Twin Cities Marathon

The Twin Cities Marathon is a marathon in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area in the United States. It normally takes place the first weekend in October. The race is often called "The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America" due to a course that winds through downtown districts, then along parkways that hug lakes and waterways all throughout dense urban forests in the neighborhoods of both cities.

The first Twin Cities marathon took place on October 3, 1982 after Minneapolis and St. Paul combined their separate marathon events. Its earliest predecessor, the Land of Lakes Marathon, began in 1963.

It is one of the top 10 largest marathons in the US. In 2006, the race agreed to its first corporate sponsorship with Medtronic, Inc. The official name of the marathon changed in 2006 to Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon (MTCM).

In addition to the marathon, the MTCM has expanded to a full weekend of events providing opportunities for runners and wheelers of all ages and abilities. Sunday events for adults include the Medtronic TC 10 Mile, or "Shortcut to the Capitol". Medtronic TC Family Events take place on Saturday for children and adults of all ages. Saturday's races include the TC 10K, TC 5K, Diana Pierce Family Mile, Toddler Trot, Diaper Dash, and Mascot Invitational. In addition, Medtronic and the marathon's organizers sponsor a one-mile road race, for anyone from novices to professionals.

In 2006, the Twin Cities Marathon was ranked as the third most competitive marathon for American runners by Running Times magazine.

The event is put on by thousands of volunteers. In 2004, nearly 2,500 volunteers aided the management of the race weekend and the runners.