The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, often celebrated as "The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America," is a point-to-point course running from downtown Minneapolis to the Capitol in St. Paul. Along the way, the route showcases the region's lakes, parkways, and the Mississippi River Gorge.

The race takes place in early October, and weather can be a significant variable. Historical data shows peak afternoon temperatures reaching into the mid-80s Fahrenheit, though the five-year average high sits closer to 74 degrees. This range makes hydration management and pacing discipline critical components of a successful race strategy.

Over its 26.24-mile length, the course is predominantly flat, with nearly three-quarters of the terrain feeling level underfoot. The route features roughly 534 feet of elevation gain paired with a closely matching descent of 497 feet. The opening half navigates the Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Creek on smooth paved parkways, conditions that favor settling into a consistent rhythm early. Minor undulations throughout this portion call for subtle effort adjustments rather than major output changes.

The defining topographical feature of the race is the steady ascent up Summit Avenue in the final miles. Near mile 21, the course leaves the river basin and begins a sustained 1.74-mile climb. Because this hill arrives late in the race, disciplined pacing on the flatter early miles is essential to manage the extended 1.3 percent average grade. Runners who do so are rewarded with a sharp descent to the finish line in the shadow of the Cathedral of Saint Paul.

• Event Date: October 4, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 26.24 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 36.2
• Total Ascent: 533.89 ft
• Total Descent: 496.92 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 21.21, 1.74 mi at an average grade of 1.3%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 23.36, 0.51 mi at an average grade of -0.95%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 5.85, 0.1 mi at an average grade of 3.14%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 8.61, 0.31 mi at an average grade of -3.28%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 5 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 3 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 73.2%
  • Minor Decline: 12.1%
  • Minor Incline: 10.9%
  • Moderate Incline: 2.3%
  • Moderate Decline: 1.6%

Starting at 08:00 AM in downtown Minneapolis, the course begins along South 6th Street and Hennepin Avenue. The opening miles wind through urban blocks before transitioning onto West Lyndale Avenue South.

From there, the route crosses the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge, where the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry comes into view, then continues toward the scenic Chain of Lakes.

The surface is primarily flat parkway with a few gentle rises in the early miles before reaching the lakeshore. The terrain lends itself well to settling into a controlled rhythm as you run parallel to West Bde Maka Ska Parkway, with a largely flat profile carrying you through to the end of the section.

• Urban Routing: The downtown environment presents early turns and the field will be tightly packed. Establish your positioning safely without surging.
• First Major Climb: A climb beginning at mile 1.65 gains roughly 68 feet over 0.41 miles at an average 3.11 percent grade. Maintain a steady, controlled output here rather than pushing with the momentum of the pack.

• Climb #1: Mile 1.65 to Mile 2.06, 0.41 mi, avg grade 3.11%, total gain 67.95 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 2.48 to Mile 2.69, 0.21 mi, avg grade -3.08%, total drop 33.99 ft

• Douglas between Humboldt Ave & Knox Ave (Mile 2.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• W Bde Maka Ska Pkwy & Rose Ln (Mile 5)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes

• Greg Gossel (~Mile 0.93): Local establishment and point of interest.
• Adam Turman Mural - Butcher & The Boar (~Mile 1.03): Tourist attraction mural.
• Spoonbridge and Cherry (~Mile 1.65): Iconic sculpture and historical landmark.
• Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge (~Mile 1.65): Historical bridge landmark.

Leaving West Bde Maka Ska Parkway, the route enters William Berry Park, where the terrain begins to shift in character. The path follows the tree-lined East Lake Harriet Parkway, passing the Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary and the Lake Harriet Flowage.

At mile 7.38, the course connects to West Minnehaha Parkway, tracking eastward along the creek corridor until reaching the edge of Lake Nokomis Park near mile 11.38. This stretch contains the steepest climbs and descents of the entire course, and runners should plan their effort accordingly.

• Steepest Uphill: Right at the section start (mile 5.85), a short 0.1-mile climb pitches up at 3.14 percent. Shorten your stride and maintain effort rather than pace.
• Steepest Downhill: The steepest downhill of the course begins at mile 8.61, dropping at a -3.28 percent grade over 0.31 miles. Keep your momentum in check to avoid overcommitting on the drop before returning to extended flat segments.

• Climb #2: Mile 5.85 to Mile 5.95, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.14%, total gain 16.93 ft

• Descent #2: Mile 8.61 to Mile 8.92, 0.31 mi, avg grade -3.28%, total drop 53.28 ft

• Lake Harriet Pkwy & Roseway Rd (Mile 7)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• W Minnehaha Pkwy just W of Nicollet Ave bridge (Mile 9)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Cedar Ave & E 49th St (Mile 11)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes

• William Berry Park (~Mile 5.95): Local park and point of interest.
• Downtown view, Lake Harriet (~Mile 6.26): Scenic viewpoint along the route.
• Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary (~Mile 6.46): Park and tourist attraction.
• Lake Harriet South Beach (~Mile 7.48): Tourist attraction along the lake.
• Lake Harriet Flowage (~Mile 7.58): Hiking area and point of interest.
• Lake Nokomis Park (~Mile 11.38): Local park and notable milestone.

This segment circles the eastern shore of Lake Nokomis via West and East Lake Nokomis Parkways before rejoining East Minnehaha Parkway. From there, the route follows the creek corridor past Longfellow Gardens and the Minnehaha Falls Trailhead.

Near mile 15.47, the course turns onto West River Parkway and begins heading north along the Mississippi River Gorge. The terrain remains mostly level through this stretch, making it a good opportunity to settle into target race pace.

• Pacing Consistency: The level profile of this section makes it easy to lock into a rhythm, but a short 0.1-mile climb at mile 13.73 (averaging a 3.47 percent grade) acts as a brief interruption.
• Hydration Management: Use the established aid stations, spaced regularly every two miles, to stay ahead of hydration needs, particularly if mid-morning temperatures begin to climb toward historical highs.

• Climb #3: Mile 13.73 to Mile 13.83, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.47%, total gain 18.73 ft

• None.

• Lake Nokomis Pkwy & N of E 50th St (Mile 13)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Godfrey Pkwy across from Minnehaha Falls Park (Mile 15)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• W River Pkwy between E 33rd St & E 32nd St (Mile 17)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance, Pure Fuel gels
  • Toilet: Yes

• Longfellow Gardens (~Mile 14.96): Garden and hiking area.
• Longfellow House (~Mile 14.96): Historical landmark.
• Minnehaha Falls Trailhead (~Mile 15.17): Hiking and activity location.
• Winchell Trail (~Mile 15.78): Hiking area and tourist attraction.

Heading north along West River Parkway, the course continues its tour of the riverbank, passing the East River Trail and crossing the Mississippi River via Southeast Franklin Avenue. Once on the east bank, the route turns south onto East River Parkway and then North Mississippi River Boulevard.

The path skirts Meeker Island Dog Park along mostly flat terrain, with only minor changes in elevation. This predictable stretch serves as a final chance to recover before the significant climbs that await later in the race.

• Exposure and Conditions: There are no major climbs or descents in this section, making it an ideal place to maintain steady output. However, the exposure along the river can allow for varying wind conditions and direct sun. Stay cool and execute your fueling plan before the upcoming elevation change.

• None.

• None.

• E River Rd between Franklin Ave & SE Thornton St (Mile 19)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Mississippi River Blvd & Pelham Blvd (Mile 20.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes

• Cute Dog in Painted Window (~Mile 18.04): Local point of interest.
• East River Trail (~Mile 19.87): Hiking area alongside the river.
• Meeker Island Dog Park (~Mile 20.28): Dog park and tourist attraction.
• Fishing tree (~Mile 20.9): Local point of interest.

The final section turns east onto Summit Avenue, St. Paul's historic, mansion-lined thoroughfare. Beginning at mile 21.21, the course leaves the river basin and climbs steadily into the city.

Along the way, runners pass several notable landmarks, including the St. Thomas More Peace Pole, the F. Scott Fitzgerald House, and Cochran Park. After cresting the long climb, the course pitches downward near the Cathedral of Saint Paul, sending runners on a fast descent along John Ireland Boulevard to the finish line.

• Longest Continuous Climb: The most demanding topographical feature starts right at mile 21.21. This uphill stretches 1.74 miles at an average 1.3 percent grade, incorporating two distinct steeper major climb segments. Rely on your established pacing strategy to manage the grade without overexerting.
• Final Steep Descent: A sharp 0.1-mile drop at a -5.81 percent grade begins at mile 25.81. This requires careful footfalls and a controlled stride as you navigate the final downhill pitch into the finish.

• Climb #4: Mile 21.21 to Mile 21.41, 0.2 mi, avg grade 3.47%, total gain 37.34 ft
• Climb #5: Mile 22.74 to Mile 22.95, 0.21 mi, avg grade 2.18%, total gain 23.92 ft

• Descent #3: Mile 25.81 to Mile 25.91, 0.1 mi, avg grade -5.81%, total drop 30.87 ft

• Summit Ave between Wilder St & Moore St (Mile 22)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Summit Ave between Pascal St & Albert St (Mile 23)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Summit Ave between Milton St & Victoria St (Mile 24)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Summit Ave between Mackubin Ave & Lawton St (Mile 25)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes

• Shadow Falls Park (~Mile 21.41): Park and point of interest.
• St. Thomas More Peace Pole (~Mile 22.95): Historical landmark.
• Michael Melander Memorial Tree (~Mile 23.15): Historical place along Summit Ave.
• St. Paul College Club (~Mile 24.08): Event venue and point of interest.
• The F. Scott Fitzgerald House (~Mile 24.9): Historical landmark on Summit Terrace.
• Summit Lookout Park (~Mile 25.3): Park and tourist attraction.
• Burbank Livingston Griggs Mansion (~Mile 25.3): Historical landmark.
• Cochran Park (~Mile 25.4): Park and point of interest.
• Cathedral of Saint Paul (~Mile 25.91): Church and major tourist attraction near the finish.
• School Patrol Flagpole (~Mile 25.91): Historical landmark.
• Summit Park (~Mile 26.02): Park just before the finish line.
• The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial (~Mile 26.02): Historical memorial.