Besides the weather being less than pleasant the last several years of the Twin Cities Marathon are there any thoughts about this race? Registration opens tomorrow and it's a long ways away to consider. Does this one fill up quickly? Other races I have been able to pick up a bib from someone looking to drop out several weeks before race day, but the website says they don't do transfers. Just looking for some feedback before I jump into this one.
A quick Google perusal indicated closed registration the 2nd week of June in 2009 and half-full April 23, 2008. I'd recommend waiting no later than April 1 if you're fairly serious about entering. Keep in mind the trend has been for races to fill faster and faster.
I have seen craigslist ads for black-market bibs the last 3 years (from people who did have to commit ridiculously early and got injured/realized they were undertrained)/had sudden obligation come up), but the ads aren't long-lived (?? proportions of being flagged or someone quickly making the buy).
There are now several more regional marathon options that have popped up in the last 5 years that won't require you to pay through the nose months in advance. While not the org, course, and "prestige" of TCM, there are some other options that time of year, incl. ones in Milwaukee, Ashland, Wi. Dells, and Middleton (nr Madison), WI; Mankato, MN; Des Moines, IA. Check marathonguide.com for more.
Good luck and have fun if you come.
I don't know where you get that the weather is less than ideal. Last year was about as perfect as you could ask for.
It's an awesome Marathon. Absolutely beautiful. These two cities love this marathon and come out in full support. I highly recommend it.
Great race, fills fast, and weather is always a wild-card (but less so than the other MN marathon, Grandma's, which is now reliably hot). Last year was great, a couple of years before that was hot, and the last time I ran it was a total downpour, which was not the greatest (but was interesting). But chances are decent it will be cool, and in general it goes west to east with the prevailing winds, and the course is spectacular. Highly recommended.
Thanks for the info guys. I'm convinced. I've got the San Diego R&R to conquer first.
Do this instead. Much more fun!
I second the fact that Half Voyageur is fun, but it is really a training run for other events, including TCM. That said, a tremendous training run. TCM is a great marathon. The last two years were "PR weather". The year before it was very rainy, and the year before that it was very hot. The course goes slightly up from 19-23, but it very scenic (if that matters). In my humble opinion, it is a wonderful course, but you need to save more for the last 10k than many courses. Have fun.
unfortuantely i have no options but to run it since my in- law's family live there and i need to represent the name well...haha.
all i want to know is where the best Juicy Lucy burger and brewery I can get after the race...
as for the weather, give me anything but heat/humidity.
This year will be the 7th time Iv'e run TCM. You have a very good chance of getting good weather conditions. After training in hot, humid weather all summer good weather for me is 40 at the start and 50 at the finish.
Matt's Bar for best Juicy Lucy! If downtonwn Mpls., then go to Britt's for scotch eggs and a few pints (plus maybe a single malt). I can't think of a better post-marathon plan.