
Rochester, United States of America · Saturday 16 May 2026
The Med City Marathon is held annually in Rochester, Minnesota, typically in mid-May, and has been a fixture in the local running community since 1996. The event attracts over 350 participants each year and holds a United States Track and Field (USATF) certification, making it a Boston Marathon qualifying race. The main marathon begins near the Rochester International Airport and traverses a point-to-point route that finishes deep in the heart of downtown Rochester, most recently on 1st Ave SW.\
Adjusted Time
3:59:42
Time difference: -0.3 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Med City Marathon is a full marathon held in Rochester, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 16 May 2026. The course is run on road surface with 160m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 390m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Med City Marathon website.
With 160m of elevation gain, this is a moderately undulating course. The route ranges from 297m to 390m above sea level (93m total range). While not completely flat, the elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't significantly impact pacing strategy.
Based on historical weather data for May, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Moderate temperatures between 7°C and 23°C are expected. While comfortable for most runners, those targeting fast times should pay attention to hydration, as these temperatures can impact performance over the full distance. There is a moderate chance of rain (30%). Runners may want to prepare for wet conditions but shouldn't expect persistent rainfall.
Med City Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for Med City Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Med City Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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