Twin Cities Marathon

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The Twin Cities Marathon (TCM) is an annual marathon in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The race is often dubbed "The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America." The TCM was first run in 1982, and typically takes place during the first weekend in October. The 2006 TCM took place on October 1, celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The TCM course begins at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, and winds around several of the city's scenic lakes before turning along the banks of the Mississippi River. The course follows the river for several miles before crossing into St. Paul, and then proceeds up historic Summit Avenue to finish at the state capitol building. Miles 21-25 of the course proceed on a steady uphill from the river, and are considered among the more challenging finishes among American marathons, although the downhill last half-mile allows for relatively strong finishes.

The TCM is one of the most popular marathons in the country due to its scenic course and well-organized administration. Registration for the race typically fills within a matter of weeks of being opened.

There had been a marathon held in Minneapolis since 1963, originally called the Land of Lakes Marathon. The race was renamed City of Lakes in 1976 and moved to a four-lap course around Lakes Calhoun and Harriet. In the same year, St. Paul first held the neighboring St. Paul Marathon, whose course also remained within the city limits. A joint race, taking advantage of the scenic running routes on both sides of the Mississippi, was proposed soon thereafter and first run in 1982.

In addition to the marathon, the TCM has expanded to a full weekend of events providing opportunities for runners and wheelers of all ages and abilities. Additional events for adults include the TC 10 Mile Run and the State Capitol 5 km Fun Run/Walk. Events for children now include Kids’ One-Mile & Half-Mile Fun Runs, Toddler Trot and Diaper Dash. In addition, the TCM sponsors a competitive 1-mile road race, typically held the last weekend of April.

Contents

[edit] Race results

[edit] Men's

[edit] Women's

[edit] Twin Cities Marathon course records (through 2002)

  • Men’s Marathon Phil Coppes, Iowa 1985 2:10:05
  • Women’s Marathon Zinaida Semenova, Russia 2001 2:26:51
  • Men’s Masters (40+) Joshua Kipkembio, Kenya 2002 2:11:45
  • Women’s Masters (40+) Irina Bogacheva, Russia 2002 2:29:39
  • Men’s Wheelchair Saul Mendoza, Mexico 1997 1:35:03
  • Women’s Wheelchair DeAnna Sodoma, California 1996 1:54:50

[edit] External links