Running rules Sunday, and it just might be the best way to navigate in and out of Minneapolis, most of which feels like one big construction-related detour. Don't fret. Despite the jumble downtown, particularly around the U.S. Bank Stadium site, the marathon and TC 10 Mile will start at the same locations nearby as last year.
Twin Cities Marathon: Tips for navigating downtown Sunday morning
It's a building and road construction explosion, of course. Here are some tips for runners (and motorists) on how to get a safe start.
October 2, 2015 at 3:15PM
Race starting lines
TC 10 Mile, 7 a.m.: The field (10,651 registrants) will line up in four corrals that converge at Portland Avenue and S. 4th Street, before heading north on Portland.
Marathon, 7:55 a.m. wheelers, 8 a.m. runners: The field (11, 473) will line up in the three corrals just south and west of the stadium, beginning at S. 6th Street and Portland Avenue.
Avoid a drive in
Many racers use the marathon-provided buses to get to the start area. Some even rely on the metro light trail (it's free for runners with a visible bib), which will operate on a normal schedule. Spectators who drive downtown to either drop off a runner — or spectate — need to be wary of the confluence of the thousands of runners and vehicles converging on downtown, beginning as early as 5 a.m. Consider personal drop-off spots several blocks removed in all directions from the U.S. Bank Stadium site to save you and your runner any headache.
From 5th Avenue to 11th Avenue and from S. 6th Street to S. 3rd Street will be closed at 5 a.m. for start line setup. The roads will reopen about 9 a.m.
Twin Cities in Motion, the event organizer, has a list of course crossings and road closures online at bit.ly/tcclos.
Go to tcmevents.org for the latest updates.
Security
Remember: Backpacks, purses and bags are subject to search. It is suggested that you leave bags at home. Police officers patrol the course and monitor all major intersections.
Numbers
According to TCM:
• 30 percent are first-time marathoners.
• The average female age is 39; male, 35.
• 68 percent of participants are Minnesotans.
• The oldest registrant is 80; the youngest, 11.
• The marathon is the U.S. men's and women's masters marathon championship.
Consider running ...
Consider entering the TC 10K and TC 5K races Saturday, beginning at the Capitol grounds in St. Paul. There is race-day registration on site, space-permitting. Feeling prepared for something more ambitious? There is walk-up marathon entry Friday and Saturday at the health and fitness expo at the RiverCentre in St. Paul
… or watching
Get your TCM spectator on, and you might win something. An event spectator support crew will bike the course and stop to reward groups with prizes to those who are especially supportive and creative.
None of the boat’s occupants, two adults and two juveniles, were wearing life jackets, officials said.
