Twin Cities Marathon & 10 Mile Training Plans

customized for you and the race.

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  • Smarter Training Plans Smarter Plans
  • Safe Training Plans Fewer Injuries
  • Successful Training Plans Better Results

Twin Cities Marathon & 10 Mile
Training Plans

Custom Training Plans are designed around you and the Twin Cities Marathon & 10 Mile course. We take into account variables that no other training plans can match because we know how important it is to achieve your specific Twin Cities Marathon & 10 Mile goals.

  • Expert Training Plans

    expert plans

    Developed by certified coaches with time-tested results.

  • Runner Specific Training Plans

    Runner Specific

    We know you’re unique. Your training plan should match.

  • Race Specific Training Plans

    race Specific

    Race profile, time of year, and altitude all factor into our plans.

  • Affordable Training Plans

    affordable

    Custom plans shouldn’t cost more than the race itself.

ABOUT TWIN CITIES MARATHON & 10 MILE TRAINING PLANS

On the first weekend in October each year, nearly 20,000 runners gather in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota to take part in the Twin Cities Marathon and 10-Mile, 10K, and 5K races. No matter what distance you're most comfortable running, the Twin Cities Marathon offers a fun set of challenges. Custom Training Plans can help you prepare for your 5K, 10K, 10-mile, or marathon with a training program that's customized both for the race itself and your own fitness level. Our Twin Cities Marathon training plans, Twin Cities 10-Mile training plans, Twin Cities 10K training plans, and Twin Cities 5K training plans provide workouts at the right intensity for you.

Twin Cities Marathon & 10 Mile Training Plan

The Twin Cities Marathon is known as “The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America,” and the course lives up to the hype. October in the Twin Cities is one of the most pleasant months for weather, and the beautiful course and energetic crowds make this event spectacular. When you choose to train with CTP, we provide you with a customized training schedule for your 5K, 10K, 10-mile, or marathon.

The 5K and 10K kick off the weekend’s festivities. Aside from a short elevation at the very beginning, both courses are relatively flat and start and end near the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul following an out-and-back course on Summit Avenue. These distances are popular for both first-time runners and marathoners wishing to warm up their legs before the big dance the next day.

On Sunday, the marathon and 10-mile races are run. Both courses begin near U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The Twin Cities 10-Mile is also called “The Shortcut to the Capitol” and makes a beeline for the finish line in St. Paul via East River Road. The marathon course leaves downtown and winds around Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Lake Nokomis before heading north along the Mississippi River. The course follows the river for several miles before crossing into St. Paul, where runners will face the course’s biggest hill. This climb continues for almost three miles and makes the Twin Cities Marathon one of the more challenging finishes among American marathons.

Often dubbed “The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America,” the marathon is a flagship running event that takes place in the heart of Minnesota, showcasing the scenic beauty of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Here’s a brief dive into its history:

Inception and Growth: The Twin Cities Marathon (TCM) was first held in 1982. From its outset, it was envisioned as more than just a race – it was a celebration of the Twin Cities’ spirit, community, and natural beauty. The event saw a robust turnout from its early days, with its reputation quickly growing both regionally and nationally.

Cultural and Economic Impact: The Twin Cities Marathon has become a significant cultural event in the region, drawing thousands of participants and spectators every year. Its economic impact is palpable, with local businesses, especially hotels, restaurants, and retailers, benefiting from the influx of visitors.

Challenges and Triumphs: Like many marathons worldwide, the Twin Cities Marathon has faced challenges, including inclement weather and the logistical hurdles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the resilience and commitment of organizers, volunteers, and the running community have ensured its continued success and reputation as a premier marathon event.

Modern Significance: Today, the Twin Cities Marathon stands as a testament to the vibrant running culture of Minnesota. Its blend of competitive racing, community engagement, and the sheer beauty of the course continues to attract a diverse group of runners, from elite athletes eyeing a fast time to first-timers looking to accomplish a significant personal goal.

The Twin Cities Marathon’s rich history, deeply interwoven with the cultural and athletic tapestry of Minneapolis and St. Paul, makes it a must-run event for many. As its legacy continues to grow, so does the quest for perfect marathon training plans to ensure every runner can make the most of their Twin Cities Marathon experience.

Whether you’re shooting to BQ or simply to make it to the finish line ahead of the sweeper bus, Custom Training Plans can help you get ready for one of the biggest running events in Minnesota. When you train with CTP, you can choose from Twin Cities Marathon training plans, Twin Cities 10-Mile training plans, Twin Cities 10K training plans, and Twin Cities 5K training plans that are designed to suit your experience level and the course-specific features that you should prepare for. Our training plans go beyond just mileage – we include intervals, hill repeats, and other drills to keep your running workouts fresh. We also include guidance on cross-training and mobility exercises to give you a well-rounded approach to your race prep. You can show up at the Twin Cities Marathon fully prepared with help from Custom Training Plans.

Here’s what you’ll receive in your plan package:

  • Daily Plans

    DETAILED DAILY PLAN

  • Pace Chart

    Pace chart

  • Lift Workouts

    Lift workouts

  • Coaching Letter

    Letter from your coach

  • Mobility Workouts

    Mobility workouts

  • RPE Chart

    RPE chart

  • Running Podcast

    Podcast

  • Motivational Emails

    Weekly motivation email

How Training Plans Work

How it works

  1. Complete our proprietary runner questionnaire so we can get to know you better.
  2. Your custom Twin Cities Marathon & 10 Mile plan is built based on advanced analytics with expert coaching oversight.
  3. Receive your custom Twin Cities Marathon & 10 Mile training plan, lifting + mobility guide, a letter from our coaches, and more within 24 hours.
  4. Finish the Twin Cities Marathon & 10 Mile with confidence.

Our method

  1. Certified Coaches

    With the expertise of USATF certified coaches and physical therapists, we built an advanced model to weigh the effects of runner-specific variables on training outcomes.

  2. Custom Race Profile

    We analyzed unique characteristics of hundreds of races across the country to build a “race profile” into our model that accounts for elevation gain, altitude, time of year, and more.

  3. Training Plan Model

    Our model generates a unique training plan for you and your race, and all plans are reviewed by a coach and hand-tweaked before they make their way to you.