Course guide & time predictor
Twin Cities Marathon
Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN
Lakes, rivers, and a fast October finish
Elevation gain
410 ft
Course difficulty
0.3% slower than Berlin
Race month
October
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About the race
The Twin Cities Marathon runs point-to-point from Minneapolis to St. Paul through a course that traces the Chain of Lakes and the Mississippi River. It's consistently one of the most scenic urban marathons in the country and one of the most BQ-friendly courses in the Midwest. The course is fast, the crowds are loyal, and the October weather is among the most reliable in American marathoning.
Course profile
The course drops approximately 130 feet from start to finish — similar to CIM, and enough to produce faster times than a flat loop. The first half winds through Minneapolis's lake district: Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet. The second half follows the Mississippi River bluffs before a final descent into downtown St. Paul. The hills are rolling, not punishing — you gain before you lose. Miles 16–20 along the river are the most demanding stretch; keep something in reserve.
Race-day conditions
The first Sunday in October in the Twin Cities is 35–55°F — among the most reliable marathon weather in the US. Cold starts are common; dress in layers you can discard. Wind off the lakes in the first half can be a factor depending on direction. Warm October years (60°F+) are rare. In most years, you will race in near-ideal conditions.
Using the predictor
Twin Cities runs about 0.3% slower than Berlin — comparable to Chicago, faster than London or Tokyo. The net downhill means your time may come in slightly faster than a flat-course equivalent; factor this in if you're targeting a specific BQ standard. The course rewards runners who hold back in the lake district and build through the river miles.
Boston qualifying standards
Twin Cities is one of the best BQ courses in the Midwest. The standards below are the official BAA minimums — in most years the effective cutoff runs 5–7 minutes faster than the published standard, so plan to beat your age-group standard by a meaningful margin.
| Age group | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 18–34 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 35–39 | 3:05:00 | 3:35:00 |
| 40–44 | 3:10:00 | 3:40:00 |
| 45–49 | 3:20:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 50–54 | 3:25:00 | 3:55:00 |
| 55–59 | 3:35:00 | 4:05:00 |
| 60–64 | 3:50:00 | 4:20:00 |
| 65–69 | 4:05:00 | 4:35:00 |
| 70–74 | 4:20:00 | 4:50:00 |
| 75–79 | 4:35:00 | 5:05:00 |
| 80+ | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 |
In 2024, the cutoff was 5 minutes 29 seconds faster than the qualifying standard. Plan to beat your standard by at least 5 minutes to have a strong chance of registration.
Common questions
Is the Twin Cities Marathon a good course for a Boston qualifier?
Yes — Twin Cities is one of the best BQ courses in the Midwest. The net downhill, reliable October weather, and consistent crowd support make it a strong choice. It runs about 0.3% slower than Berlin (roughly 30 seconds on a 3:30 finish) — competitive with Chicago and faster than London or Tokyo for BQ purposes.
What is the hardest part of the Twin Cities Marathon course?
Miles 16–20 along the Mississippi River bluffs are the most demanding section. The river bluff terrain involves several rolling climbs after the easier lake district first half. It's not as punishing as the Newton Hills at Boston, but it arrives at a similar point in the race when your legs have already done significant work.
How hard is it to get into the Twin Cities Marathon?
Twin Cities does not use a lottery — registration is first-come, first-served and opens in October for the following year. The race is capped at approximately 10,000 runners. It typically fills within a few weeks of opening, but it's significantly easier to get into than NYC, London, or Berlin.
What is the Twin Cities Marathon weather history and what should I wear?
The first Sunday in October in Minneapolis–Saint Paul averages 40–50°F at the start with low humidity — among the most reliable fall marathon conditions in the US. Occasional warm years (60°F+) do occur but are rare. Standard race-day recommendation: shorts, a singlet, and arm warmers you can discard by mile 6. Dress for 10°F warmer than the start temperature by mile 13.