Marathon Date Change
Twin Cities Marathon Moves to Mid-October Starting 2027 to Prioritize Runner Safety
Anonymous
Key Points
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Climate data cited by officials show a cooler late-October weather profile than early October, with Oct 1 normal high/low of 66/47 versus Oct 17 normal of 58/40, underscoring why shifting the Marathon to mid‑October can improve safety and comfort.
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Officials note that 40 to 45 percent of Marathon entrants are first-time finishers each year, and the date shift is seen as increasing the likelihood of favorable weather for this large new-entrant cohort.
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Medical directors and organizers argue that even modest cooling can substantially reduce physiological strain and lower the risk of serious medical events during the race.
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Race Director Ed Whetham described the date change as a difficult decision because of a 45-year tradition of holding the event early in October, but he emphasized it was a data-driven move supported by medical and public-safety partners.
The Twin Cities Marathon is changing its date for the first time in 45 years. Starting in 2027, the race will move from the first Sunday of October to a mid-October window of October 10–17, CBS News reported. The shift is driven by rising temperatures and growing concern over runner safety.
Race Director Ed Whetham called it a difficult decision, given the event's long tradition. But he said it was data-driven and backed by medical and public-safety partners. The 2026 race will still run on the old early-October date.
A Record 92°F Day Forced Officials to Act
Organizers spent several years reviewing weather data before making the call. October temperatures in the Twin Cities have climbed steadily since 2000. In 2023, race day hit a record 92°F — a dangerous level for tens of thousands of runners, Marathon Handbook reported.
The numbers make the case clearly. The normal high on October 1 is 66°F. By October 17, that drops to 58°F. The normal low falls from 47°F to 40°F over the same stretch, according to KARE 11. Even that modest cooling makes a major difference for runners pushing their bodies over 26.2 miles.
Cooler Temperatures Cut Heat Risk for Thousands of Runners
Medical directors say even small drops in temperature can sharply reduce the risk of serious heat illness. Heat strain builds fast during a marathon. Cooler air means the body works less to stay at a safe internal temperature. That lowers the chance of dangerous medical events on the course.
The date shift also eases pressure on medical and public-safety teams. Fewer heat emergencies mean fewer ambulance calls and less strain on aid stations. Runners World noted that organizers framed the move around a simple idea: "Safety comes first."
Nearly Half of All Finishers Are Racing Their First Marathon
The Twin Cities Marathon draws a large share of first-time runners. Each year, roughly 40% to 45% of finishers are crossing the marathon finish line for the very first time, according to CBS News. First-timers are often less experienced managing heat, making them more vulnerable on a hot race day.
A mid-October date gives those runners a better shot at safe, comfortable conditions. Officials say better weather could also lead to faster finish times and a stronger overall experience. The later date also puts the race deeper into fall foliage season, adding a scenic bonus along the course.
A 45-Year Tradition Gives Way to Climate Reality
The Twin Cities Marathon has run on the first Sunday of October since its founding. That is a 45-year streak, and breaking it was not taken lightly. Whetham acknowledged the weight of the change but said the data left little room for debate, Marathon Handbook reported.
The move fits a wider national pattern. Major endurance events across the country are grappling with hotter race-day conditions. Organizers say the new mid-October window is built for long-term reliability — not just one tough year. The exact 2027 date within the October 10–17 range has not yet been set, per KARE 11.
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