Why Running the Twin Cities Marathon Should Still Be on Your Bucket List

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One of the worst things to wake up to as a marathoner on race morning? RACE CANCELED. This was the reality for runners at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on October 1st, 2023.

The race was canceled due to “Black Flag Conditions.” This equates to the worst scenario for runners with extreme and dangerous conditions.

The Twin Cities Marathon was scheduled for a day when record-setting heat was expected to hit the area.

In an area that generally sees mid-day temperatures in the 50ºs this time of year, October 1st hit 84º, and humidity hovered around 80%. While runners from areas like Texas or Florida could likely handle such conditions, local runners risk experiencing heat-related complications.

Holding the race anyway would have led to an incredibly dangerous situation. While it’s not fun to miss a race, the reality is race organizers must do what they can to keep runners safe.

NOTICE❗️ On October 20, 2023, Twin Cities Marathon shared the following message.

A full refund of registration minus fees is being offered to those who were registered to run the Marathon and 10-mile races. Runners are also guaranteed entry to the events in 2024 with no price increase over 2023.

This is an incredible update and really shows the reason why the Twin Cities Marathon is truly one of the best!

If you missed out on the race this year due to the cancellation, here are five reasons why you still need to run the Twin Cities Marathon in the future.

Fall Foliage

According to the Fall Foliage Prediction Map, the St. Paul, Minnesota area hits near-peak fall colors during the time the Twin Cities Marathon happens.

Looking up at a tree with changing leaves. The underside of the leaves are orange and gives the feeling of autumn in full force. — Photo: Harshdeep Mishra

If you want to run a marathon with breathtaking fall scenery, there isn’t a better time or place. Don’t let the unusually high temperature of the 2023 race keep you from running this one in the future.

Course Support

As a 12-time marathon runner myself, I prefer a race with a course lined with spectators. When the miles get tough, I count on the cheers and funny marathon signs held by people I’ll likely never see again.

The Twin Cities Marathon will provide you with a great support system. Runners from previous years mention how spectators come out in droves, ready to cheer you on and give you goodies (hello, morning marathon mimosa!).

A marathon runner is passing by a spectator holding a sign that reads, "Hit this for a power-up." The runner is tapping the power-up with his hand. A spectator beside the first spectator holds a sign reading, "Go random stranger."

If you are the spectator, friends, and families in years past have said they were able to see their runner on course about three to four times.

Downhill Finish

While the Twin Cities Marathon isn’t known to be one of the most challenging marathons, it certainly isn’t as flat as a race like the Chicago Marathon.

With under 600 feet of elevation gain, you’ll encounter a fair share of hills. When it comes to the finish line, however, you can expect to arrive at it on a downhill.

I don’t know many runners who dislike a downhill finish. So, if you want a slight challenge with a reward at the end, the Twin Cities Marathon is for you!

Top-Notch Organization

Mother Nature is not on the race organizing team. But the team that puts together the Twin Cities Marathon is wonderful.

I can sympathize with the 2023 runners who awoke to a canceled race. But the reality is that the race organizers care deeply about their running community. It’s what makes this race one of the best marathons to run.

Runner after runner from previous years will tell you that the race organization is thorough. A fulfilling expo, water and aid stations along the course, plenty of start line restrooms, and post-race enjoyment (remember your I.D.!) make this race expertly organized.

An Event for the Whole Family

The Twin Cities Marathon isn’t only for marathoners. The weekend also features a 5k, 10k, and a 10-miler race.

Looking for more?

There are also family events, which include the Diaper Dash, Toddler Trot, Half Mile, and Mile races. Whether you’re local to the area or need a family getaway, this event should make your to-do list at least once.

What Other Minnesota Marathons are Worth Running?

Whether you’re aiming to run all 50 states or want to run a marathon in Minnesota specifically, you have options!

My Altra running shoes are in the grass. There are some small yellow flowers surrounding them. Looking from first person view there are lace charms that read "marathoners" on the left foot and "Never quit" on the right foot. — Photo: Ali Miller Photography

Mankato Marathon

Date: October 21, 2023 Location: Mankato, MN

If you missed the 2023 Twin Cities Marathon, this small race is a great option in the weeks ahead. A fun feature at this race is the Sports Psych Team on bicycles to help keep you motivated throughout the race.

The marathon is capped at 350 participants, so you must register before it fills up.

Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon

October 14, 2023 Location: Bemidji, MN

With less than 150 marathon runners most years, this small race is a gem waiting for you! Runners love the course covering roads and paved trails with lake and wooded views.

The somewhat later start time (8:30 a.m.) is also a draw for us sleepy runners.

Although you won’t get the course support found at the Twin Cities Marathon, this race is a great alternative for runners needing a marathon in Minnesota. The marathon is capped at 200 participants.

Grandma’s Marathon

Date: June 22, 2024 Location: Duluth, MN

If you don’t trust Mother Nature after this year’s Twin Cities Marathon debacle (I can’t blame you), consider Grandma’s Marathon. This race is planned around summer temperatures rather than the expectation of cool fall temperatures.

Expert-level aid stations and support along the course make this a race to remember. Runners also point to the finisher shirt (rather than a participant shirt) being a nice touch.

This is a large race capped at 9,000 participants. This make the Grandma’s Marathon the 12th largest marathon in the US!

I'm running on a sunny, autumn day in Nashville, TN. I'm wearing my long-sleeved running shirt, running skirt with colorful hearts, and my running socks and shoes. I also have a running head warmed on and goodr running sunglasses. The tree behind me has almost no leaves left on it.

It’s entirely acceptable to be angry as all get out as a marathoner whose race got canceled the morning of. You trained for the infamous Twin Cities Marathon and walked away from marathon weekend without a medal to show for it.

Maybe this was to be your first marathon, or you raised money for charity and – nothing.

Weather of all sorts is always out of the race organizers’ control. We take risks every day when we choose to run, but organizers have more responsibility than we do over ourselves.

Don’t count the Twin Cities Marathon out yet. It’s truly a race to be enjoyed by every marathoner. As we do as runners, lace up and try again.