Superior's scenic Highway 61 with views of the big lake, boreal forest, and Duluth's hillside finish in Canal Park. Cool lake breezes and a fast early profile make it one of America's most popular regional marathons.
Next race: Saturday, 19 June 2027
The Brookings Marathon draws approximately 89 finishers each September on an urban road in Brookings, United States. Brookings' certified marathon serves eastern South Dakota runners on a flat prairie-city loop. The course tours Brookings neighborhoods, university-area roads, and eastern prairie connectors. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Saturday, 2 October 2027
The Sioux Falls Marathon draws approximately 404 finishers each September on an urban road in Sioux Falls, United States. South Dakota's largest city marathon draws more than 400 finishers on a flat certified Boston-qualifier course. The course tours Sioux Falls parks, riverfront trails, and city neighborhoods on a mostly flat loop. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 5 September 2027
The Fargo Marathon draws about 2,500 finishers each May through North Dakota's largest city on the flat Red River valley. The course passes the Fargodome, the historic downtown, and the Red River with community celebrations at every mile. May spring weather on the northern plains and a flat, friendly course make it one of the most beloved regional marathons in the American Midwest.
Next race: Saturday, 22 May 2027
The Madison Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each November on a capitol city road in Madison, United States. Running between two lakes gives the race a classic isthmus-city feel that is unique in the Midwest. The route passes the Capitol square, the University of Wisconsin campus, and lakefront stretches between Mendota and Monona. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Friday, 13 November 2026
The Des Moines Marathon attracts approximately 2,500 finishers each October through Iowa's capital on the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. The course passes the Iowa State Capitol with its golden dome, the East Village district, and Gray's Lake park on flat prairie terrain. October's crisp Midwest autumn makes it Iowa's largest road race.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
