Twin Cities Marathon

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Sports & AdventureMinneapolis
DatesDates TBA · Usually OctoberCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
CrowdSmall8800
Best forCompetition, enduranceTwin Cities Marathon traces back to the 1963
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis

The Twin Cities Marathon is an annual marathon run through Minneapolis and St. Paul, traditionally held the first weekend of October, with the full marathon on Sunday alongside a Saturday slate of shorter races. Nicknamed The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America, its course winds through downtown districts, along lakeside parkways, and beside the Mississippi River, finishing near the Minnesota State Capitol.

Twin Cities Marathon has roots stretching back further than most people realize.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Twin Cities Marathon traces back to the 1963 Land of Lakes Marathon, an early Upper Midwest marathon that went through several name changes, including the City of Lakes Marathon around Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet, before Minneapolis and St

02

The mystery stays covered

Paul merged their separate races into one event in 1982

03

The city starts moving

Its scenic point-to-point course, weaving past a chain of urban lakes, dense parkway tree cover, and the Mississippi River before finishing at the State Capitol, has repeatedly ranked it among the most competitive and most scenic marathons for American runners

04

The water draws everyone in

It has also grown into a full charity-fundraising weekend built on thousands of volunteers, with a Loony Challenge for runners who complete both Saturday's 10-mile race and Sunday's marathon

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Loony Challenge for runners who complete both the Saturday 10-mile race and Sunday's marathon

Water and renewal

Living ritual

with an Ultra Loony tier for those who add even more distance

The sacred route

Living ritual

has become a signature Twin Cities Marathon Weekend tradition

The local code

Living ritual

alongside the course's long-standing finish near the Minnesota State Capitol and its identity as one of the largest volunteer- and charity-driven race weekends in the country

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually October

Getting around

For Twin Cities Marathon, plan transport around the exact Minneapolis venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Technical moisture-wicking running gear layered for early-October Minnesota weather, which can range from crisp and cool to unexpectedly warm. Spectators should dress in layers too, since...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Twin Cities Marathon, stay near the part of Minneapolis you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Minneapolis, MN

Nearest airportMSP — Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field
TransportFor Twin Cities Marathon, plan transport around the exact Minneapolis venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Twin Cities Marathon, stay near the part of Minneapolis you will actually use, with reliable return transport.
FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Twin Cities Marathon?

Twin Cities Marathon is listed for Past edition: 4–5 October 2025. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Twin Cities Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Minneapolis, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Minneapolis, MN

How big is it?

Small: 8800

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLtcmevents.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually October
Source statusOfficial source linked

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →