The Twin Cities Marathon is a point-to-point road marathon spanning 26.22 advertised miles from Minneapolis to Saint Paul, Minnesota. Long celebrated for its scenic routing through both cities, the course begins at The Commons in downtown Minneapolis, tours the historic chain of lakes, shadows the Mississippi River, and makes its much-loved approach down Summit Avenue to finish on the Capitol Lawn in Saint Paul. The route is entirely paved, drawing on a mix of asphalt and concrete parkways that give consistent, predictable footing.

The race starts at 8:00 AM, forty-six minutes after sunrise, so runners have full daylight from the gun. Expect climbing temperatures across the race window, which stays open until the 2:50 PM overall cutoff. At the start line, temperatures typically sit in the mid-50s°F but can range anywhere from 41°F to 64°F, alongside high relative humidity near 85%. As the morning goes on, temperatures steadily build, usually peaking in the low 70s°F with a light breeze by early afternoon. Precipitation is unlikely, with only an 18.7% chance of a wet day, though the same calendar window in 2025 saw temperatures push into the upper 80s°F, making hydration a priority if conditions turn unseasonably warm.

With roughly 600 feet of total ascent and a near-identical amount of descent, the profile is subtly rolling rather than flat. A full 60% of the surface registers as virtually flat pavement, but the remaining miles are shaped by long, sweeping elevation trends. The most important tactical element comes late: an extended, gradual climb starting near mile 20.3 that rises 158 feet over 2.67 miles along Summit Avenue. The right plan treats the early lake loops as controlled rhythm running, holding something back for the sustained effort needed to clear the Summit Avenue rise before the final sweeping descent to the Capitol.

• Event Date: 2026-10-04
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 26.24 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore:
• Total Ascent: 599 ft
• Total Descent: 593 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 1.52, 0.58 mi at an average grade of 3%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 14.88, 0.66 mi at an average grade of -1%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 1.52, 0.58 mi at an average grade of 3%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 14.88, 0.66 mi at an average grade of -1%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 1 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 1 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • extreme_decline: 0%
  • steep_decline: 0.02%
  • challenging_decline: 0.52%
  • moderate_decline: 3.29%
  • minor_decline: 14.54%
  • flat: 59.99%
  • minor_incline: 16.81%
  • moderate_incline: 4.45%
  • challenging_incline: 0.38%
  • steep_incline: 0%
  • extreme_incline: 0%

The race begins on the wide, paved urban grid of South 6th Street in Minneapolis, leading runners out of the immediate downtown center. Heading northwest, the route passes the First Avenue landmark before crossing over to Hennepin Avenue. The first two miles introduce gentle rollers on asphalt and concrete. It is an energetic and highly runnable opening, and it puts a premium on pacing discipline while the field is still densely packed.

Shortly after passing the Basilica of Saint Mary and the Spoonbridge and Cherry artwork, the course makes its first notable upward shift. Heading south on West Lyndale Avenue South and Douglas Avenue, runners meet the most prominent climb on the course: a 91-foot ascent over roughly a half mile, averaging 3%. It is not aggressively steep, but it is a sustained effort that rewards a controlled, measured rhythm.

Dropping toward the chain of lakes, the closing miles of this opening stretch trace the shores of Lake of the Isles and approach Bde Maka Ska. The grade flattens almost entirely as the pavement gives way to wide, accommodating parkways. This waterside section runs smooth and fast, letting runners settle into target marathon pace before the second block of the race.

• West Lyndale Climb: Starting at mile 1.52, a 0.58-mile ascent gains 91 feet at an average 3% grade, with brief pitches nearing 5.6%. Early race adrenaline makes it tempting to push, but easing back slightly here banks energy for the back half.

• Climb #1: Mile 1.52 to Mile 2.1, 0.58 mi, avg grade 3%, total gain 91 ft

• None.

• Douglas between Humboldt Ave & Knox Ave (Mile 2.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• The Commons (~Mile 0): The race starts at this large urban park in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.
• First Avenue (~Mile 0.71): Runners pass the legendary music venue early in the opening miles.
• Basilica of Saint Mary (~Mile 1.34): The course sweeps past the historic basilica, a major architectural landmark.
• Spoonbridge and Cherry (~Mile 1.57): A glimpse of the famous sculpture highlights the transition out of downtown.
• Lake of the Isles (~Mile 3.68): The first of the chain of lakes, offering smooth, flat waterside running.
• Bde Maka Ska (~Mile 4.48): The largest of the Minneapolis chain of lakes, providing expansive views.

This section continues the tour along the Minneapolis chain of lakes, heavily favoring flat, paved parkway roads. The stretch is defined by sweeping turns and an overall downward trend, gradually shedding 72 feet between miles 2.2 and 8.1. The pavement is clean and consistent, with runners largely sheltered by mature tree canopies and residential neighborhoods.

Heading southeast around the shores of Lake Harriet at mile 7.1, the course transitions onto West Minnehaha Parkway. The grade stays highly runnable, dominated by flat stretches broken up by very minor, short rollers. The route briefly crosses Minnehaha Creek near mile 7.9, a classic Twin Cities backdrop that often draws large gatherings of local spectators out to cheer the field.

Just past the 8-mile mark, runners face a brief but sharp rise along West Minnehaha Parkway, gaining 41 feet over a half mile. It breaks the flat rhythm just enough to ask for a small gear change before the course resumes its smooth, rolling profile toward the city's eastern edge.

• Pace Control: With mostly flat pavement and a subtle net downhill trend through mile 8, it is easy to overextend the effort. Holding a strict, even pace here sets up a strong second half.

• None.

• None.

• W Bde Maka Ska Pkwy & Rose Ln (Mile 5)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Lake Harriet Pkwy & Roseway Rd (Mile 7)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• Lake Harriet (~Mile 7.1): The course traces the shoreline of this popular recreational lake.
• Minnehaha Creek (~Mile 7.88): A brief, scenic crossing over the urban creek system.

Leaving the western lakes behind, the course continues along East Minnehaha Parkway on smooth asphalt. This six-mile stretch acts as the bridge between the Minneapolis lakes and the Mississippi River, rolling gently past the Cottontail on the Trail sculpture. Overall, the elevation keeps slowly dropping through mile 10.4, a slight assist to mid-race pacing.

Turning onto the paths and roads around Lake Nokomis near mile 13, runners complete a wide loop of long, flat straightaways and almost imperceptible elevation changes. The asphalt allows for an unbroken cadence, and with the halfway point going by, it marks the transition into the real work of the marathon distance.

The section ends with a notable drop as the course aims for Minnehaha Regional Park. Starting at mile 14.88, a short descent drops 34 feet over 0.66 miles along East Minnehaha Parkway. This downhill pitch offers a brief recovery before runners reach the aid station near Minnehaha Falls.

• Mid-Race Focus: The flat, consistent loop around Lake Nokomis is a chance to lock into an efficient stride, though the visual repetition can test your concentration just as the marathon distance begins to compound.
• East Minnehaha Parkway Descent: A quick 34-foot drop starting at mile 14.88 gives a brief speed boost. Lean into the decline gently to stay in control.

• None.

• Descent #1: Mile 14.88 to Mile 15.53, 0.66 mi, avg grade -1%, total drop 34 ft

• W Minnehaha Pkwy just W of Nicollet Ave bridge (Mile 9)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Cedar Ave & E 49th St (Mile 11)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Lake Nokomis Pkwy & N of E 50th St (Mile 13)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• Cottontail on the Trail (~Mile 9.84): Runners pass this beloved bronze rabbit sculpture along the parkway.
• Lake Nokomis (~Mile 13.16): A wide, flat loop around the lake marks the transition toward the marathon's second half.

From Minnehaha Regional Park, the route bends north onto West River Parkway and begins a long, gradual contour alongside the Mississippi River. The pavement follows the water on mild, rolling terrain rather than steep pitches. Over nearly 3.6 miles, runners gain 36 feet of net elevation, a subtle shift that quietly adds to the workload as the distance stacks up.

Tracking northwest, runners cross the Mississippi River via the Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge at mile 17.6, moving from Minneapolis into Saint Paul. On the far side the route links onto East River Parkway and Mississippi River Boulevard. The footing stays excellent, but the accumulating distance paired with short uphill bumps, such as a sharp 15-foot pitch on North Mississippi River Boulevard, calls for disciplined fueling and steady focus.

Approaching the 20.5-mile mark, runners stand at the base of the course's most decisive feature. The steady work along the river is the setup for the final push down Summit Avenue, which makes managing energy over these riverbank miles central to a strong finish.

• River Upstream Grind: The extended stretch along the Mississippi River gradually trends uphill, asking for a little more effort just as runners reach the traditionally difficult late-teen miles.

• None.

• None.

• Godfrey Pkwy across from Minnehaha Falls Park (Mile 15)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• W River Pkwy between E 33rd St & E 32nd St (Mile 17)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance, Pure Fuel gels
• E River Rd between Franklin Ave & SE Thornton St (Mile 19)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• Minnehaha Regional Park (~Mile 15.31): The route skirts the edges of this historic park, known for its iconic waterfall.
• Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge (~Mile 17.61): The course crosses the Mississippi River, carrying runners from Minneapolis into Saint Paul.

The final stretch belongs entirely to Summit Avenue, Saint Paul's historic, tree-lined thoroughfare. Turning east past mile 21, runners begin the Summit Avenue rise. This is the central tactical element of the Twin Cities Marathon: a sustained, rolling incline that climbs 158 feet between miles 20.3 and 22.9. The average grade is only 1.1%, but it arrives exactly when the effort compounds, turning a modest slope into a real test of endurance.

The avenue is wide and fully paved, passing civic landmarks including the University of St. Thomas, Macalester College, and the Minnesota Governor's Residence. As the route climbs, neighborhood crowds tend to swell, offering a crucial lift right where it counts. A series of aid stations spaced roughly a mile apart through this corridor gives ample chances to grab water and electrolytes during the hardest work of the day.

Cresting the high point near mile 23, the course finally yields. The last three miles are a celebrated, sweeping descent into the heart of Saint Paul. Dropping nearly 100 feet, the route flows past the Cathedral of Saint Paul before a final, fast downhill grade onto John Ireland Boulevard delivers runners to the finish line on the Capitol Lawn.

• Summit Avenue Rise: A slow, deceptive climb from mile 20.3 to 22.9 gains 158 feet. It is the hardest sustained effort on the course. Shorten your stride and lean on steady arm drive rather than forcing the pace.
• The Final Descent: After cresting Summit Avenue, the last 3.3 miles drop 99 feet toward the Capitol. It is a fast, forgiving finish, provided you have kept enough in reserve to hold your form.

• None.

• None.

• Mississippi River Blvd & Pelham Blvd (Mile 20.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Summit Ave between Wilder St & Moore St (Mile 22)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Summit Ave between Pascal St & Albert St (Mile 23)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Summit Ave between Milton St & Victoria St (Mile 24)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Summit Ave between Mackubin Ave & Lawton St (Mile 25)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge (~Mile 20.81): The riverway path provides another view of the historic bridge connecting the two cities.
• University of St. Thomas (~Mile 21.85): The route climbs past the edge of the university campus.
• Macalester College (~Mile 22.84): Another prominent campus along the historic Summit Avenue corridor.
• Minnesota Governor's Residence (~Mile 24.02): The state's executive mansion stands prominently along the route.
• Cathedral of Saint Paul (~Mile 25.84): The towering cathedral marks the end of the climbing and the start of the final descent.
• Capitol Lawn (~Mile 26.24): The finish line waits on the expansive green of the Minnesota State Capitol.