I have run a lot of big city races with far bigger field sizes and the TCM stacks up with any of them. You are lead through all the great sights in the Twin Cities with lakes, river, parks and people, people, people,

The final 6 miles have an uphill portion starting at the bottom of Summit ave. You see all the grand houses in Saint Paul, then the Cathedral and a downhill to the finish.

This is a bucket list race and I would recommend it. (I am signed up already for 2021) - The only downside is you start with all the walkers from all the races and a lot of people walk this course. I don’t think there is a cutoff time. I would recommend getting up front as far as you can. We spent the first 5 miles passing people who were walking. This is a BIG race with 20k people.

It starts early and you have an hour or so in the dark. Once the sun comes out it does get warm. If you are coming from anywhere cold be prepared to run in 80f heat.

I have run the Chicago marathon 3 times and I am signed up for 2022. I love the noise and the crowds on the course. I also get the Balbo tent for the beginning and the end. I would recommend this race to everyone. It is a great flat, fast course with so many people cheering you on. I think there is one spot where you might see 10 people but as you come down Michigan Av. Towards the end you are met with so many people who are helping you finish.

Hardest part? The large curbs in Grant Park that you have to step up to. I mean they are like 6 inches tall!! (That was a joke)

I ran this race two weeks before I ran the Chicago marathon and during a lot of business travel. My experience is a little skewed by how tired I was going into the race. I was very well organized with lots of people on the course cheering you on. It was drizzle and 40ish degrees during this race so the warm sweet tea at the aid stations where a wonderful blessing.

As you finish, you see the Brandenburg Gate, then you keep going... it is not the finish!

Great public transport and easy to get around. Don’t walk around Berlin the day before!

I have run Grandmas 3 times and I am signed up for 2021. This is a very well organized race, with a great course and wonderful scenery. You have fans cheering you on during the majority of the course and as you get into Duluth you are greeted with a wall of people who are all there to help you finish.

Highlight is the Big Red Boat that is 700ft long? (Maybe longer) it seriously goes on forever and you run by this the last mile!