Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
General/Miscellaneous
Parking
Course
Packet Pick-up
Sweat Check
Start & Finish Information
Pasta party
Prizes and Awards
Boston Qualifying
Merchandise
Spectators
Registration
I’m injured, pregnant or unexpectedly out of town, can I get a refund?
Entry fees are non-refundable and entries are non-transferable. This means once you
have registered, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, and you may not
give or sell your number to anyone else. You also may not defer your entry to the next
year or another race.
Can I give/sell my number to another runner?
Entries are non-transferable. Most importantly, this is for the safety of the runner. If a
runner collapses or is otherwise injured during the race and is running as someone else
we do not have any idea who that person is and whom to notify, nor is this fair to all
other people who tried to get in legitimately and could not.
We registered for the ten-mile as a group, can we add more people to the group?
Only during the ten-day period lottery registration is open. Once the drawing takes
place, registration is closed.
Why haven’t I received an email confirmation?
Usually the problem is that your computer’s spam filter has erased or blocked the email
confirmation that was sent to you. Please make sure that [email protected] is on your
“allowed senders” list so that your spam filter will not block your confirmation emails.
How can I see if I’m registered?
Registration Confirmation is available online for the marathon, ten mile and 5K/10K.
Access to the search function is available on our home page.
Where does my registration fee go?
Your registration fees help to pay for the necessary permits, infrastructure, supplies, and
personnel to put on the marathon and related events. Twin Cities In Motion is a 501c(3)
non-profit organization.
General/Miscellaneous
What are the future dates of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon?
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and Medtronic TC 10 Mile are on the first Sunday
in October – October 6, 2013 and October 5, 2014
How old is the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon?
The first Twin Cities Marathon was run in October 1982. Click here to read more about
the history.
Can I switch from the marathon to the ten-mile?
Unfortunately we can’t have our marathoners switch to the 10 Mile. The 10 Mile is
completely full, and registration is done by a lottery, so it would be unfair to the
thousands of folks that don’t get in if we allowed our marathoners to swap races.
Can I wear headphones?
While Twin Cities In Motion will not ban the use of portable listening devices (except for
the Medtronic TC 1 Mile in May), the use of such items is discouraged –for your safety
and the safety of others. Running safety has always been, and will continue to be, the
priority for all of our events. Please be mindful of the other participants and race
personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.
You MUST be aware of your surroundings at all times and this includes being able to
hear any verbal warnings/instructions from police/course officials, or the sound of any
vehicles and other participants on the course. The abuse of portable headphone devices
can result in disqualification. Abuse refers to being so distracted that you become a
hazard to your fellow participants, spectators, course marshals, finish line officials,
medical personnel, other race officials, police personnel or vehicle traffic.
What if I lose something either Saturday or Sunday of race weekend?
On Saturday, the Find Me/Ask Me Tent is located near the intersection of Rev. Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and John Ireland Blvd. On Sunday, Lost & Found is located at
the main info booth located near the exit to the runner’s only area. After marathon
weekend, items will be available at the Twin Cities In Motion office for one month.
Clothing items left in the start areas are donated to charity.
Parking
Where should I park on Race Day?
Parking at the start of both the ten-mile and the marathon is available on the streets
and in public lots around the HHH Metrodome and at the finish line in Saint Paul. Be
aware that normal parking rules and fees will apply and please take note of any hooded
meters (no parking). SEARS (just west of the Capitol) is offering limited event parking at
the finish line on a first-come first-served basis for $10. We ask that you please be
respectful of private property.
Course
What is the time limit for the marathon?
City permits limit the race time to a 6 hour time limit. The course will be closed at a
13:44 minute per mile pace. No race services including medical, aid stations or traffic
control are available beyond this pace.
The finish line remains open until 2:15 p.m. (assuming an 8:00 a.m. start). Participants
must cross the finish line by 2:15 p.m. in order to be considered an “official finisher”.
After 2:15 p.m. the course and finish line are closed. The finisher shirt and medal will
not be awarded after 2:15 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Finishing the marathon by 2:15 p.m. generally means maintaining an average pace of at
least 13:44 per mile. The race course is opened to traffic on a rolling schedule as
participants make their way to the finish. In order to ensure safety, a Sweep Vehicle and
Bus follows the race route to pick-up participants who are unable to maintain this pace
on a consistent basis. Participants are required to board the Sweep Bus when so
instructed by Race Officials. Course Marshals are instructed to record bib numbers of all
participants who refuse to board the bus when instructed to do so.
Why is there a time limit?
In order to comply with city permits, streets crossing the route must be reopened to
vehicular traffic on a set schedule.
What happens if my pace is slower than the allotted time?
If you are caught by the Sweep Vehicle traveling at the 13:44 per mile pace you MUST
board the Sweep Bus accompanying this vehicle for transport to the finish area. For your
safety, the Minneapolis and St. Paul police departments do now allow runners to
continue once the course has been re-opened to traffic. Keep in mind that the race
services including water stations and medical aid will also be discontinued once the
Sweep Vehicle comes through. The finish line closes at 2:15 p.m. Finish medals and tshirts will be awarded only to those finishing within the allotted time limit.
What is not allowed on the course?
Many things are not allowed on the course. If you have a question about what is or is
not allowed, email us at [email protected]. Here is a partial list of what is NOT
allowed on the course: Runners going backward, runners not wearing a race number,
electronic devices capable of two-way communication (e.g. cell phones – not being used
as music devices), animals, bicycles, baby joggers, baby backpacks, runners carrying
children, roller skates, roller blades, hand-crank chairs, and wheeled vehicles other than
push-rim wheelchairs.
Is there energy gel available on the course?
Yes, Clif Shots will be provided for marathon participants just prior to Mile 17.
What sports beverage will be on the course?
Mountain Blast flavored POWERADE® will be available at all fourteen (14) water stops
along the course.
Packet Pick-Up
When is packet pick-up?
Packet pick-up for the marathon and ten mile will be held Friday October 5 from 12
noon to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Saint
Paul RiverCentre in downtown Saint Paul. Race day packet pick-up is not available for
the marathon or ten mile.
What do I need to bring with me to pick up my packet?
Every participant in the marathon and ten mile will receive an Official Participant Guide
via U.S. Mail in September which includes your Confirmation Ticket on the back cover.
Bring the confirmation ticket and your photo ID to the Expo to pick up your packet. For
the TC 10K and TC 5K only your photo ID is needed.
Can I authorize another person to pick up my race packet?
There is absolutely no race day packet pickup available for the marathon or ten mile. If
you are unable to get your packet, give your Participant Guide back cover to a friend to
take to the Got Your Number tables at the entrance to the packet pick-up area. Your
friend will present your bib number and his/her identification. Your friend will sign a
form stating your race packet was picked up and then be directed to the proper pick up
area.
Where can I park at packet pick-up?
Downtown Saint Paul offers an abundance of parking near the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
Sweat Check
Is there a place to drop sweat bags at the start line?
Yes. There will be trucks near both the marathon and ten-mile start lines to check your
sweat bags. Please see the detailed start area map in your Participant Guide for exact
locations. A retrieval area is available near the finish line. Sweat check locations are also
available for the TC 10K and TC 5K at the Capitol grounds.
What happens to my bag if I forget to claim it after the race?
Sweat Check closes at 3:00 p.m. on race day and all bags must be picked up before that
time. Twin Cities In Motion is not responsible for sweat bags not picked up by 3:00 p.m.
however, remaining bags can be picked up at the marathon office for up to two weeks
after the race. After two weeks, anything remaining is donated to charity.
Start & Finish Information
Where does the race start and finish?
The marathon and ten mile start near the HHH Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis
and finish at the State Capitol grounds in Saint Paul. Detailed maps of both areas as well
as instructions for race morning, can be found in the Official Participant Guide mailed in
September or online at www.tcmevents.org.
What are the criteria for being the first corral of the marathon?
The marathon uses a corral start with participants lining up in three corrals. Corral 2 will
consist of those who have completed a sub 3:40 marathon OR sub 1:40 half marathon
OR have a Boston qualifying time within the last 2 years. To submit application for
placement in Corral 1, enter the race name, date and qualifying time in the appropriate
location with your online entry and the marathon office will verify authenticity. It is your
responsibility to check final verification through the Registration Confirmation tools
found on our home page at www.tcmevents.org.
Is there a corral start for the Medtronic TC 10 Mile?
Yes, the ten mile uses a corral start with participants lining up in five corrals at the start
line. When you register, you will be asked to provide your PR for a 5K, 10K, ten-mile, or
half marathon race. Based on the times provided, you will be assigned to one of the five
corrals. Those not entering a time, or those who do not have previous race experience
will automatically be assigned to corral 5.
My friend was placed in a different corral, can we start together?
Yes, participants who are assigned to different corrals but wish to start together may do
so, however participants may only move back into a different corral, not forward. If your
friend was placed in a corral behind yours, then you are welcome to give up your
assignment and join them.
How do I get my finisher items after the race?
For the marathon, finisher medals will be given out shortly after official finishers cross
the finish line. For both the marathon and ten-mile, runners will use the “T-shirt” ticket
attached to the bottom of their race numbers to claim their finishers shirts near the end
of the runners only secure area.
Where can I meet my family and friends after the race?
The easiest way to find your family and friends after the race is to have a plan
beforehand. An easy place to meet up post-race is the Family Meeting Area located in
the shadow of the State Capitol Building. The Family Meeting Area is marked with signs
showing letters of the alphabet and runners are encouraged to ask their family and
friends to meet them under the sign showing the first letter of the runner’s last name.
Pasta party
How do I purchase Pasta Party tickets?
Pasta party tickets can be purchased at the time you register for the marathon, ten mile,
or any of the events on Saturday. Or, you can purchase them through our merchandise
page on our website here:
http://stores.marathonguide.com/twincitiesmarathon/estore/.
When and where is the Pasta Party?
The new 2012 location of the Pasta Party is at the St. Paul RiverCentre on the Kellogg
Blvd street level. Click here for more information:
https://www.tcmevents.org/events/medtronic_twin_cities_marathon_weekend/expo_
_activities/pasta_party/
Where do I pick up my ticket for the Pasta Dinner?
All pre-purchased tickets will be at the entrance to the Pasta Party.
Prizes and Awards
Will I receive a medal if I place in my age group?
Specific awards for the marathon can be found by clicking here and for the ten-mile by
clicking here. Age group awards are not given for the TC 10K or TC 5K.
Do I need a USATF number?
In order to be eligible for USATF awards and prize money, a runner must have a USATF
number prior to competition. You can apply for your number at www.usatfmn.org.
Participants must have a USATF number prior to race day in order to be eligible for prize
money.
Chip Timing
Do I need to purchase a timing chip?
No, a chip will already be provided in your race packet for use on Race Day.
How do I make sure I have the right chip?
There is a Chip Check station located near the exit of the packet pickup area at the Expo.
When you swipe your chip over the scanner, your name will appear on the screen. There
will be volunteers at the Chip Check station to help you make sure that you have the
right chip and help correct any errors in your information.
Official time – gun time, or chip time?
Per USATF rules, your official time is from the gun (horn) until you cross the finish timing
mats. Chip time or net time is provided as a service to you, and is accepted by many
races as a qualifying time, including the Boston Marathon.
Where do I send my chip if I still have it after the race?
This is a single-use chip and is good for this event only. The chip will NOT be collected in
the finish area. You may keep the chip as a souvenir, deposit it in recycle bins in the
finish area, or mail it back to Mtec Results.
Returned to:
MTec Results
689 Cherokee Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Boston Qualifying
Is the Medtronic Twin Cities marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. The Boston Marathon accepts qualifying times from the Medtronic Twin Cities
Marathon. Qualifying times for the 2013 Boston Marathon vary by age group and a
complete breakdown of qualifying times can be found on their website:
http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/participant-information/qualifying.aspx
TCM will send a complete list of finishers to the BAA once results become official.
How do I submit my time to the Boston Marathon?
When registering for the Boston Marathon, enter your finishing time, finishing place,
the race name and location and date of the race in the section entitled “Qualification
Information”. Be sure to indicate if the time you enter is gun or chip time.
Will the Boston Marathon check to confirm my time?
Yes! The Boston Marathon automatically receives a list of all official finishers of the
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and their chip and gun times. The time that you put on
your Boston Marathon registration will be checked against the official time that they
have on file.
For more information concerning qualification for the Boston Marathon, please visit
their webpage. http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon.aspx
Merchandise
How do I contact someone about an online merchandise purchase?
Visit http://stores.marathonguide.com/twincitiesmarathon/estore/ to view available
merchandise. Please send all comments and questions to: [email protected].
Will I be able to purchase race merchandise on race day?
Yes, an official merchandise store is located on the State Capitol grounds in the “27th
Mile” along Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Spectators
How can I find out if a runner has finished?
Friends and family can track your progress in the marathon throughout the course
through MTrack, our interactive runner tracking map. Links will be available at
www.tcmevents.org on race day. Results for all events will be published on our website
during and immediately following the races.
How can I find out if someone has dropped out of the race or is in the Medical Area?
Check at the Family Medical Information Tent located on the east side of the secure,
runners only area. Detailed maps of the State Capitol grounds are available in the
Official Participant Guide and on the event website.
What are the best places to watch the race?
Top Ten Places to Watch the Marathon
1. Mile 2 – Corner of Douglas & Hennepin Ave/Near Walker Art Center
2. Mile 4 – Lake Calhoun
3. Mile 7 – The Rose Garden at Lake Harriet
4. Mile 11 – Minnehaha Parkway & Cedar Ave
5. Mile 13 –Half Marathon point
6. Mile 15 – Minnehaha Falls
7. Mile 20 – The ALARC Wall
8. Mile 21 – E. River Road Hill to University of St. Thomas
9. Mile 22-25 Anywhere along Summit Ave
10. Mile 26 – Near the Cathedral on John Ireland Blvd.
What time will the first runners be coming through my area?
This information is available in the Spectators Guide available at Caribou stores along
the course. You can also download a Spectators Guide by clicking this link:
https://www.tcmevents.org/events/medtronic_twin_cities_marathon_weekend/specta
tors/
Will my road be closed during the marathon?
Click here:
https://www.tcmevents.org/events/medtronic_twin_cities_marathon_weekend/specta
tors/road_closings/ for road closure information. This information will be updated as
marathon weekend approaches.