Overview
- Twin Cities in Motion announced Tuesday that the marathon weekend will shift from early October to mid-October beginning in 2027 and that target weekend dates for 2027–2031 have been posted pending permit approval.
- The decision follows a multi-year review prompted by the heat-driven cancellation of the 2023 race that found mid-October offers a more stable and safer weather profile than the traditional early-October slot.
- Organizers confirmed the 2026 weekend will remain on Oct. 3–4 and said they expect roughly 30,000 athletes to take part in the weekend’s races.
- The marathon’s co-medical directors said modest cooling in mid-October can cut physiological strain, improve hydration balance, and lower the chance of serious medical events for both first-time and experienced runners.
- Race officials worked with climatologists, public-safety agencies, medical partners, sponsors and tourism groups to weigh runner safety, local resources and logistics, which could affect volunteer planning, city permits and visitor travel in future years.