Minnesota 2025 Marathons

The Xenia Avenue Marathon features a certified flat and fast course in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, known for its scenic loops through the Rush Creek Corridor Trail, offering runners an excellent chance at achieving personal bests. With an early 6:30 a.m. start and ample support from local community programs, this marathon provides a uniquely intimate experience amidst Minnesota's summer landscapes.

The Run for the Lakes Marathon in Nisswa, Minnesota, features a scenic double-loop course that winds through the picturesque Brainerd Lakes area, offering breathtaking views of Clark Lake, Lake Hubert, and Bass Lake against a backdrop of majestic white and red pines. Known for its small-town charm and supportive community, this Boston qualifier race combines natural beauty with a family-friendly atmosphere, including various race distances and festive post-race activities.

The Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon offers runners a serene, flat course on a scenic asphalt path from Holdingford to St. Joseph, Minnesota, making it perfect for those aiming for personal bests or a Boston Marathon qualifying time. With a cap of just 450 participants, this intimate race is celebrated for its friendly community spirit and picturesque journey through charming small towns.

The Med City Marathon in Rochester, Minnesota, offers a scenic two-loop course that blends rural and urban landscapes, starting near the airport and finishing downtown, with a notable elevation change that adds a subtle challenge to the mostly flat terrain. Celebrated for its community spirit, the event features a lively finish line festival with live music, refreshments, and a health and fitness expo, making it an ideal choice for runners aiming for personal bests or Boston qualifying times.

Grandma's Marathon offers a picturesque 26.2-mile course from Two Harbors to Duluth, featuring stunning views of Lake Superior and challenges like the notable Lemon Drop Hill. This June event combines a warm, small-town atmosphere with enthusiastic community support, making it an affordable and memorable experience for over 20,000 runners each year.

The Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon challenges runners with a rugged 26.2-mile course from the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth to the Munger Trailhead in Carlton, featuring 2,969 feet of ascent across woodland trails and technical sections. As a preparatory race for the Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultramarathon, it offers a rewarding experience with breathtaking views, crucial aid stations, and a supportive community, making it an ideal test for those seeking to push their limits in Minnesota's scenic wilderness.

The Ely Marathon offers a captivating course that begins at Camp Du Nord near Burntside Lake and features the unique Canoe Portage Division, where runners carry a canoe over their heads, adding an adventurous twist. This Boston-qualifying race invites participants to embrace its challenging elevation changes and stunning Minnesota landscapes, culminating in a festive finish at Whiteside Park with live music and community camaraderie.

The Twin Cities Marathon takes runners on a scenic 26.2-mile journey from downtown Minneapolis to the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, featuring iconic lakes and a picturesque stretch along the Mississippi River. Known as "The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America," it captivates participants with its vibrant community support, expertly organized logistics, and a festive atmosphere that includes events for all ages and skill levels.

The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon features a scenic 26.2-mile loop that combines paved trails and roads, showcasing the stunning shores of Lake Bemidji, the iconic Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues, and the vibrant fall foliage of Minnesota. Celebrated for its cultural theme centered on local folklore and its USATF-certified course, this race provides runners with a unique blend of natural beauty and manageable challenges, making it ideal for both first-timers and those seeking a Boston Marathon qualifying time.

The Mankato Marathon takes runners on a scenic journey through the Minnesota River Valley, blending urban landscapes with picturesque trails and vibrant fall colors, all while offering views of landmarks like Mount Kato and the Blue Earth River. As a Boston Marathon qualifier, this USATF-certified race is renowned for its community spirit, with enthusiastic local support and lively post-race celebrations near the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, making it a must-experience event for runners of all levels.