Twin Cities Marathon Reviews

  Scenic course- faster than you'd think

By AP about 2024

Review

Very scenic course with tons of crowd support the whole way. Felt like more downhill than advertised. Parkways were a little narrow/crowded at times, but that was short lived.

  About 2023...

By Run Good about 2023

Review

Always a fantastic race environment and very scenic fall course. Anyone reading the 2023 reviews: what those reviewers don't tell you is that they were refunded in full *and* given priority to sign up for 2024 first (normally sells out so that's a big deal). They were understandably upset at the poor communication the week of the race (TCM's messaging should have been "based on current forecast, there is a reasonable chance that we'll see black flag weather and will have to make a tough decision. we'll keep you posted" instead of "the race is on" all week until suddenly when it's off at 5:30AM the day of) and were too antsy to get their refund, which they did get within a few weeks. Ignore those reviews - overreactions in the moment (we all do it).

Have you ever had a pro football Hall of Famer play his sousaphone for you as you run by during a marathon? Now you will as Alan Page cheers from mile 2.5 every year. Expect fan support from start to finish. There isn't anywhere on the course with no fans, and only a couple small pockets with scattered fans.

Race Tips

Most of the elevation is between miles 20-23 so need to keep some extra energy in the tank for that and not get caught up early in the downhill and flat miles 2-10 as you go down and around the lakes.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Taking the light rail train to the start is the way to go, so either get dropped off by a friend or uber at the closest light rail station or, if you're from out of town, stay at a hotel in downtown Minneapolis and walk over, or a hotel in Bloomington by the Mall of America and the airport and also take the train in.

  Thank you for watching out for us!

By Rc about 2023

Review

I did NOT run the TCM 2023 today because they made the decision to cancel. while a lot of folks are Big Mad, as a back of the packer, I'm quite happy they cancelled. It's hot! And would have been dangerous. I will definitely come back another year.

  Cancelled last minute

By Anonymous about 2023

Review

The race was cancelled 1.5 hours prior to the start time for 'black flag heat' when temperatures were in high sixties/seventies for what would have been the duration of the 10 mile time. I can completely understand cancelling the event for safety purposes, but the manner in which this was executed was inexcusable. Would have appreciated knowing the night before rather than to find out as I am excitedly out the door for the race. My heart breaks for marathoners who had trained for this race for months only to have it cancelled the morning of. I find it interesting that the city cancelled it late enough that they were still able to hold their expo were hundreds of people bought merchandise, and when the city profited off the capital from increased tourists in the city for the race. Beyond dissappointed.

  Cancelled for 70° weather

By Dan about 2023

Review

After training all summer in sometimes 100° weather, the we se jokers cancelled it over 70° weather.

Race Tips

Find a different race, this one is a bust.

  ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!

By MB about 2023

Review

Cancelled due to weather conditions but nothing has changed in the forecast for the last 72 hours. But what did change? The amount of swag that TCM needed to unload. What a ripoff and scam.

  Last minute cancellation/money grab

By Curtis about 2023

Review

They canceled the marathon last minute when conditions improved from the Friday forecast. They obviously wanted people to come through the Expo to make their merchandise revenue. I'll never support, run, or recommend this race again. Refunds we won't even mention that.

Race Tips

Stay far away from this race. Its non empathetic organizers only want their money. Look at their generous $40 credit after they cancelled for covid. A disgrace. They should be investigated for fraud.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Hotels hike up rates for the race but that is to be expected.

  Non-profit only cares about profit

By Anonymous about 2023

Review

Cancelled the marathon and 10 mile runs the morning of the race due to "extreme temps" that weren't , and which had been forecasted one week before with no changes. They waited until 5:30 in the morning the day of to cancel, ensuring that the expo and other events milked as much money from participants who won't get a chance to run.

  Rip off

By T$ about 2023

Review

They knew all week the weather and cancelled the morning of. No refunds? What a joke this was planned to take everyones money! I will not recommend anything for this run. I will not sign up again.

  They'll take your money and run!

By JD about 2023

Review

They canceled the race because of 70 degree weather. I have no hope for this race in the future.

Race Tips

Avoid it!

  Beautiful course and great community support from start to finish

By Mike Olsen about 2022

Review

I love this race. I've run it 13 times. The climb from mile 20 to 23 is challenging but doable. Fans are enthusiastic and supportive. Weather is almost always perfect, and the fall colors are beautiful.

Race Tips

Most of the elevation gain happens between miles 20 and 23, so you want to prepare for that and pace conservatively the first half to keep from blowing up late. Fall color is pretty around Lake Harriet and along the Mississippi River. Be sure to take in some of the scenery if you can.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

If you have someone to meet you at the finish line, then the airport hotels are a good option as you can take the train right to the start line. You can actually take the train back as well but you need to connect back in downtown MPLS. The parking lot for the shuttle bus in St Paul to go to the start line is expensive but there is quite a bit of free parking nearby if you arrive early.

The gear check can get backed up if you wait too long to check your gear bag and get into your corral. If the start temps are in the 40s, a light pair of gloves and a hat covering your ears goes a long way to keeping you warm enough while you wait for the start. Lots of runners will wear a long sleeve shirt that they throw to the side after a mile or so. Clothes offloaded during the race are collected and dontated. The number of bathrooms are adequate so lines do not take long.

  Top Notch

By AN about 2019

Review

The race was wonderfully organized. Crowd support the whole way. The last section of the course is tough with the hill around mile 22, but the overall experience is two thumbs up.

  Local Insight

By CBO about 2018

Review

Typically cold at start - dress in rags to discard. Very good "fan" support, water station frequency and bathrooms. Miles 20 thru 24 are up a constant slight incline and this makes this a hard course. Wind can be an issue between Miles 14-17. Heavily crowded and gated at finish line so plan your escape and meeting well. Good luck.

Race Tips

Cold to start. Second half is tougher than first half. Can't avoid the pavement with crowds lining the edges.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Use light rail train (free on race day) when you can. escaping the finish line is not easy with the crowds and all the fencing and narrow walkways - especially with sore legs. I've done it 3 times and live along the course.

  Find the Minnesota nice on this course

By Jay about 2016

Review

GREAT fan support the whole course!! Epic scenery with mostly flat roads, dashed with a few hills to keep it fun!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Hotels near the mall of America and take light rail 20 minutes to the starting point, can take the light rail all the way back to the mall from the finish line

  Challenging, but one of the best in the country

By JDN about 2016

Review

Deceptively challenging, but hands down one of the best in the country. There is great crowd support and it's set up perfectly for friends and family to line the course. America's most beautiful urban marathon!

Race Tips

Pro: It's in early October, so temperature is not usually an issue as it tends to cool down.

Con: Miles 21-26 are gradually uphill whereas the beginning of the race is flat or downhill. So it tests ability to finish strong!

  

By kb about 2016

Review

Beautiful course, excellent weather, enthusiastic fans. You can't ask for more. I was told that the race usually starts inside the stadium so there is shelter if the weather is bad. For 2016 the Vikings had a home game so the race was not allowed to use the stadium. Fortunately the weather cooperated but I still would have liked being able to go in the stadium.

  

By Anonymous about 2016

  

By MT about 2016

  

By Anonymous about 2016

Review

Great course, fantastic crowd support, very well organized...and wonderful weather!

  

By ER about 2016

Review

incredible fan support, great atmosphere throughout the course. The scenery is great, but I was enjoying the fans so much.

Race Tips

Mile 21-23 hill was challenging for me. Most of the marathon is on wide enough roads but it does narrow for a stretch near Lake Harriet around mile 7 and runners bunched up.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

If you can stay in downtown St. Paul, you hop on the light rail (which is free to runners) and then can walk back to your hotel from the finish line. Hotel 340 in St. Paul doesn't come up on many of the common travel sites and is a great option. I was able to get a relatively inexpensive room there after the larger hotels were booked up.

  

By Paul about 2015

Review

The Twin Cities Marathon is an excellent marathon to run. Great organization for the race and community involvement. It is beautiful to run in the fall along the boulevards and lakes. Cheering bands, music and enthusiasm that help the runners. Even though there are about 8,000 runners on the course, with 2 lanes it does not seem crowded. The finish at the Capital is excellent and downhill finish helps tired legs.

Race Tips

Some of my best marathons have been on this course. I would recommend a conservative approach due to gradual hills on the Saint Paul side of the river. Particularly, when you are tired the hill seems to be very long. Study the elevation map to be ready. The weather can be warm so adjust your pace accordingly. Frequently it has a cool start so warm up gear is important. Don't overdress because it usually warms up.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

There are many motels within travel distance and the freeway system is good for getting everyone to the Metrodome. I usually get there plenty early for the port-o-Johns and to be familiar with the start line. Several races are going off so it can be confusing. Know your pace and stick with that early on when the miles seem easy. A good pacing watch is really important and running with someone is good too.

  

By LJH about 2015

Review

The course is mostly flat. There is beautiful scenery running along several small lakes in Minneapolis. the fan support along the course was great.

  

By Nick about 2015

Review

Great time of the year for a race, get to see a lot of the Twin Cities, great crowds, variety of scenery (city, nature, river, bridges, homes, etc), love crowds up the hill into St.Paul, plus the downhill sprint to the finish :)

Race Tips

Ignore the 'mostly flat'... there is a significant hill at mile 1.6-2.3 that is 100', which seems like not a big deal, but if paced fast - can sap much needed energy storage... possible issue late.

Also... how can they not mention the hill going from the river up into Saint Paul? Mile marker 21->23... roughly 150' climb.

  

By Nathalie about 2014

Review

It's hands down one of the best races I have ever participated in. Top notch organization, fun, and friendly atmosphere, more spectators than you could ever imagine! This is my favorite race!

Race Tips

Once you see the cathedral of St. Paul peeking through the trees get ready to fly to the finish line! Also - they have a huge American flag about a quarter mile from the finish line and it waves ever so gently in the breeze. Awesome!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I usually stay at the Crowne Plaza. They have a bus shuttle that picks you up from the hotel entrance, and brings you essentially right to the start line of the race. Super slick!

  

By Anonymous about 2013

Review

Beautiful course with a lot of community support.

  

By Rolando Guevara about 2013

Review

It has a very good organization. The spectators support is amazing. The race is pretty flat and the weather helps during the course for a good time.

The start line is a plus, cause you can wait inside the stadium so the cold does not affect at all.

Race Tips

You may keep the pace during the whole race.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I would rather the hotel near the finish line.

  

By Anonymous about 2012

  

By Anonymous about 2012