Best of the Midwest
For professional or aspiring professional athletes with running ties to the Midwest.
Key Details
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Best of the Midwest
The Best of the Midwest Invitational is a “race within a race” in the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon for professional or aspiring professional athletes with running ties to the Midwest.
Athletes accepted into the “Best of the Midwest” program will compete for a dedicated $20,000 prize purse and will receive full professional athlete amenities including a travel stipend for athletes traveling from outside the Twin Cities Metro Area; two nights stay (double-occupancy) at the event hotel; a pre-race athletes’ dinner; airport pick-up and drop-off (if needed); race day transportation from the event hotel; and elite fluids.
2026 Applications
Athletes will not be chosen based solely on athletics performance. Other factors including but not limited to date of application, potential to qualify for national/international competitions, social media presence, and geographical diversity within the Midwest will all be considered. Acceptance to the program is at Twin Cities In Motion’s sole discretion.
Please check back in the Spring for our 2026 application cycle!
2025
Prize Purse Information
Athletes accepted to the field will have the opportunity to win the following prize money in addition to being eligible for the overall marathon professional prize purse.
