Big Marathon Weekend In Twin Cities Wraps Up

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's the one day thousands of people circle on their calendars. The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon draws thousands of runners and non-runners to the metro for a big weekend each fall.

"Running this marathon from the very start to the very end is like your own parade and I absolutely love that," said runner Shannon Ingersoll of St. Paul.

Few parades stretch this long.

The 26.2-mile route from Minneapolis to St. Paul is filled with celebrations along the way. Lining the route are pop-up parties with many former runners who know a little support can go a long way.

"Years ago, when I ran, my family and friends all came out to support me. So we're paying it forward and supporting the runners today," Laura Seifert of Minneapolis said.

While small signs of encouragement push runners through the course, the landscape itself is inspiring.

"You get a little bit of Minneapolis, a little bit of St. Paul and the finish is amazing," runner Ben Kipp said.

Look through the sea of fluorescent spandex and you'll find Vikings, Batman and a couple Captain Americas -- but only one costume that requires condiments.

"It's a lot of fun when you wear a hot dog suit," marathoner Jaime Yaeck said. "This is the most fun I've had running a marathon!"

This year, runners got more than a medal for crossing the finish. They could celebrate with a Summit.

"Everyone's running the race for different reasons and so when they cross the finish line everyone has their moment where they're like 'oh my gosh, look what I just did!'"

Firs-time marathoner Tyler Pennel of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, and former third-place finisher Esther Erb of Richmond, Virginia earned victories at the marathon.