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Race Day Info

All your race weekend info and FAQs! Check for updates as Med City approaches!

Saturday, May 16

2:00–6:30PM | Health Street Expo (Historic Chateau Theater & Peace Plaza)
 Packet pick-up open until 7:00PM

3:00–5:00PM | Live music: Loud Mouth Brass (Peace Plaza)

4:00PM | GLK Orthodontics Kids Run

6:30PM | Altra Federal Credit Union 5K & Pride 5K – walk or run – proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House

6:30–8:30PM | Finish Line Festival

    • Live music: Karate Chop Silence

    • Hydration by GPC of Rochester

    • Free beer for 21+ racers

    • Free & open to the community

Sunday, May 17

5:20AM | Shuttle service to start line begins (downtown pickup)

5:30AM | Race day packet pick-up opens (start line – Rochester International Event Center)

7:00AM | Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay start

7:15AM | 20 Mile start

9:00AM | Finish Line Festival begins

  • Live music: Amateur (9:15AM – 12:15PM)

  • Hydration by GPC of Rochester

  • Free beer for 21+ racers

  • Free & open to the community

1:00PM | Race festivities conclude / course closes

Online registration will remain open and is strongly recommended on race day. NO WALK UP REGISTRATION ON SUNDAY.


Walk-up registration is available for all events:

    • Saturday (race weekend) starting at 2:00PM

    • Located at the packet pick-up tables at the Expo

Online registration for the Kids Run is closed. You can still register at the Start Line at Mayo Memorial Park.

Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up:

  • Wednesday before race weekend

  • GLK Ortho South Location | 5:15–7:00PM

  • Kids Run participants only

Additional Pick-Up Option:

  • Available at the Kids Run start line in Mayo Memorial Park

  • No Kids Run packet pick-up at the Chateau Theater


Race Details

  • Saturday (race weekend) | 4:00PM start

  • Located behind the Mayo Civic Center, across the footbridge in Mayo Memorial Park

    • Follow the building south, past the Art Center

    • GPS: Mayo Memorial Park (not Mayo Park)

  • Look for signage along Civic Center Drive

  • Plan to arrive around 3:30–3:40PM

Before the Race

  • Announcements will be made by GLK Orthodontics

  • Volunteers will line up children by age group and color category

  • Color assignments will be included on your child’s bib at packet pick-up

  • You will also receive a Kids Race Instruction Sheet with finish line details

Course Options

  • Two course options:

    • Short Course: 0.8 miles

    • Long Course: 1.2 miles

  • No separate registration required—decide with your child on race day

  • All runners start together:

    • Left at split = Short Course (across footbridge)

    • Straight = Long Course

  • Teachers and volunteers will help direct runners

Parent/Guardian Notes

  • The long course (1.2 miles) is longer than a typical 1K

  • Parents are welcome to run with younger children

  • Please choose the distance that best fits your child’s ability

On the Course

    • Over 30 teachers and volunteers will be stationed along the route

    • Their goal is to ensure all runners safely reach the finish line

Saturday | 6:30PM start (sharp)

  • Start line located south of the Mayo Civic Center

  • Runners will gather in Mayo Memorial Park (across the footbridge from Mayo Park)

Before the Race:

  • Be in place by 6:10PM for pre-race announcements

  • The announcer will provide final instructions and start details

Finish Line

  • Located at 1st Ave SW & 3rd St SW (near Lucky’s Restaurant)

  • Spectators should head directly to the finish line from the start

    • Approximately a 4–5 block walk

PRIDE Edition 5K

  • Part of the same event

  • All race details are the same as the Altra 5K

Fastest Wheels Competition

Presented by Rochester Motor Cars

  • Takes place during the Altra 5K

  • A timing mat will be set 40 yards from the finish line

  • Runners can choose to sprint the final stretch for a chance to win

Details:

  • No additional registration required

  • Top performers will win a grand prize (TBD) and a trophy

Earn the title: Fastest Wheels of Med City Marathon

Relay Instructions & Logistics

Packet Pick-Up:

  • Only one team member picks up the full team packet (including shirts)

  • All runners receive a bib with the same number

  • Each bib will be chipped for timing


Relay Course Overview

  • 4 legs total (~6.5 miles each)

  • 3 exchange zones

  • Half Marathon relay uses Exchange Zone 1 only

  • Each leg is paired with water stops (see maps for details)

Transportation & Parking

  • Runner 1 may take the shuttle or be dropped off at the start

  • Parking at exchange zones is limited

  • Shuttles are strongly encouraged

Relay Shuttle Schedule

  • 6:50AM: Two buses depart from Exchange Zone Bus Area to relay zones

    • (Same location as start line shuttle pick-up)

  • 7:00AM: Race start (Marathon, Half, Relay, 20 Mile)

  • 7:10AM:

    • Bus departs start line for Exchange Zone 1

    • Runner 2 may ride with Runner 1 to the start

  • 7:15AM: 20 Mile race start

  • 7:30AM:

    • No shuttle to Exchange Zone 2 (walkable—2 blocks from Civic Center)

  • 7:30AM–12:40PM:

    • Continuous shuttle service to/from Exchange Zone 3

Final Notes

  • Shuttle use is highly recommended due to limited parking

  • Event leads will be available to help direct you to the correct buses

Celebrate your finish at the Med City Block Party right after your race.

  • Located at 1st Ave SW & 3rd St SW (finish line area)

  • All runners receive a FREE beer or NA beverage

  • Open to the public—friends and spectators welcome

Live Music:

  • Saturday: Karate Chop Silence (6:30–8:30PM)

  • Sunday: Amateur (9:15AM–12:30PM)

Thank You Sponsors:
 Charlie’s Pub & Eatery, Schott Distributing, Humble Forager, Go Brewing, and GPC


TerraLoco is bringing the energy with two cheer zones to support runners at some of the toughest points on the course:
Soldiers Field Park
Mile 12.5 (Half Marathon)
Mile 25.5 (Marathon)
(Same location for both distances)

Additional cheer zones hosted by Stone Barn Dentistry, Mayo EMERGing Leaders, and Dover Eyota Varsity Baseball.

Cheer Zone Locations

  • Bamber Valley School – Mile 8
  • John Withers Sports Complex – Mile 8.5 & 22.5
  • Zumbro South Park – Mile 10 & 24
  • Broadway & 9th St SE – Mile 11 & 25.5


Marathon & 20 Mile Cheer Zones Continue:
Mayo Memorial Park – Mile 12.5
East Park – Mile 14
Quarry Hill (Water Stop) – Mile 15
Silver Lake Park – Mile 16
Cook Park – Mile 17
Kutzky Park – Mile 18
Cascade Lake Park Area – Mile 19
3rd St & Frontage Rd (Big Hill!) – Mile 20
Finish Line Area

The Mythical Mile Pace Team is here to help you hit your goals—don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Check at the Rochester Running Club (RRC) booth for more questions on the pacing time / team.

Marathon Pacing:

  • 3:25 (7:49/mile)

  • 3:35 (8:12/mile)

  • 3:45 (8:34/mile)

  • 4:00 (9:09/mile)

  • 4:15 (9:43/mile)

  • 4:30 (10:17/mile)

  • 5:00 (11:26/mile)

  • 6:00 (13:44/mile)

Half Marathon Pacing:

 

  • 1:35 (7:15/mile)

  • 1:40 (7:38/mile)

  • 1:45 (8:00/mile)

  • 1:50 (8:24/mile)

  • 1:55 (8:47/mile)

  • 2:00 (9:09/mile)

  • 2:10 (9:55/mile)

  • 2:15 (10:17/mile)

  • 2:20 (10:41/mile)

  • 2:30 (11:26/mile)

5K, Half Marathon & Full Marathon

  • Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall Male and Female

  • Overall winners receive custom mugs and a swag bag

  • 1st place winners also receive free entry to the 2026 race

  • Non-binary category: Top finishers recognized (if applicable)

Age Group Awards (1st–3rd):

  • 15 & under

  • 16–19

  • 20–29

  • 30–39

  • 40–49

  • 50–59

  • 60–69

  • 70–79

  • 80+

 

20 Mile

  • Awards for top 3 Male and top 3 Female finishers

  • Age groups will be listed but not awarded

 

Relays

  • Top 2 teams awarded in each category:

    • Male

    • Female

    • Coed

Corporate Team 5K Challenge

  • Awards for 1st and 2nd place teams overall

  • All team members will be announced

  • Winning teams receive:

    • Awards cups (available at the finish line awards booth)

    • A traveling trophy (delivered post-event)

 

Fastest Wheels Competition

Presented by Rochester Motor Cars

  • Part of the Altra 5K finish

  • Features a 40-yard sprint to the finish line

Awards:

    • Top 3 Male and Female: free car detailing

    • Overall Male and Female: Fastest Wheels title

Your race photos are presented by Driftless Hydration!
Race Photos will be available post race on RunSignUp. A link will be posted and sent to all runners to find their photos using their name or bib number.

Download the RaceRecord app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Once downloaded, open the app and search for Med City Marathon or find Med City Marathon under the lists of upcoming/recent events. 

Track participants in real time, view live chip-timed results, follow interactive course maps, access race photos, and stay up to date on event information all weekend long.

Runners: Be sure to turn notifications ON! The app will send important event alerts and race weekend updates throughout the weekend.

Spectators: Once your runner has their bib assignment, you can favorite them and opt into live tracking notifications by tapping the heart icon in the top bar.

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At the Med City Marathon, the safety of our runners, volunteers, spectators, and staff is our highest priority. Weather conditions are monitored continuously leading up to and throughout race morning using radar, lightning detection, and communication with local emergency management and public safety partners.

Weather Monitoring

Race officials with the safety response team will actively monitor:

  • Lightning strikes in the area

  • Thunderstorm movement and timing

  • Heavy rain, hail, high winds, and severe weather warnings

  • Road and course safety conditions

If Lightning or Severe Weather Occurs

If lightning or dangerous weather is detected near the course or start areas, race officials may:

  • Delay the start of one or more races by 30 minutes per time

  • Pause runners on course

  • Temporarily shelter participants

  • Cancel portions of the event if conditions are unsafe

Shelter Information

Participants should be prepared to move quickly to shelter if instructed. Depending on location along the course, shelter options may include:

  • Park buildings or indoor facilities

  • Downtown buildings and parking structures

  • Official race vehicles or support locations. Bus team will initiate a pick up protocol to provide safety as needed.

  • Personal vehicles near start or finish areas

Open tents, trees, farmland structures, and portable toilets are NOT considered safe lightning shelters.

Communication During Weather Delays

Official updates will be communicated through:

  • Race staff and volunteers

  • Ham radio staff on the course

  • PA announcements at start and finish areas

  • Social media channels

  •  

    The RaceRecord app – Download Here

  • Safety team drivers will alert runners as needed on the course

Participants are encouraged to:

  • Keep phones charged

  • Enable app notifications

  • Follow instructions from race officials immediately

Participant Responsibility

Weather conditions can change quickly. Participants should dress appropriately, remain aware of surroundings, and understand that race officials may make weather-related decisions with little notice in order to protect public safety.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and flexibility as we work to provide a safe and enjoyable race experience for all.

 

SATURDAY, MAY 16 | 2:00–6:30PM Packet pick-up will remain open until 7:00PM.
The Historic Chateau Theater | 15 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55902 (Entrance in Peace Plaza)
Stop by the Health Street Expo to pick up your race packet and explore local health and wellness businesses, as well as local artists.

What you get at Packet Pick Up:

  • Bib: you are assigned your bib number at this time

  • Your registered runner shirt – no exchanges can be made until after the race, unworn shirts only

  • A Med City Marathon bag drop bag

Can someone else pick up your packet? Yes. Forward them your registration confirmation and have them ready to show it at pick-up.

Important Notes:

  • Packet pick-up on Saturday is for ALL EVENTS

  • There is no early packet pick-up prior to this date, except for the GLK Kids 1K Run

    • Held Wednesday prior at GLK Ortho South Location, 5:15–7:00PM

    • Kids Run packets will be available at the start line at Mayo Memorial Park

    • No Kids Run packet pick-up at the Chateau Theater

While you’re there:

  • Connect with the Pace Team

  • Check out Loud Mouth Brass playing live in Peace Plaza from 3:00 – 5:00PM!

Same-day registration:

  • Available online

Can’t make it Saturday?

Race morning packet pick-up will be available:
SUNDAY | Starting at 5:30AM
Rochester International Event Center (near the airport)
7333 Airport View Dr SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Shirt Information

      • All registered runners receive a shirt

      • Only sizes selected during registration are available

      • Exchanges may be offered post-race only (shirt must be unworn)

      • Shirts not picked up at the event will be forfeited

        • We are unable to mail shirts or coordinate separate pick-ups

Location:
 Rochester International Event Center
 7333 Airport View Dr SW, Rochester, MN

What to Expect:

  • Indoor space now available before the race inside the Event Center

  • Limited parking—shuttles strongly recommended

  • No return shuttles to start line after the race

Amenities:

  • Bag drop (Two Men and a Truck)

  • Water, bananas

  • Port-a-potties

Important:

        • Start line is outdoors—dress for weather

        • Be in place by 6:50AM

        • Mythical Mile Pace Team available for guidance

  • Start Time: 7:15AM (different from other races)

  • Starts 6.2 miles ahead of the main start

  • 20 Mile shuttle start at 6:15AM – ask your driver!

Location Reference for GPS:
 4230 40th St SW, Rochester, MN

Details:

  • Smaller, simpler start area

  • Limited parking—drop-offs only; no cars may remain

  • Bag drop, restrooms, and bib pick-up available

Reminder:
 We strongly recommend picking up your packet on Saturday

Downtown Rochester:

  • Multiple parking ramps are available within a 5-minute walk of the finish line and Chateau Theater

  • Parking ramps are recommended, though street parking is also available

Sunday (Race Morning):

  • Park downtown and use shuttle service to the start line

  • See the Shuttle Service Section for details

  • For start line parking options, refer to the Start Line Section

Good to Know:

  • Parking is FREE in city ramps and on the street on both Saturday and Sunday

The Center Street Ramp will be closed from March 23 through mid-August

A secure bag drop will be available at the start line, sponsored by Two Men and a Truck. Bags will be transported to the finish line in Downtown Rochester.

How it works:

  • Tear off the bag drop tag from your bib

  • Pin the tag to your bag before arrival

  • You will use this tag to retrieve your bag at the finish line

  • You may also write your bib number on your bag with a permanent marker

Important:

  • Only use the official MCM race bags provided at packet pick-up

 

20 Mile Participants

 

  • The 20 Mile race has a different start line (please review event details)

  • A bag drop will also be available at the 20 Mile start

  • This location is smaller and easy to navigate

  • Bags will be transported downtown and available for pick-up at the finish line with the main bag drop

  • Shuttle service begins at 5:20AM
  • Ride time: ~15 minutes
  • Buses run continuously (approx. every 20 minutes)
  • Last shuttle departs at 6:25AM

Pick-Up Location:
Downtown at Civic Center Dr & East Center Street CLICK HERE for directions to Shuttle Pick Up Downtown

20 Mile Runners:

  • Use the same shuttle location
  • 20 Mile Shuttles start at 6:15AM – Drivers will direct you
  •  
  • Important:
  • NO RETURN TO THE START LINE AFTER THE RACE
  • Avoid parking at the start line

Relay Shuttle Info

  • Relay shuttles will continue running loops after the start of the race to pick up leg finishers and drop off leg finishers
  • Will transport runners to/from exchange zones and downtown
  • Parking at exchange zones is limited—use shuttles when possible

See relay maps for more info

Thanks to our Shuttle Sponsor

Water stops every ~2 milesAll stops include:

    • Water

    • Gatorade

Additional Fuel:

  • GU gels: Miles 9, 14.5, 18, 22.5

  • Bananas: Miles 10.5 and 24.5


  • Thanks to our Adopt a Water Stop Sponsor​


TerraLoco is bringing the energy with two cheer zones to support runners at some of the toughest points on the course:
Soldiers Field Park
Mile 12.5 (Half Marathon)
Mile 25.5 (Marathon)
(Same location for both distances)

Additional cheer zones hosted by Stone Barn Dentistry, Mayo EMERGing Leaders, and Dover Eyota Varsity Baseball.

Cheer Zone Locations

  • Bamber Valley School – Mile 8
  • John Withers Sports Complex – Mile 8.5 & 22.5
  • Zumbro South Park – Mile 10 & 24
  • Broadway & 9th St SE – Mile 11 & 25.5


Marathon & 20 Mile Cheer Zones Continue:
Mayo Memorial Park – Mile 12.5
East Park – Mile 14
Quarry Hill (Water Stop) – Mile 15
Silver Lake Park – Mile 16
Cook Park – Mile 17
Kutzky Park – Mile 18
Cascade Lake Park Area – Mile 19
3rd St & Frontage Rd (Big Hill!) – Mile 20
Finish Line Area

 

Restrooms will be available at the start line, including port-a-potties and limited indoor restrooms at the International Event Center. Additional restrooms will be located at every water stop and exchange zone, with extra port-a-potties available throughout the downtown finish area.

 

If you bought insurance when you were registering and something comes up, visit this link to make a claim: https://requestmyrefund.com/fanshield/refund

Kids race shirts are available for purchase.