Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Jeff T.
Sioux Falls, SD

  (10-06-2009)

"This was my first ever maraton experience and I picked just the right place. Everything I encountered with this marathon was first class.
They had a very nice expo with lots of vendors offering great deals on clothing and more.
As for the race, it is good that they cap it off at 11,000 runners. I made it to the starting area a little later than I would have liked and it took me 8 minutes to get to the starting point once the gun went off.
The course was a little more challenging with hills than I had anticipated.
The best part of the race were all of the extremely helpful volunteers and the fantastic enthusiasm of the crowd. The volunteers were there in support of the runners and they showed it in every way. There were spectators along every portion of the course watching, encouraging runners, handing out beer, jolly ranchers, orange slices, pretzels and more.
Kudos to the organizers, volunteers, and spectators of this marathon. I will definitely recommend it to others."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Tom B.
Minneapolis, MN

  (10-06-2009)

"1st time running my hometown race. Everything was very well organized from packet pick-up to race finish. I had heard of the spectator support, but couldn't believe it out there on the course. There was never a gap where there weren't people, & most times it was 3-4 deep."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

libgyrl .
minneapolis, MN

  (05-19-2009)

"At the end of August, St. Paul hosts the Minnesota State Fair - also known as the Great MN Get Together. I'd like to propose that the Twin Cities Marathon in October is the Second Great MN Get Together. With a course that traverses Minneapolis and St. Paul along the lakes parkway and the Mississippi River under red and yellow and orange fall foliage, this is a race worth traveling across town, in from Greater Minnesota, or anywhere else in the running world.

It is a bit hilly, the course that is, and between about mile 1.5 and 8 there are some narrow and crowded stretches, but just relax and go with the flow. You need to not push too hard that early in the race anyway. You don't want to miss former Viking and current associate justice of the MN Supreme Court, Alan Page, playing his tuba or any of the other formal and informal musical tributes along the way.

Even in 2008 when cold and heavy downpours plagued we runners, spectators were out without the heating benefit of movement. Granted most of them had on winter coats and carried umbrellas, coffee, or flasks. (well maybe that was my imagination) However, there are yard fans offering up orange pieces, Jolly Ranchers, beer, and even bubbly if you dare.

The last 6 miles are all along the East River Road and Summit Ave in St. Paul. Big beautiful old houses, St. Thomas and Macalaster University, and the final stretch down John Ireland Blvd are totally worth pushing up a couple hills and a steady incline. You round past the St. Paul Cathedral and down a slope. Crowds pulling you along with their shouts. The enormous flag waves and on nelly the emotion is high.

One of the very best parts of this race is that once you have crossed that finish line and been adorned with a medal (2008's was a cool tear drop with a hole in the middle) there is the hot vegetable broth. MMMMMMMM..... I love this stuff. Even when I want to try out a different fall race the broth tempts me to do TCM again. Salty and hydrating, even when it is warm out though especially when you are sopping and cold, this is the best reward (at least in that moment).

After that there are big post-race festivities to enjoy too. If you eyed gear at the expo but didn't want to pay full price, check out the tent with marked down pint glasses (they are rather nice), coffee mugs, and apparel. It is crowded at the end so if you are meeting people pick a precise location (if you don't know they area there the classic letter signs). Buses will take you back to the start if you left a car there. Likewise, there is parking at the finish and buses to take you to the start if you prefer.

The expo is decently sized and of a good variety of vendor types (sales, community groups, food). Be sure to stop by the Anderson Race Management tent for smiles, a magnet calendar, and often free give away of past event shirts and bags. There is also 5K the day before and a kids event as well for multi-generational and runner-type fun.

My one big complaint is that TCM for the marathon and their 1 mile event give out Brooks men's sized participant shirts in S-XL. As a more petite runner the smalls are just too big for ideal wearing. Too much fabric can equal chafing and no body likes that!

Ooops, I nearly forgot...the start is at the Metrodome. The 10 mile race starts there too. Arrive early to navigate the various porto-potties, bag drops, coffee give aways, and warm up spaces. Definitely get in to your Wave Corral EARLY if you want to be towards the front.

All in all, come on into town for the Second Great Minnesota Get Together. There is no better way to see most of the Twin Cities natural beauty than on this course.



"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008