With fall just around the corner, we are about to head into marathon season! If you’re looking for a fall marathon that’s the caliber of a big city race without the challenging logistics of the World Marathon Majors (like Boston and New York), be sure to consider the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.
Fall is a common time for marathons across the country, as the weather cools and lends itself to more comfortable racing temperatures. If you’re looking for an ideal location for your next PR, you should consider the race that is one of the most prestigious in the Midwest and is often referred to as “The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America” because of its scenic course.
Location and logistics are essential to consider when planning for a race as challenging as a marathon. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth, runners want a race to feel organized and supportive, with a course that encourages you to run to the best of your ability. Typically held the first weekend in October, the Twin Cities Marathon strikes a rare balance between a high class experience with a hometown feel.
Race Director Eli Asch on the Twin Cities Marathon
On the podcast this week I have Twin Cities Marathon race director, Eli Asch. Eli came to Twin Cities with extensive experience as the Director of Race Operations for the California International Marathon, as well as the Logistics and Operations Manager for the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon. He earned a BA at Whitman College where he was captain of the cross-country team, and received his MBA in Sports Business from San Diego State University.
My conversation with Eli delves into all the important details of the Twin Cities Marathon. Whether you’re racing it this year or considering it for 2024, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of the race, including:
- What makes Twin Cities such a unique race
- Pre-race logistics and the best options for hotel locations
- Course specifics to plan your best race
- How to tackle the most challenging section of the course
- The extensive pace group selections for runners
- The best way to navigate race amenities beyond the finish line
If you’re in the final stages of preparing for Twin Cities, then have an amazing race! If not, this discussion will give you excellent feedback on what to consider when choosing your next marathon.
Subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or Google Play
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Learn more about the Twin Cities Marathon
- Follow the Twin Cities Marathon on Instagram and Facebook
- Listen to my previous episode with Eli on directing big races
- Want to PR your next marathon?
- Read more about planning your next marathon breakthrough
Thank you Lagoon!
Our newest sponsor is Lagoon, maker of the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever used. And that’s no hyperbole. I’m pleasantly surprised every night I lie down because this pillow is just perfect for me. Since I know that sleep is the #1 recovery tool at my disposal, I’m taking it a lot more seriously.
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Since you can add or remove fill to get your alignment right, it’s a great way to optimize the most important way you can become a better runner that isn’t training: sleep. We all know how important sleep is. It’s the best recovery tool that you have at your disposal – better than compression, ice, heat, massage, or anything else you can think of. Sleep is when the magic happens and your sleep quality matters.
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Thank you DrinkLMNT!
A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.
DrinkLMNT’s products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.
My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.
There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.
