Med City Marathon

Rochester, United States of America 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.

The marathon course showcases a variety of environments, beginning at a higher elevation and offering a predominantly downhill profile, which is considered favorable for achieving fast times. The first segment covers open country roads through farmland, providing panoramic rural views and an opportunity for runners to find their rhythm early in the race. After approximately eight to nine miles, the course transitions into paved city trails and paths, winding through tree-lined neighborhoods, river trails, and city parks such as Soldiers Field and Mayo Park. Runners experience varied terrain that incorporates both rural and urban landscapes, with the route utilizing parts of the Zumbro River and passing prominent local sites before converging in the vibrant downtown area. The final stretch of the race takes runners onto a city sidewalk, culminating in a sharp turn and a short dash to the finish line.

Organization of the event is detailed and participant-focused. On race day, free shuttles transport runners from downtown Rochester to the starting line, with easy parking available in the downtown area for convenience. Packet pickup is available at the start line before the race. The marathon enforces a six-hour time limit for completion, ensuring the course is manageable and supported for all official participants. Course support includes hydration stations managed by local sponsors and medical assistance as needed throughout the route.

The race environment is enhanced by a community-wide celebration, both along the course and at the finish. The Finish Line Festival, held in downtown Rochester, provides live music, refreshments, and activities for runners and spectators. Runners who are 21 and older receive a complimentary beer, and all finishers have access to hydration and post-race recovery amenities. The festival atmosphere extends into the local downtown, allowing participants and their supporters to enjoy the amenities and energy of the city after the race.

Participants often note the contrast between the peaceful rural landscape of the early miles and the more winding city paths encountered later in the race. This variety, combined with strong community and volunteer involvement both in terms of logistics and on-course support contributes to a distinctive experience. The course, while presenting some difficulty in maintaining a steady pace on city trails, is generally regarded as fast and welcoming for both seasoned marathoners and those attempting the distance for the first time.

Generic Marathon Time This represents the time you would expect to run a "generic" marathon in. This is a marathon with around 250 m (800 ft) of elevation gain and a temperature around 10°C (50°F). For best results, use our Race Predictor.

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Med City Marathon Time


Statistics

Elevation
Elevation Gain 161 m 528 ft
Elevation Low 285 m 935 ft
Elevation High 402 m 1319 ft
Weather
Expected Temperature (Low) 9°C 48°F
Expected Temperature (High) 14°C 57°F
Chance of Rain 26%

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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.

The marathon course showcases a variety of environments, beginning at a higher elevation and offering a predominantly downhill profile, which is considered favorable for achieving fast times. The first segment covers open country roads through farmland, providing panoramic rural views and an opportunity for runners to find their rhythm early in the race. After approximately eight to nine miles, the course transitions into paved city trails and paths, winding through tree-lined neighborhoods, river trails, and city parks such as Soldiers Field and Mayo Park. Runners experience varied terrain that incorporates both rural and urban landscapes, with the route utilizing parts of the Zumbro River and passing prominent local sites before converging in the vibrant downtown area. The final stretch of the race takes runners onto a city sidewalk, culminating in a sharp turn and a short dash to the finish line.

Organization of the event is detailed and participant-focused. On race day, free shuttles transport runners from downtown Rochester to the starting line, with easy parking available in the downtown area for convenience. Packet pickup is available at the start line before the race. The marathon enforces a six-hour time limit for completion, ensuring the course is manageable and supported for all official participants. Course support includes hydration stations managed by local sponsors and medical assistance as needed throughout the route.

The race environment is enhanced by a community-wide celebration, both along the course and at the finish. The Finish Line Festival, held in downtown Rochester, provides live music, refreshments, and activities for runners and spectators. Runners who are 21 and older receive a complimentary beer, and all finishers have access to hydration and post-race recovery amenities. The festival atmosphere extends into the local downtown, allowing participants and their supporters to enjoy the amenities and energy of the city after the race.

Participants often note the contrast between the peaceful rural landscape of the early miles and the more winding city paths encountered later in the race. This variety, combined with strong community and volunteer involvement both in terms of logistics and on-course support contributes to a distinctive experience. The course, while presenting some difficulty in maintaining a steady pace on city trails, is generally regarded as fast and welcoming for both seasoned marathoners and those attempting the distance for the first time.

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