Twin Cities Marathon
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Elevation Gain
150m
Elevation Range
58m
Avg Temperature
50°F / 10°C
Course Profile
rolling
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A point-to-point course from Minneapolis to St. Paul with 150m of total elevation gain on rolling terrain that never truly flattens. The course finishes slightly higher than it starts (255m vs 254m), so do not expect a net-downhill gift. The one thing that makes Twin Cities unique is the Summit Avenue climb at km 24-32 — a long, gradual, sustained uphill through one of America's most beautiful residential boulevards, arriving precisely when fatigue sets in.
Key Segments
Chain of Lakes
Terrain: Gentle rolling hills between 246-272m around Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Lake Nokomis. Scenic lakeside paths.
Challenge: The beautiful scenery and fresh legs make it tempting to run faster than planned. The constant gentle undulations mask accumulated effort.
Tactic: Run by effort, not pace. Maintain even effort on the rollers. Enjoy the lakes but save energy — Summit Avenue is coming.
Minnehaha Creek to Mississippi River Gorge
Terrain: Rolling terrain between 248-268m along Minnehaha Parkway and the Mississippi River bluffs. Most significant short climbs of the first half.
Challenge: The most aggressive elevation changes before Summit Avenue, including the Ford Parkway Bridge crossing into St. Paul
Tactic: Run the hills by effort. Take final gel by km 18-20 before Summit Avenue. Cross the bridge knowing the real test is about to begin.
Summit Avenue Climb
Terrain: Long, gradual, sustained climb from 240m to 278m along Summit Avenue. Historic boulevard with stately homes and tree canopy.
Challenge: An 8km sustained uphill that arrives precisely at the marathon's most vulnerable point — where glycogen depletes and fatigue peaks
Tactic: Shorten stride, increase cadence, run by effort only. Do not chase goal pace uphill. The Cathedral of Saint Paul marks the crest — everything after is manageable.
Descent to State Capitol
Terrain: Descent from Summit Avenue crest (278m) down to the State Capitol (255m). Generally downhill with minor rollers.
Challenge: Tired legs on the descent. The temptation to surge after cresting Summit Avenue can lead to cramping.
Tactic: Open stride gradually on the descent. The crowd builds through downtown St. Paul. Finish strong on the Capitol steps.
Race-Specific Training
- •Practice sustained uphill running at marathon effort for 6-8km to simulate the Summit Avenue climb — this is not steep but the length grinds you down
- •Include rolling terrain on every long run to build the constant gear-shifting between gentle climbs and descents that defines this course
- •Finish at least two long runs with a 3-5km climb in the final third to simulate Summit Avenue on depleted legs
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Entire course at 240-278m. No altitude concerns. Minneapolis/St. Paul are not at elevation.
Weather
Early October. Typical race-morning temps 5-15°C (41-59°F). Cool, ideal conditions for fast racing. Potential for wind. Occasionally warm years can reach 20°C+ (68°F+).
Sun & Wind
Low October sun angle. Chain of Lakes section can be exposed to wind. Summit Avenue is tree-lined and more sheltered. Wind off the Mississippi River bluffs is possible.
What to Wear
Throwaway layers for the start. Arm sleeves and gloves common in cool years. Singlet and shorts most years. Prepare for a range of conditions.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-13 | Goal pace, even effort | Chain of Lakes. Settle in on the rollers. Do not bank time — the lakes are not where you make your race. |
| km 13-21 | Goal pace, effort-based on hills | Minnehaha Creek and Mississippi River bluffs. Accept pace variation on the rolls. |
| km 24-32 | 5-15 sec/km slower than goal pace (effort-based) | Summit Avenue climb. Run by effort only. Do not chase pace. Crest the Cathedral knowing the hardest work is done. |
| km 32-42.195 | Goal pace or faster | Descent to State Capitol. Open stride, use the downhill. Patient runners pass dozens of faders here. |
Race Day Tip
The point-to-point logistics require a bus ride from St. Paul to the Minneapolis start. Buses leave early and the wait at the start can be 45-60 minutes. Bring throwaway warm clothes and food for the wait. The Chain of Lakes porta-potty lines are long — use the facilities at the start area before the gun.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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