Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend Rings the PR Bell in Its 45th Year
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend welcomed more than 33,000 participants from all 50 states and 24 countries this weekend, setting a new event registration record in its 45-year history.
Together, runners, walkers, wheelers, volunteers, and spectators created a weekend defined by movement, community, and achievement. Nearly 4,000 participants completed their first marathon, more than 3,000 young people crossed finish lines through TC Kids Run Free, hundreds joined the inaugural Walker Wave, and a record 2,000 participants represented more than 70 charities, helping generate more than $1.5 million for important causes.
More than 300,000 spectators cheered participants along the route from downtown Minneapolis to the Minnesota State Capitol. Cowbells, costumes, and music energized neighborhoods, while more than 70 Diane & Alan Page Community Cheer Challenge zones marked a record level of organized support along the course. Around 4,000 dedicated volunteers played a crucial role in making the weekend possible, working to support runners and spectators, and ensure the event ran smoothly from start to finish.
Beyond race weekend, the event continues to strengthen Minnesota’s economy and reputation as a destination for running and active living. Marathon Weekend generated more than $48 million in statewide economic impact according to a recent study, and Twin Cities In Motion expects that figure to grow to more than $60 million annually by 2031 through continued participation growth and event development.
“Marathon Weekend brings out the best of Minnesota and the best in one another,” said Dean Orton, president of Twin Cities In Motion. “A record number of participants, extraordinary community support, and historic performances came together to create something special. Every finish line tells a story, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this weekend possible, from participants and volunteers to spectators, partners, and supporters.”
Photography of the 2026 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon can be found here.
Historic Performances
Records were set throughout Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend, which featured championship racing on both Saturday and Sunday for the first time in the event’s 45-year history.
Saturday belonged to the USATF 10K Championships, awarded to Twin Cities In Motion last year and contested as part of the Medtronic TC 10K, long regarded as one of the fastest road 10K races in the country.
The race lived up to that reputation. Aidan Troutner (27:40) and Emily Venters (31:09) won national titles, each breaking both the USATF championship record and the event record. The day also featured a standout performance from Sara Hall, who established a new All-Women’s US Masters 10K record.
Sunday opened with the Medtronic TC 10 Mile, one of the nation’s most celebrated 10-mile races, and Minnesota runners swept both podiums. Leo Goodman of Hopkins won the men’s race in 49:14, followed by Emmett Anderson of Staples (50:26) and Daniel Docherty of St. Paul (50:57). Elizabeth Klecker of St. Paul won the women’s race in 57:33, ahead of Heather Kampf of Minneapolis (58:38) and Morgan Richter of Edina (58:52).
The marathon wheelchair races also showcased exceptional skill and determination. Chicago’s Hannah Babalola defended her women’s title in 2:39:07, while fellow Chicagoan Jenya Senbeta won the men’s title in 1:46:04.
Sunday’s record-setting women’s marathon performance was delivered by Lilian Chebii, finishing in 2:25:26 and breaking the course record of 2:26:51 by 85 seconds. The mark had stood for 25 years, making it one of the longest-standing records in the event’s history.
Victor Shitsama won the men’s marathon race in 2:12:20 in his debut at the distance, pulling away from the field along Summit Avenue in St. Paul.
The marathon also reinforced the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon’s reputation as a place where athletic dreams move forward. Fifteen professional athletes achieved qualifying standards for next year’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, including six men running under 2:16:00 and nine women under 2:37:00. Their performances continue a longstanding tradition of Marathon Weekend supporting Olympic hopefuls through financial and logistical assistance on their journey to the sport’s highest levels. It is one more example of how Minnesota’s volunteers, spectators, sponsors, and community partners help create opportunities that extend far beyond race day, contributing to the future of American distance running and the pursuit of Olympic dreams.
The Next Start Line Awaits
Registration for the 2027 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon opened as the starting horn sounded for Sunday’s race. Registration will be open from Oct. 4 – 21 during this special low-price period. Other Twin Cities In Motion’s 2027 spring events, including the 50th running of Get in Gear next April are also open.
For those ready to move again even sooner, the Turkey Day 5K returns to downtown Minneapolis on Thanksgiving morning, offering a chance to fit in a few miles before the feast.
Event information and registration are available at tcmevents.org.
About Twin Cities in Motion
Twin Cities In Motion (TCM) is a community motion nonprofit and the region’s premier running event organizer. TCM believes a community that engages each other through movement, makes a healthier society both socially and physically. TCM is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that organizes dozens of events throughout the year, including the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, a Top 10 U.S. marathon, to provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and experiences to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Collectively, TCM and its charity partners that fundraise at TCM events regularly give back more than $1million annually to a variety of causes. For more information, visit us at tcmevents.org, or find us on Facebook, Instagram and X @tcmarathon.