The race is completely flat, as far as I'm concerned. I've read repeatedly about the incline up…read moreSummit Ave. around mile 20. But other than about a short hill a block long, I don't recall any other "hills". (Keep in mind, this, coming from a San Franciscan.) The tour of the lakes was a treat, as was the various neighborhoods the course wound through. Out of the 35+ races I've done, this is my favorite, thus far. I'm a big fan of well-organized races that are smaller and more low-key. But I forget how a huge amount of support can help. I have never done a race with this many spectators lined up from beginning to end, cheering for YOU. After awhile, you zone out--especially in those latter miles when all you want to do is finish--but whether you realize it or not, their enthusiasm certainly keeps your morale up. Thank you, MSP, for your Midwestern hospitality!

I had a great experience running the Twin Cities Marathon this year-so glad I signed up!…read more Email updates were helpful and timely, my corral placement (there were 3 and I was placed in 2) was fair, and I love that I didn't need to enter a lottery to enter like I had to for Chicago last year. The expo (held at the St. Paul RiverCentre this year) was busy but pretty well-organized, if you knew to head past all of the booths to the packet pick-up. Participants had to self-scan their bibs to activate the timing chip, but that only took a second and there wasn't much of a line. Wide variety of cool running apparel/gear and marathon essentials sold, along with lots of freebies (yay Clif bar samples, Caribou coffee, and other swag). I found this expo much less stressful than Chicago's. The race course is absolutely beautiful, taking you from downtown Minneapolis to St. Paul. After some hard-core googling for previous marathoners' accounts of this race, I psyched myself out about hills, especially on Summit Ave. My take on this after running the race: don't worry! There are some hills, but nothing crazy, and the course is quite flat for the most part (and there's an downhill finish that makes you feel amazing crossing the finish line). Running around the lakes was probably my favorite part. Crowd support was amazing (lots of funny signs, kids offering high fives, and nice spectators offering hugs/water/donuts/beer/fruit/etc.), and the volunteers made the race go super smoothly! Powerade/water stations were labeled clearly and staggered appropriately every few miles (along with port-a-potties), and the post-race refueling options were great (bananas, fruit cups, chocolate milk, soup, coffee, water, chips, nut rolls, etc.). Got an emergency blanket, and the finisher medal and long-sleeved tech shirt I received are pretty and of good quality, too! I also love that as a spectator or runner, you can sign up to receive mobile text notifications on up to 3 runners-that way you know when runners pass certain points and finish the race! My results were also available by the time I got back home from the race, and the photos should be up within a few days. (Instant gratification is my fave!) Would definitely return to attempt a PR on this marathon. Highly recommend for marathon newbies or veterans!

We booked a private party for adults at Pro Kart and had an awesome experience from start to…read morefinish. The booking process was super easy, straightforward, and pleasant. They send the check-in form ahead of time, so once you arrive it's quick and seamless, no standing around filling out paperwork. You can bring your own helmet or use one of theirs, which is nice, and I loved that you can choose between different course and race options. We booked the Grand Prix package and it was perfect. Tons of lap time, a great mix of practice, qualifying, and racing, and plenty of time actually on the track. They also have an option to show up and drive also for spontaneous dates. The karts themselves are great. Fast, gas-powered, and really fun to drive. The track setup is well designed and makes the racing feel legit, not gimmicky. One of the best parts was getting to see all the stats afterward, lap times, rankings, and performance breakdowns. It adds a competitive edge that makes it even more fun for a group. The staff were super friendly and helpful throughout the whole experience, and everything ran smoothly. This is such a great option for adult group events, birthdays, or date night. We would absolutely do this again.

First time visit! I was super intimidated going on the track especially figuring out the helmet,…read morecart, and remember the flag colors but the staff is helpful, easy going, and attentive. I felt like I got plenty of track time and overall a fun experience!

As far as I can tell, there isn't a full marathon anymore. It seems like it's just a half and…read moreshorter: https://www.runstillwater.com/stillwater-half-marathon/

Who would have expected near 80 degrees weather in MN? Not…read morethis marathoner... This was state #14, Stillwater, birthplace of Minnesota. Course beauty: 2 Star Course difficulty: 2 Star (very tough) Organization : 4 Stars Small-mid size marathon of about 400 (plus 1500 half/20milers) Small expo at the local High School for bib pick up. Shuttles were available before/after the race from several local stops. Overall entire event was well organized. The race starts 7:00AM Sunday. Runners are shuttled to the start. The course includes many historical sites... If you are into that kind of a thing. however no breathtaking scenery. There were sufficient water stations in the second half but scattered in the first. It was very hot and the first 6-7 miles provided zero shade. There were multiple, multiple, multiple rolling hills. most notable from memory was a huge (at least visual) hill at 13, 14, 17, & 19. This was not an easy run. Not recommended for first time marathoners.

I love this race. I've only run it once, but having downtown Minneapolis shut down to allow folks…read moreto run a fast road race was a blast! Runners are broken up into various waves. I was in the 40+ masters wave, and was able to nearly toe the line. Some slower milers were up front as well, so that would be a strike against the organizers. Each 1/4 mile is marked off with a timing split, tho I somehow missed the first 1/4 mile marker. Not sure what happened there. Maybe the haze of lactic acid build up was messing with my vision? After you are finished, you can watch the elite women and men race. I feel fortunate that I've seen 5 or 6 people race a mile in under four minutes by attending this race. Not too many people can say that, you know