Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Guide

It's time for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon! Known as the "Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America®" this is a can't miss event for many runners. The 26.2 mile race is one of the top 10 largest marathons in the United States. Whether you're there to participate or just cheer on the runners, marathon weekend in the Twin Cities is full of fun events and spectacular fall seasonal views. We've put together all the things you need to know to make it a memorable experience!

General Race Information

What's the Marathon Route?

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon starts at U.S. Bank stadium in Minneapolis and ends in St. Paul at the Minnesota State Capitol. The scenic course winds its way through downtown districts, along Twin Cities parkways, neighborhoods and popular Minneapolis lakes (including Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Lake Nokomis) then runs along the banks of the Mississippi river, giving runners and spectators a gorgeous view of the fall colors.

*Note: Course map is subject to change and may be updated a few days before the Marathon.

map route of the twin cities marathon

How to Track the Runners

Download the Marathon Weekend App free on the Apple Store and Google Play for participant tracking and more. Once in the app, just search the name of the runner you want to track!

How to Get Around/Parking Information

The METRO Green Line gets you to both the start of the marathon and the finish line. Begin at U.S. Bank Stadium Station and end at Capitol/Rice Street Station.

Parking along the course will most likely be within Minneapolis neighborhoods and on the street, but be sure to lookout for road closures around the area.

Where to Carbo Load

Maybe you're prepping for the race or just really hungry. Either way we've got a few stops for you to load up on those carbs pre-race day.

  • Black Sheep Pizza: One of the tastiest way to carbo load? Pizza, of course! Black Sheep makes coal-burned pizzas with creative and fresh flavors to keep your carb count high.
  • Boludo: Pizza with a side of Argentinian empanadas. Now that sounds like a good time and the perfect combination of carbohydrates.
  • Punch Pizza: These traditional Neapolitan pizzas baked in a wood-burning brick oven are affordable and so delicious that you could easily throw down at least a few different pies in one sitting.
  • Red Rabbit: The classic way to carbo load is with pasta and Red Rabbit has you covered there. Go for classics like spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna, Italian favorites like cacio e pepe or a whole new twist on pasta like the beet spaghetti.
  • Bungalow Club: Sunday's at the Bungalow Club are all about pasta. Pick from a few different tasty options and carbo load to your hearts desire.
  • Sanjusan: A Japanese-Italian fusion is sure to have plenty of choices for your carbo loading needs. Think Spaghetti Ai Uni, a snow crab, serrano, basil pasta or the Verdi pizza, made from miso pesto, mozzarella, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Slice: New York style pizzas are known for their wide slices and that's exactly what Slice serves up on their menu. So go ahead, fold up your pizza slice and enjoy all the cheesy goodness.

Best Places to Watch the Marathon

  • Between Mile 2 and 3, along Douglas Ave.
    See on Map
  • Between Mile 4 and 5, along W. Bde Maka Ska Parkway.
    See on Map
  • Between Mile 12 and 14, along Lake Nokomis Parkway.
    See on Map
  • Between Mile 22 and the Finish Line, along Summit Ave.
    See on Map

Food Spots Along the Route

Want to grab a bite before meeting the racers at the finish line? We have few places you should check out nearby the race route:

Breakfast/Brunch

  • Hell's Kitchen: Downtown Minneapolis restaurant serving local favorites for breakfast, lunch, dinner.
    Where: Near the Start Line, Downtown Minneapolis
  • Alma Provisions: Small cafe filled with baked goods and tasty egg sandwiches.
    Where    : Near Mile Marker 10, Lake Nokomis
  • Hot Plate: Quirky, family-friendly spot offering artisanal twists on hearty American breakfast fare.
    Where    : Near Mile Marker 12, Lake Nokomis
  • Mel-O-Glaze: Neighborhood bakeshop known for their glazed donuts & other sweet treats.
    Where: Near Mile Marker 14, Lake Nokomis

Lunch

  • Cardamom: Restaurant overlooking the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden that introduces visitors to delicious cuisine influenced by the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
    Where    : Near Mile Marker 1 & 2, Loring Park
  • Wakame Sushi: Casual Japanese sushi & Thai eatery.
    Where: Near Mile Marker 4 & 5, Bde Maka Ska
  • Martina: Popular restaurant that puts a modern spin on Argentinian food & craft cocktails.
    Where    : Near Mile Marker 6, Lake Harriet
  • Naviya's Thai Kitchen: A neighborhood gem with creative takes on classic Thai cuisine
    Where    : Near Mile Marker 6, Lake Harriet
  • Tilia: Sophisticated neighborhood bistro offering creative New American plates, brunch & craft beers.
    Where    : Near Mile Marker 6, Lake Harriet
  • Fat Lorenzo: Neighborhood Italian joint offering pizza, pasta, hoagies & gelato.
    Where    : Near Mile Marker 12, Lake Nokomis

Fun Ways to See Minneapolis During Marathon Weekend