Chasing Moments on a Familiar Course

By Lindsey Altermatt

Back in 2003, I signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon for the very first time. But military life pulled me in another direction, and I never made it to the starting line.

When I eventually moved back home to Minnesota, life took me in a different—but equally meaningful—direction. I joined the incredible staff of Twin Cities In Motion, where I had the privilege of supporting and celebrating this event from behind the scenes for nearly two decades. In 2023, I stepped away to work closer to home, and in 2024, I finally toed the line myself at the Medtronic TC 10 Mile - as a TCM Ambassador (TCMbassador).

Running the 10 Mile last year was full of emotion; it was an incredible event, but it left me hungry—the magic ended too soon. So this year, I returned as a TCMbassador —this time to run the marathon—and I’m back for more.

I can’t stop thinking about Sunday. The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon will be unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. For years, I’ve been behind the wheel of the sweep vehicle (or on the bike), keeping runners on pace or moving them to the sidewalk as the roads reopened. Since 2010, I’ve driven this course. I know every inch of it… but now, I finally get to run it.

"I'm not chasing a certain finish time, or pace per mile... I’m chasing moments."

I'm not chasing a certain finish time, or pace per mile... I’m chasing moments. I want to high-five every single kid, read every single sign (please let there be a “Do it Lady” sign 🙏 IYKYK). I want to hear the Basilica bells echoing, snag a selfie with Justice Alan Page and his sousaphone, spot the bunny, feel the drum core shake the pavement under the 35W bridge, and breathe in the sweetness of Mel-O-Glaze donuts.

I want to climb the rise to Franklin, laugh when I see the man in the coconut bra and hula skirt, and take in the wall of spectators that makes this race feel alive in a way words can hardly capture. And then—through the trees, the Cathedral, the Capitol, and that final downhill to “The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America” finish line.

This race isn’t about the minutes per mile—it’s about the memories. It’s the culmination of years of being on staff, a volunteer, a fan, and now finally, a marathon runner soaking it all in. 

Sunday (and this whole weekend) will be tears, hugs, high fives, smiles, and gratitude every step of the way.

I simply cannot wait to #MoveForMore 💙