Marathon Weekend
Frequently Asked Questions - Topic Links:
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 3, 2010. The Medtronic TC Family Events, TC 10K and TC 5K are the Saturday before the marathon - October 2, 2010.
How old is the Twin Cities Marathon?
The first Twin Cities Marathon was run in October 1982. Click here to read more about the history.
Do you limit the number of runners in each race?
The marathon and ten-mile are capped at 11,200 and 6,000 respectively. Registration for the marathon is on a first-come first-served basis. Registration for the ten-mile is by lottery only. The TC 5K and TC 1 Mile are not capped.
Can I have cell phones, friends, strollers, dogs on the course?
No, these things are not allowed on the course, per USA Track & Field rules. The safety of our runners is our number one priority, thus these are a hazard. By signing or clicking ’I Accept’ on any Twin Cities In Motion registration race waiver, you are agreeing to abide by the Rules of Competition. The complete 2009 Rules of Competition are available by clicking here.
Can I wear headphones?
At its annual meeting in December 2008, USA Track & Field (USATF) amended rule 144.3(f) effectively lifting its previously imposed ban on portable listening devices at USATF-sanctioned events. Because of this change, participants will be able to use headphones (iPods, MP3 players, Walkmans, CD players, etc.) during the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, the Medtronic TC 10 Mile, TC 10K, and TC 5K, but they do so at their own risk.
While Twin Cities In Motion will not ban the use of portable listening devices (except for the Medtronic TC 1 Mile), the use of such items is discouraged - for your safety and the safety of others. Runner 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.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. We must constantly consider the safety of all our participants, volunteers and spectators therefore this rule will be reviewed each and every year to ensure the continued safety of our participants.
Can I switch from the marathon to the ten-mile?
Switching between races is not allowed.
What if I lose something either Saturday or Sunday of race weekend?
On Saturday, a Lost & Found 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 marathon office for two weeks. Clothing items left in the start areas are donated to charity.
Are there showers available after the race?
Yes. Life Time Fitness has been gracious enough to allow participants presenting a race bib to shower at any Life Time Fitness in the Twin Cities metro area (only on October 4, 2009).
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Registration
When does registration open?
Registration for the marathon opened at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, February 2. Online registration for the Family Events, TC 10K, and TC 5K registration information coming soon. Information on Lottery registration for the ten-mile is coming soon! Registration for the TC 1 Mile opens at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2010.
I am 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. We will only make an exception if you are on active duty in the military and you get deployed. You can send us a copy of your orders and we will refund your entry fee.
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 of the people who tried to get in legitimately and could not.
If I register for the ten-mile lottery as an individual, can I change my registration to a group?
No, once you sign up for the lottery, whether as an individual or a group, changes cannot be made to your registration.
We registered for the ten-mile as a group, can we add more people to the group?
Yes, but 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 info@mtcmarathon.org is on your "allowed senders" list so that your spam filter will not block your confirmation email.
How can I see if I’m registered?
Registration Confirmation is available online for the marathon, ten mile, and 5K/10K. Access the search function by clicking on each race above.
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 on related events. Twin Cities In Motion is a 501c(3) non-profit organization.
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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 groups awards are not given for the TC 10K or TC 5K.
Do I need a USATF number?
Twin Cities In Motion is hosting the USA Masters Championship, the USA Women’s Marathon Championship and the USA Men’s 10 Mile Championship. 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.
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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 by contacting the marathon office at 763.287.3888.
When and where is the Pasta Party?
The 2010 location of the Pasta Party is TBD. Information coming soon!
Where do I pick up my ticket for the Pasta Dinner?
If you purchased Pasta Party tickets, you can pick up your tickets at the entrance to the Pasta Party.
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Packet Pick-up
When is packet pick-up?
Packet pick-up for the marathon and ten mile will be held Friday, October 1 from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 2 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. Click here for information regarding packet pick-up for the Medtronic TC Family Events, TC 10K and TC 5K. Click here for information regarding packet pick-up for the Medtronic TC 1 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 pick-up available. If you are unable to get your packet, give your Participant Guide back cover to a friend to take to the Help Desk or the Got Your Number? table at the Expo. 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. Parking information
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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. Volunteers will collect it from you in the finish area. If you own a chip, indicate your chip number on your registration and be sure to bring it to Chip Check at the Expo. If you wish to purchase a commemorative chip that you can reuse, you may purchase one at the time of registration or at the expo.
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 USA Track & Field 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?
NEW! 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 ChampionChip Minnesota.
Returned to:
ChampionChip Minnesota
689 Cherokee Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
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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 and spring TC 1 Mile.
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 discarded or donated to charity.
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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 2010 Boston Marathon vary by age group and a complete breakdown of qualifying times can be found here. Twin Cities In Motion 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 the 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 any other questions concerning qualification for the Boston Marathon, please contact the Boston Athletic Association.
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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.
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Start & Finish Information
Where does the race start and finish?
The marathon and ten mile start near the HHH Medtrodome in downtown Minneapolis and finish on 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.mtcmarathon.org.
What are the criteria for being in the first corral of the marathon? The marathon uses a wave start with participants lining up in two corrals. Corral 1 will consist of those who have completed a sub 3:45 marathon OR sub 1:45 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 Registration Confirmation.
Is there a wave start for the Medtronic TC 10 Mile Race?
Yes, the ten mile uses a wave start with participants lining up in four 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 four corrals. Corrals will be assigned when registration is completed. Corral placement will be available online through Registration Confirmation.
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.
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Merchandise
How do I contact someone about an online merchandise purchase?
Visit www.mtcmarathon.org to view available merchandise. Please send all comments and questions to: merchandise@mtcmarathon.org
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. Boulevard.
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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 "official finishers". 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 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 not allow runners to continue once the course has been re-opened to traffic. Keep in mind that 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. Finisher medals and t-shirts 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 info@mtcmarathon.org. 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 (ie. cell phones), animals, bicycles, baby joggers, strollers, roller skates, roller blades, hand-crank chairs and wheeled vehicles other than push-rim wheelchairs.
Is there energy gel available on the course?
Yes, GU Energy Gel will be provided for marathon participants near Mile 20.5 just prior to the water stop located under the Lake Street Bridge.
What flavor POWERade will be on the course?
Mountain Blast flavored POWERade will be available at all fourteen water stops along the course. Click here for specific water stop locations.
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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 M-Track, our interactive runner tracking map. Links will be available at www.mtcmarathon.org. Results for all events will be published on our website during and immediately following the race.
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?
Coming Soon!
What time will the first runners be coming through my area?
Coming Soon!
Will my road be closed during the marathon?
Click here for road closure information. This information will be updated as marathon weekend approaches.
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TCM Organization
