USATF Championship Records Set, and Olympic Dreams Move Forward at Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend

First-time host of USATF 10K Championships, Twin Cities Marathon Weekend delivered landmark performances across multiple events while showcasing Minnesota's reputation as a premier destination for elite road racing.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — More than 33,000 people from all 50 states and 24 countries registered for the 45th Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend, setting a new event registration record. The historic weekend also produced USATF championship records, a marathon course record, and 10 Olympic Trials qualifying performances, further reinforcing Minnesota's reputation as one of America's premier destinations for road racing.

The weekend showcased why Minnesota continues to be a stage for some of the sport's most compelling performances, as established stars, rising talents, and Olympic hopefuls delivered breakthrough moments across multiple events.

Saturday added to the rich history of hosting USATF championship events as Twin Cities In Motion as the Medtronic TC 10K served as the USATF 10 km Championships. The opportunity was met with record-setting performances as both the men's and women's USATF Championship records and Medtronic TC 10K event records fell.

Aidan Troutner captured the men's national title in 27:40, breaking the USATF Championship record. Emily Venters won the women's championship in 31:09, also setting a USATF Championship record.

Sunday's Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon produced another historic performance as Lilian Chebii won the women's race in 2:25:26, lowering the previous course record by 85 seconds and breaking a mark that had stood for 25 years.

In the men's race, Victor Shitsama delivered one of the weekend's breakthrough performances, winning in 2:12:20 in his professional marathon debut. The former Oklahoma State University All-American earned his first marathon victory on one of America's most celebrated courses.

"Thank you for the opportunity to debut my marathon at TCM," Shitsama said. "I had a blast. The organization was incredible, and the fan energy all over the course was crazy. Everything was magical, and I'm already looking forward to coming back next year."

The weekend also reinforced the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon's reputation as a launching pad for athletes pursuing the sport's highest levels. Ten professional athletes achieved qualifying standards for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon.

Investing in the Next Generation

Twin Cities In Motion's commitment to emerging athletes was on display throughout the weekend. Now in its third year, the Best of the Midwest Invitational helps remove barriers for rising distance runners through travel support, prize money, and opportunities to compete on a national stage.

This year's Best of the Midwest Invitational marathon champions were Andrew Kaye, 2:12:36 and Jane Bareikis, 2:32:04, who earned top prizes of $4000, respectively.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to make Twin Cities Marathon Weekend a destination for developing talent and a stage where athletes can take the next step in their careers. That same vision has guided Twin Cities In Motion's pursuit of USATF championship events, including the organization's successful hosting of the USATF 10 km Championships in 2026 and return engagement in 2027.

"Our goal is to make Twin Cities Marathon Weekend the premier destination in America for emerging talent," said Dean Orton, president of Twin Cities In Motion. "We're investing in athletes, creating opportunities to compete against top competition, and bringing championship racing to Minnesota. We've already seen athletes use Twin Cities as a springboard to breakthrough performances and Olympic aspirations, and we're excited to continue building on that momentum in the years ahead."

The elite competition extended to the wheelchair divisions, where Hannah Babalola successfully defended her women's title in 2:39:07 and Jenya Senbeta claimed the men's crown in 1:46:04.

More than 300,000 spectators lined the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul throughout the weekend, while nearly 4,000 volunteers helped create a world-class experience for athletes chasing records, championships, personal bests, and Olympic aspirations. Twin Cities In Motion's emerging athlete program provides travel support, prize money, and competitive opportunities for rising professional marathoners.

Olympic Trials Qualifiers

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon continued its tradition of helping athletes advance to the sport's highest levels, with 11 athletes achieving qualifying standards for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon.

Men

• Andrew Kaye, 2:21:36

• Camren Todd, 2:13:42

• Medhane Woldu, 2:14:26

• Benjamin Olson, 2:15:39

Women

• Jane Bareikis, 2:32:04

• Caroline Hill, 2:33:26

• Ari Fisher, 2:34:15

• Dana Feyen, 2:34:48

• Gabby Hentemann, 2:35:40

• Piper Atnip, 2:36:19

• Anne-Marie Blaney, 2:36:49

USATF 10 km Champions

Men: Aidan Troutner, 27:40 (USATF Championship Record; TC 10K Event Record) Women: Emily Venters, 31:09 (USATF Championship Record; TC 10K Event Record)

Marathon Winners

Women: Lilian Chebii, 2:25:26 (Course Record)

Men: Victor Shitsama, 2:12:20 (Marathon Debut Victory)

Best of the Midwest Invitational Marathon Champions

Men: Andrew Kaye, IA – 2:21:36

Women: Jane Bareikis, IL – 2:32:04

Marathon Wheelchair Champions

Women: Hannah Babalola, 2:39:07

Men: Jenya Senbeta, 1:46:04

About Twin Cities In Motion

Twin Cities In Motion is a nonprofit organization dedicated to moving people toward healthier, happier lives through movement. The organization produces premier running events and movement experiences throughout the year, including Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend, while investing in programs, partnerships, and athlete development initiatives that strengthen the running community across Minnesota and beyond.