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Twin Cities Marathon Preview

Twin Cities In Motion
Start - Mall of America Field, Minneapolis
Finish - State Capitol, Saint Paul
www.tcmevents.org
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012

Since 1982, the Twin Cities Marathon has been an annual event providing a stunning, nationally recognized race that attracts athletes of all ages to promote health and fitness. This year, bearing a new name for the organization, Twin Cities In Motion kicks off a world-class running event which includes 12,000 runners and over 300,000 spectators. Here are the best places to watch the race and some of the events visitors will want to check out during marathon weekend.

Link: Road Closures

Best Places to Watch the Twin Cities Marathon

The Twin Cities Medtronic Marathon, also referred to as The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon, begins October 7, 2012 at 8 a.m. The course starts near Mall of America Field (HHH Metrodome) and finishes at the State Capitol. Spectators may want to watch the start of the marathon along South 6th Street, west of Chicago Avenue, to see the racers at their freshest stage. According to the marathon website, popular places to watch the marathon are Lake Calhoun at the 4.5-mile point, Lake Nokomis at the half-way point and near the cathedral on John Ireland Boulevard near the finish line.

10.1.11 - Guide to Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon - cheerzonerace
Photo Credit: TCMevents.org

Twin Cities Marathon Events

Twin Cities in Motion also sponsors a number of exciting special events for children and adults that take place the entire weekend of the marathon. Here are a few of the events that visitors may want to check out.Health and Fitness Expo
Saint Paul RiverCentre - Lower Level
175 W. Kellogg Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55102
www.tcmevents.org

Price: Free
Dates: Friday, October 5 from 12 p.m to 8 p.m. and Saturday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In addition to the marathon, there are a number of expo seminars available Friday and Saturday of marathon weekend that are also free to the public. Authors of "Run Like a Mother" and "Train Like a Mother," Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell Davis, will appear at the Expo with "How to Maximize Race Day Performance and Enjoyment" at 3 p.m. on Friday. The various Expo seminars consist of over 70 vendors with exhibits on health and fitness, bargains and information on running equipment and nutrition.

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Medtronic TC Family Events
State Capitol Grounds
76 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
www.tcmevents.org

Price: Free
Date: Saturday, October 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Games and activities will be held in the Family Activity Tent on Saturday where spectators are encouraged to cheer for TCM mascots, Harry and Shelly, in the Mascot Invitational. This is also a great location to view and watch the runners complete the TC 10K and TC 5K Run/Walk marathons. The Harry & Shelly Mascot Invitational takes place at 11 a.m. Children of all ages will enjoy watching their favorite mascots compete in a separate marathon of their own as well as hang out with the mascots and take photos before and after the race. At 11:15 a.m. is the Diaper Dash. This event takes place on the lawn of the State Capitol Grounds where the little ones in diapers crawl from an inner circle to an outer circle. The Toddler Trot begins at 11:30 a.m. and is 50 yards of course that is run in waves, beginning with the oldest children. This event also takes place on the lawn of the State Capitol Grounds.

Pasta Party
Saint Paul RiverCentre - Lower Level
175 W. Kellogg Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55102
www.tcmevents.org

Price: $13
Date: Saturday, October 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Pasta Party takes place on Saturday evening and is hosted by MCH Culinary Group. This party is open to the public and provides spectators and athletes with an opportunity to share in the pre-race excitement. The dinner is served buffet-style and includes a full menu of salads, garlic bread, breadsticks, penne pasta, cheese tortellini, cookies and lemonade. Tickets may be purchased at the door as well as at the Health and Fitness Expo.

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Christina Majaski is a full-time legal assistant and freelance writer for online and print publications. She has an obsession for all things related to social media and invites you to follow along with her on Twitter @cmajaski. She currently resides with her daughter in central Minnesota. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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