Train over rollers
Use varied long-run terrain so repeated rises do not cause large changes in effort or form.
Major marathon training
Twin Cities Marathon training plan for 2026
Minneapolis to Saint Paul, United States • Confirmed date: 4 October 2026
City Marathon • North America • America/Chicago
Start with a marathon plan prefilled for race day, then refine the schedule around your current running, available days, and goal. Use miles and min/mile pace or kilometres and min/km.
Training plans that adapt to real life.
Race overview
What to know before training for Twin Cities Marathon.
A point-to-point route from downtown Minneapolis through the chain of lakes and across the Mississippi River before finishing in Saint Paul, with rolling terrain that becomes important late.
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon is a major Midwest autumn race whose scenic early miles can hide the need to preserve strength for the final quarter.
Date source: https://www.tcmevents.org/alleventsandraces/medtronictwincitiesmarathonweekend/medtronictwincitiesmarathon
Training focus
Train on rolling terrain and finish selected long runs with controlled climbing so sustained late-race inclines do not disrupt pacing.
Race week
Confirm the final course map and transport details, then keep the early lake miles controlled enough to run the final quarter by effort.
Plan setup
The builder above starts with the marathon distance and race date selected. After generating, adjust your weekly mileage, long run, and training days so the first week matches your real starting point.
Midwest race preparation
How to prepare for the Twin Cities Marathon course.
Rolling point-to-point course. Use these priorities to make the general marathon schedule more specific to race day.
Save strength for late
Finish selected long runs with controlled climbing and avoid front-loading effort on race day.
Verify the route
Check the final 2026 map before making detailed pacing decisions around specific late-course climbs.
Official course information: https://www.tcmevents.org/alleventsandraces/medtronictwincitiesmarathonweekend/medtronictwincitiesmarathon
US marathon training plans
Compare US races by season, region, and course profile.
All training plans
Browse distance, goal-time, and race-specific plan pages.
Marathon training plans
Compare marathon plans before choosing a race-specific guide.
Pace calculator
Convert goal times and paces before setting a marathon target.
Race FAQ
Twin Cities Marathon training questions
How many weeks until the Twin Cities Marathon?
The Twin Cities Marathon is on 4 October 2026. As of 17 August 2026, that is 6 weeks and 6 days away.
How many weeks should I train for the Twin Cities Marathon?
Most marathon runners should allow at least 16 to 20 weeks, depending on current fitness, weekly mileage, and race goals. EzyRun starts with the race date selected so you can generate a realistic schedule and adjust it after previewing the first week.
Is the Twin Cities Marathon a fast marathon course?
A point-to-point route from downtown Minneapolis through the chain of lakes and across the Mississippi River before finishing in Saint Paul, with rolling terrain that becomes important late.
What should I focus on when preparing for the Twin Cities Marathon?
Train on rolling terrain and finish selected long runs with controlled climbing so sustained late-race inclines do not disrupt pacing.
What is a good race-week tip for the Twin Cities Marathon?
Confirm the final course map and transport details, then keep the early lake miles controlled enough to run the final quarter by effort.
Other race guides
Training for another marathon?
Compare race-specific preparation pages for major, candidate, city, and destination marathons.