Drivers in Minneapolis and St Paul are being warned to expect widespread road closures on Sunday, October 4, as the Twin Cities Marathon winds through both cities before finishing at the Minnesota State Capitol.
The accompanying Twin Cities 10 Mile race will begin at 7am, with the marathon starting an hour later in downtown Minneapolis. The 2026 event forms part of a race weekend running from Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4. ([tcmevents.org](https://www.tcmevents.org/alleventsandraces/medtronictwincitiesmarathonweekend/maps?utm_source=openai))
Twin Cities Marathon traffic restrictions
Runners will leave the city centre via Hennepin Avenue before heading south through the Uptown Chain of Lakes, passing Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet.
The route then follows Minnehaha Parkway and circles Lake Nokomis before reaching the Mississippi River. Competitors will cross the Franklin Avenue Bridge into St Paul and continue along Summit Avenue towards the state capitol.
Road and lane restrictions are already in place around the finish area. Streets along the course will close progressively, while race officials have advised motorists to expect restrictions near the start in downtown Minneapolis and around Summit Avenue and the capitol in St Paul.
Interstate 94, Interstate 35W and Highway 55 are expected to remain open during the race. Twin Cities In Motion has advised people travelling across the metropolitan area to use major roads, car-share or take public transport where possible. ([tcmevents.org](https://www.tcmevents.org/alleventsandraces/medtronictwincitiesmarathonweekend/spectatorinfo?utm_source=openai))
Race organisers have also published alternative crossing points, including Nicollet Avenue, I-35W and Highway 55 for traffic crossing Minnehaha Parkway, and the Lake Street-Marshall Avenue and Ford Parkway bridges for journeys across the Mississippi River. ([tcmevents.org](https://www.tcmevents.org/alleventsandraces/medtronictwincitiesmarathonweekend/spectatorinfo?utm_source=openai))
Participants with race bibs can use Metro Transit’s Green and Blue lines free of charge on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4. The official guidance lists U.S. Bank Stadium as the start-line station and Robert Street, 10th Street and Capitol/Rice Street as nearby finish-line stations. ([tcmevents.org](https://www.tcmevents.org/alleventsandraces/medtronictwincitiesmarathonweekend/medtronictwincitiesmarathon/marathon-participant-guide?utm_source=openai))
Roads will reopen on a rolling basis as runners clear each section of the course. Twin Cities In Motion says some Minneapolis intersections could reopen from about 9am, although closures will remain in place elsewhere for longer as the field makes its way towards St Paul.
The marathon finish is scheduled to remain open until 2.50pm, with roads reopening progressively throughout the day. Organisers advise motorists to check signs carefully, observe temporary parking restrictions and allow extra time for journeys. ([tcmevents.org](https://www.tcmevents.org/alleventsandraces/medtronictwincitiesmarathonweekend?utm_source=openai))
