The Twin Cities Marathon is a point-to-point road marathon that starts in Minneapolis and finishes in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The advertised 42.19-kilometer route (measured at 42.23 kilometers) links the region's urban parks, winding through a chain of local lakes before crossing the Mississippi River. A generous cutoff of 14:50 gives runners 6 hours and 50 minutes to complete the course, and with an 08:00 start roughly 45 minutes after sunrise, athletes run in full daylight from the gun.

Early October in the Twin Cities is typically excellent for racing. The start line averages a crisp 13.3°C and warms to roughly 21.8°C by early afternoon, though historical temperatures have occasionally reached the high 20s. The air stays relatively dry with dew points near 10°C, and winds are generally light at 10 to 13 km/h. Rain is unlikely, with an 18.7% chance of measurable precipitation for a day in this window, and conditions remain highly uniform from start to finish.

Across the full route, the course gathers 183 meters of ascent and 181 meters of descent. The footing is non-technical, more than 80% asphalt with the remainder on paved parkway paths and concrete streets. The route is highly runnable and generally fast, though the profile is not perfectly flat.

The defining strategic feature is how the climbing is distributed. The first 34 kilometers run mostly flat to gently rolling along the lakes and river parkways. A long, gradual rise then begins along Summit Avenue late in the race, gaining roughly 48 meters over 4.3 kilometers. Because it arrives so late, this climb rewards patience: a controlled rhythm early sets up a stronger push through the final 8 kilometers into Saint Paul.

• Event Date: 2026-10-04
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 42.23 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore:
• Total Ascent: 183 m
• Total Descent: 181 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 2.45, 0.93 km at an average grade of 3%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 23.94, 1.06 km at an average grade of -1%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 2.45, 0.93 km at an average grade of 3%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 23.94, 1.06 km 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 in downtown Minneapolis at The Commons, heading northwest along South 6th Street before turning onto Hennepin Avenue. The first few kilometers are mostly flat asphalt and concrete, carrying runners past First Avenue and the Basilica of Saint Mary.

Around 2.45 kilometers, the course presents its first significant uphill stretch on West Lyndale Avenue South, climbing 28 meters over roughly a kilometer. This is an early test of patience, and runners should settle into a comfortable pace rather than surging.

The section ends near Spoonbridge and Cherry on Douglas Avenue. The atmosphere here is highly energetic, setting a strong foundation for the lakes that follow.

• Early Climb: A steady 3% grade climb begins just past 2.4 kilometers. Keep your effort controlled here.

• Climb #1: Km 2.45 to Km 3.38, 0.93 km, avg grade 3%, total gain 28 m

• None.

• Douglas between Humboldt Ave & Knox Ave (Km 4.02)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• The Commons (~Km 0): The urban park serving as the start line for the marathon.
• First Avenue (~Km 1.15): An iconic downtown Minneapolis music venue.
• Basilica of Saint Mary (~Km 2.15): A historic architectural landmark passed early in the race.
• Spoonbridge and Cherry (~Km 2.53): A famous sculpture visible as the course approaches Loring Park.

Leaving downtown, the course moves onto the scenic parkways that ring the Chain of Lakes. The route settles into a highly runnable, flat rhythm along Oliver Avenue and Penn Avenue before wrapping around Lake of the Isles.

Expect smooth asphalt and paved paths with minor rolling stretches. You will pass Bde Maka Ska just after the 7-kilometer mark. With grades mostly between -1% and 1%, this is an excellent place to lock into your target race pace.

The footing here is non-technical, allowing a smooth, predictable stride. Gentle terrain and steady spectator support make this one of the fastest and most consistent segments of the day.

• Pace Control: The flat, fast miles along the lakes can invite over-pacing. Focus on efficiency and settling into your target marathon pace.

• None.

• None.

• W Bde Maka Ska Pkwy & Rose Ln (Km 8.05)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Lake Harriet Pkwy & Roseway Rd (Km 11.27)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• Lake of the Isles (~Km 5.92): The first major body of water in the Chain of Lakes.
• Bde Maka Ska (~Km 7.2): The largest of the Minneapolis lakes along the route.

Continuing the lakeside tour, this segment opens with a flat loop near Lake Harriet before turning east onto West Minnehaha Parkway. The terrain shifts slightly here, adding a few short rollers as the course parallels Minnehaha Creek.

Between 13.6 and 14.3 kilometers, the grade fluctuates more noticeably, with a brief 4-meter climb followed by a short, sharp descent averaging -6.7%. These changes are brief but call for a shift in rhythm. The surface stays primarily asphalt and paved path, with reliable footing.

Aid stations appear regularly through this corridor, a good chance to lock in a steady fueling routine. Keep your effort even over the small bumps and let momentum carry you through the dips.

• Rolling Parkway Shifts: The transition onto Minnehaha Parkway brings sharper, short grade changes. Stay relaxed and let the rolling momentum carry you rather than fighting the small hills.

• None.

• None.

• W Minnehaha Pkwy just W of Nicollet Ave bridge (Km 14.48)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Cedar Ave & E 49th St (Km 17.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• Lake Harriet (~Km 11.43): The third lake on the course, surrounded by parkland.
• Minnehaha Creek (~Km 12.67): A scenic waterway that parallels the parkway.
• Cottontail on the Trail (~Km 15.83): A popular local bronze rabbit sculpture along the path.

Runners cross Cedar Avenue and approach Lake Nokomis, tracing a long, flat arc on East Lake Nokomis Parkway. This stretch is remarkably steady, with almost zero elevation change from kilometer 19 to 22.

Shortly after Lake Nokomis, the route heads east again on Minnehaha Parkway, where a gradual descent begins. The section ends near Minnehaha Falls Park, home to the course's most prominent downhill stretch over the final kilometer.

That continuous drop offers a brief run of free speed, shedding 10 meters of elevation at a gentle -1% grade. It is a welcome change before the course flattens out again along the river.

• Sustained Flat Rhythm: The Lake Nokomis loop offers almost 3 kilometers of completely flat running. Use this stable footing to conserve mental and physical energy.

• None.

• Descent #1: Km 23.94 to Km 25, 1.06 km, avg grade -1%, total drop 10 m

• Lake Nokomis Pkwy & N of E 50th St (Km 20.92)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Godfrey Pkwy across from Minnehaha Falls Park (Km 24.14)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• Lake Nokomis (~Km 21.18): A large, flat lake providing a long, rhythmic stretch of running.

Reaching the eastern edge of the Minneapolis course, runners turn north onto West River Parkway, following the Mississippi River. The surface stays paved asphalt with some concrete paths.

This long stretch is defined by its steady, rolling nature, gradually rising and falling as it tracks the riverbank. You will pass Minnehaha Regional Park early on and run beneath the Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge.

The grade rarely exceeds 1%, making this a section where focus and fueling discipline matter most before the late-race climbs begin. It can feel like a quiet transition zone, so staying mentally engaged is critical here.

• Late-Race Focus: Running along the river is scenic but long and uninterrupted. This is a critical zone to stay on top of fueling and hydration before the upcoming ascent into Saint Paul.

• None.

• None.

• W River Pkwy between E 33rd St & E 32nd St (Km 27.36)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance, Pure Fuel gels
• E River Rd between Franklin Ave & SE Thornton St (Km 30.58)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• Minnehaha Regional Park (~Km 24.63): A large historic park near the Mississippi River.
• Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge (~Km 28.34): The course passes under this major river crossing.

The character of the race changes significantly in this segment. After crossing the Mississippi River via the Franklin Avenue bridge, the course enters Saint Paul. Runners follow East River Parkway before making the critical turn eastward onto Summit Avenue around kilometer 34.7.

Here the defining climb of the Twin Cities Marathon begins. The route starts a sustained, gradual rise that gains roughly 48 meters over 4.3 kilometers.

Though the average grades on Summit Avenue sit around 1% to 3%, the placement of this climb late in the marathon demands real strength and patience. Treat the early flat miles as an investment for this exact stretch, keeping your stride short and your effort steady.

• The Summit Avenue Rise: Starting just past 32.6 kilometers, the course begins a long, continuous grind that intensifies as you turn onto Summit Avenue. The grade is not steep, but its length and placement late in the race demand patience.

• None.

• None.

• Mississippi River Blvd & Pelham Blvd (Km 33.15)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Summit Ave between Wilder St & Moore St (Km 35.41)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Summit Ave between Pascal St & Albert St (Km 37.01)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge (~Km 33.49): The course passes this bridge a second time as it heads north.
• University of St. Thomas (~Km 35.16): The campus borders the route shortly after the turn onto Summit Avenue.
• Macalester College (~Km 36.75): Another major college campus located along the historic Summit Avenue.

The final section continues along the historic, tree-lined Summit Avenue. The long rise finally crests, shifting to a more rolling and eventually downhill profile past the 38-kilometer mark.

Runners pass the Minnesota Governor's Residence before a sweeping descent onto John Ireland Boulevard beside the stunning Cathedral of Saint Paul.

This final kilometer drops noticeably, with a short stretch hitting grades around -6.8%, driving you straight toward the finish line at the Capitol Lawn. Let gravity assist your final push as the spectator energy peaks and carries you through to the finish.

• Sharp Finish Descent: The final kilometer features a steep drop. Lean in and use the downhill momentum, but stay balanced to maintain control as you approach the finish line.

• None.

• None.

• Summit Ave between Milton St & Victoria St (Km 38.62)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance
• Summit Ave between Mackubin Ave & Lawton St (Km 40.23)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun Endurance

• Minnesota Governor's Residence (~Km 38.65): A prominent historic mansion located on Summit Avenue.
• Cathedral of Saint Paul (~Km 41.59): A massive, stunning cathedral sitting at the top of the final descent.
• Capitol Lawn (~Km 42.23): The sweeping green space marking the finish line of the race.