Starting In 2027 Twin Cities Marathon Weekend Moves to Mid-October

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TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA – July 7, 2026 — Twin Cities In Motion announced today that beginning in 2027, Twin Cities Marathon Weekend will move from its long-standing early October timing to a new mid-October schedule. The weekend dates will now fall between October 10–17, improving the likelihood of ideal race day conditions and strengthening the participant experience.

For 45 years, Marathon Weekend has been anchored to the first Sunday in October. A multi-year review — prompted by the extreme heat that forced the cancellation of Sunday events in 2023 and reinforced by elevated Event Alert System readings in subsequent years — showed that mid-October offers a more stable and safer weather profile. Long-term climate data and recent race-day trends indicate that even modest shifts in average highs, lows, and overnight cooling can meaningfully reduce heat-related risk.

“Protecting the health of every runner, from first-timers to elites, is our top priority. Even modest cooling temperature changes can significantly reduce physiological strain, improve hydration balance, and lower the risk of serious medical events. This means more people finishing safely and breaking personal records. Moving to mid-October meaningfully improves those outcomes,” said TCM Co-Medical Directors Dr. Jacob Kastner, DO, CAQSM and Dr. David Supik, DO, CAQSM

Twin Cities In Motion worked with climatologists, public safety agencies, medical partners, sponsors, tourism organizations, runners, and other community stakeholders throughout the review. Together, they support one of the nation’s largest running weekends — drawing more than 30,000 registrants, welcoming runners from all 50 states and over 24 countries, and generating nearly $50 million in annual economic impact. More than 300,000 spectators line the Minneapolis to St. Paul course each year, celebrating an iconic finish at the Minnesota State Capitol.

“We made this move with our runners and local resources in mind,” said Ed Whetham, Race Director. “Our participants collectively put in millions of training miles over months of preparation just to get to our start line. We have a large field of first-timers every year, with about 40-45% of our marathoners taking on the distance for the very first time. Shifting the date gives us a much better shot at ideal weather, which keeps participants safe and helps them accomplish the finish line experience they worked for.

“In addition to the runners, we also must look at the bigger operational picture across the Twin Cities. When it gets hot and humid, a participant field of this size puts a massive strain on local medical and public safety resources. Making this shift reduces that impact on our city partners and is the right move for everyone involved in this event.”

Beyond the data, the decision reflects Twin Cities In Motion’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Marathon Weekend in service to the community and advancing the experience that has made the event a signature Minnesota tradition. “Our responsibility is to continually evaluate conditions and plan for the future so we can deliver the safest, strongest race experience possible,” said Dean Orton, President of Twin Cities In Motion. “Across medical, public safety, and community partners, the alignment around mid-October was clear. This shift helps safeguard the stability and beauty that define America’s Most Beautiful Urban Marathon.” 

The new date window also aligns more closely with the Twin Cities’ fall color season, which now peaks later in October than it did when the marathon was founded. “Safety comes first, but experience matters too,” Orton said. “Cooler conditions and peak fall color are part of what makes Marathon Weekend special.”

“Minnesota weather will always keep us humble, but mid-October offers meaningful gains in the probability of safer, more ideal conditions - a stronger foundation for the continued growth of this annual Minnesota tradition and the race experience runners, volunteers, and spectators have cherished for generations.”

Future Marathon Weekend Dates:

* Pending permit approval

• 2027: October 15–17

• 2028: October 13–15

• 2029: October 12–14

• 2030: October 11–13

• 2031: October 10–12