40 Facts About Twin Cities Marathon (2024)

The Twin Cities Marathon: A Beloved Tradition

The Twin Cities Marathon, officially known as the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, is a celebrated event in the running community. Held annually in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, it has become a staple for runners and spectators alike.

1. Name and Sponsorship: The marathon is named after its primary sponsor, Medtronic, Inc. It was renamed in 2006 from the Twin Cities Marathon to Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon (MTCM).

2. Date and Location: The 2024 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon takes place on October 6, 2024, starting in Minneapolis and ending in St. Paul, Minnesota.

3. Distance: Covering a distance of 26.219 miles (42.195 km), it is a full marathon.

4. Course Description: The course winds through downtown Minneapolis, along parkways hugging lakes and waterways, follows the Mississippi River, and finishes at the Minnesota State Capitol.

5. Course Records: The men's record is 2:08:51, set by Dominic Ondoro in 2016. The women's record is 2:26:51, achieved by Zinaida Semenova in 2001 and Irina Permitina in 2004.

Participation and History

The Twin Cities Marathon has a rich history and attracts thousands of participants each year.

6. Number of Participants: The marathon typically attracts around 8,800 participants annually.

7. History: The first Twin Cities Marathon took place on October 3, 1982, combining separate marathon events from Minneapolis and St. Paul. The earliest predecessor, the Land of Lakes Marathon, began in 1963.

8. Ranking: In 2006, the Twin Cities Marathon was ranked as the third most competitive marathon for American runners by Running Times magazine.

Event Weekend and Volunteer Support

The marathon weekend is packed with various events and relies heavily on volunteer support.

9. Event Weekend: The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend includes the Medtronic TC 10 Mile, TC 10K, TC 5K, and family events like the Diaper Dash and Toddler Trot.

10. Volunteers: Nearly 2,500 volunteers aid in managing the race weekend.

11. Course Map: The course map may be updated a few days before the marathon. Participants can download it from the official website.

12. Participant Tracking: The Marathon Weekend App, available on Apple Store and Google Play, allows participants to track friends and family during the event.

Transportation and Parking

Getting to and from the marathon is made easy with various transportation and parking options.

13. Public Transportation: Registered athletes can ride the Blue Line Light Rail and Green Line Light Rail at no charge on Saturday and Sunday of the event weekend.

14. Parking Information: Parking is available in various ramps and lots, including the Centennial Parking Ramp and St. Paul College lots. Participants should be aware of road closures and 'No Parking' signs.

15. Carbo Loading: Several spots along the route and surrounding areas, such as Bungalow Club, Sanjusan, and Slice, are perfect for carb loading.

Spectator Spots and Food

Spectators have plenty of great spots to watch the marathon and grab a bite to eat.

16. Best Places to Watch: Spectators can watch the marathon at various points along the course, including between Mile 2 and 3 on Douglas Ave., Mile 4 and 5 on W. Bde Maka Ska Parkway, Mile 12 and 14 on Lake Nokomis Parkway, and Mile 22 to the finish line on Summit Ave.

17. Food Spots Along the Route: Food spots along the route include Hell's Kitchen near the start line, Alma Provisions near Mile Marker 10, Hot Plate near Mile Marker 12, and Mel-O-Glaze near Mile Marker 14.

Health & Fitness Expo and Challenges

The marathon weekend also features a Health & Fitness Expo and various challenges for participants.

18. Health & Fitness Expo: The Health & Fitness Expo takes place on October 4-5 at the St. Paul RiverCentre, where participants can pick up race packets and get the latest in running gear and nutrition.

19. TC Loony Challenge: The TC Loony Challenge involves completing three races: the 5K, 10K, and marathon.

20. Medtronic TC 10 Mile: The Medtronic TC 10 Mile starts in Minneapolis and ends at the State Capitol Grounds in St. Paul. Participants must complete the course by 2:20 PM.

21. TC Ultra Loony Challenge: Another challenge within the event weekend is the TC Ultra Loony Challenge, which involves completing multiple races over the weekend.

World Athletics and Volunteer Opportunities

The marathon has gained international recognition and offers numerous volunteer opportunities.

22. World Athletics Label Road Race: The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and Medtronic TC 10 Mile have been granted World Athletics Label Road Race status.

23. Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are essential to the event, with opportunities starting on September 19 and going through October 15. Participants can sign up to volunteer through the official website.

Registration and Expectations

Important details about registration and what participants can expect during the marathon.

24. Event FAQs: The official website provides detailed information on registration, pricing, packet pick-up, parking, spectator support, training, and more. Participants can also download the course map and find full race details.

25. Registration Confirmation Tool: The online registration confirmation tool allows participants to verify their entry to any TCM event.

26. TC 5K & TC 10K Expectations: Finishers of the TC 10K are expected to complete the course at a pace of 16 minutes per mile or faster, while finishers of the TC 5K are expected to complete at a pace of 25 minutes per mile or faster.

27. Medtronic TC 10 Mile Expectations: All participants in the Medtronic TC 10 Mile must complete the course by 2:20 PM. This generally means maintaining an average pace of 13:44 per mile.

28. Marathon Finish Time Expectations: Finishers of the marathon are expected to complete the course within six hours from the time the start line closes. This typically means maintaining an average pace of 13:44 per mile.

Registration Dates and Parking Restrictions

Key dates for registration and important parking information.

29. Registration Dates: Registration for all Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend events, excluding the Medtronic TC 10 Mile and TC Half Marathon for More, opens on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. The TC Half Marathon for More registration opens exclusively to TCM Members on Tuesday, March 12, and to the general public on Tuesday, April 2nd.

30. Medtronic TC 10 Mile Drawing: The Medtronic TC 10 Mile Drawing takes place from June 17th through June 26th, 2024. Participants can enter the drawing for a chance to secure their spot in the event.

31. Parking Restrictions: Vehicles violating city regulations will be ticketed, and vehicles on the course will be towed. Participants should be aware of 'No Parking' signs and adhere to event-related road closures.

32. Free Parking Options: New this year, there is free parking available on a first-come, first-served basis at St. Paul College lots.

Participant Buses and Public Transportation

Convenient transportation options for participants.

33. Participant Buses: Free participant buses will be available for marathon participants and 10-mile participants, including rides to the start line from St. Paul and rides from the finish line returning back to the start line area in Minneapolis and to the InterContinental in downtown St. Paul.

34. Public Transportation Access: All registered athletes for Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend will have access to ride the Blue Line Light Rail and Green Line Light Rail at no charge on Saturday and Sunday of the event weekend. Participants can show their race bib for admission onto the light rail.

Event Schedule and Half-Marathon

Details about the event schedule and the half-marathon.

35. Event Schedule: The 2024 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend features a variety of events, including the TC 10K at 7:15 AM, Medtronic TC Family Events beginning at 8 AM, TC 5K at 8:45 AM, Medtronic TC 10 Mile at 7 AM, and the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon starting at 8 AM.

36. Half-Marathon Event: The TC Half Marathon for More takes place on October 6, 2024, starting at Nokomis Beach and ending at the State Capitol Grounds in St. Paul. The event starts at 9:30 AM.

Start and Finish Lines

Where the marathon begins and ends.

37. Marathon Start Line: The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon starts at the corner of 6th Street and Portland Avenue near U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.

38. Marathon Finish Line: The marathon finishes at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds in St. Paul.

Course Features and Popularity

What runners can expect along the course and the marathon's popularity.

39. Course Features: The course features several fluid stations, restrooms, and other support available at multiple locations along the marathon route. Runners can expect breathtaking views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River.

40. Event Popularity: The Twin Cities Marathon attracts around 12,000 runners each year, making it one of the most popular marathons in the United States. Known for its scenic course and supportive atmosphere, the marathon is a highlight of the running calendar, drawing participants from across the country and around the world.

The Heart of the Twin Cities Marathon

The Twin Cities Marathon isn't just a race; it's a celebration of community, endurance, and scenic beauty. With its 26.219-mile course winding through Minneapolis and St. Paul, runners experience breathtaking views of lakes, parkways, and the Mississippi River. The event, set for October 6, 2024, offers more than just a marathon. From the TC 10 Mile to family-friendly events like the Diaper Dash, there's something for everyone.

Participants can enjoy perks like free rides on the Blue Line and Green Line Light Rail, and spectators have plenty of prime spots to cheer on runners. The marathon's rich history, dating back to 1982, combined with its modern amenities and community support, makes it a must-run event. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a first-timer, the Twin Cities Marathon promises an unforgettable experience.