Five reasons to Run the 2016 Med City Marathon
Looking for a spring marathon or half marathon to round out your race calendar? Then consider the 2016 Med City Marathon events on May 29. Here are five reasons you should run, and some tips from runners who have participated in the event before.
1) The Course is Gorgeous
Few courses seamlessly integrate rolling country roads, beautiful views, and a great finishing stretch down city streets. Much of the first half of the course is the same as it has been for the past several years: runners start in nearby Byron and wind their way downhill into Rochester.
In a departure from the old course, runners then proceed into the scenic and much-loved Mayowood area. Race director Wally Arnold said the change came from listening to runner suggestions.
2) Race Amenities are Geared towards Improving the Runner Experience
Arnold said that everything, from frequent shuttles buses to the start, flexible packet pickup times, and a full array of goodies at the finish are intended to make Med City a fast, runner-focused event. And new this year, pace groups will be facilitated by volunteers from local running store TerraLoco.
3) There are Events for the Whole Family
Not ready for a marathon? Consider the half marathon or 5k. Training for Grandmas or another early summer marathon? The supported 20-mile run is the perfect dress rehearsal. It’s inexpensive (only $35 if you register by April 15), no frills, and follows the same course as the marathon. The kids can also get in on the action with a kids marathon, toddler trot, and diaper dash. A mascot race and marathon relay complete the event schedule.
Need a marathon training plan? Try ours!
4) It’s an Inexpensive race Weekend
Want to make the 2016 Med City Marathon into a getaway race weekend? Rochester has a surplus of hotel rooms, and most are vacant on the weekends when Mayo Clinic patients go home. If you prefer to make it a day trip, Rochester is only a 90-minute drive from the Twin Cities, and packet pickup on race morning is available.
5) The Post-Race Celebrations are Top Notch
When runners finish the race they’ll be greeted by a live band and free beer, and festivities continue into the afternoon. What better way to celebrate running 26.2 or 13.1 miles? 
Not convinced yet?
I ran the marathon relay last year and it was a fantastic event. I also spoke with a local runner, Kasey Kuker, who has participated for several years (and even belted out the national anthem before slipping back into the starting corral last year)! Kasey is pacing the 1:50 group in the half marathon this year, so be on the lookout!
I really like the Med City Marathon, because it’s very well-organized and supported. The course is scenic, and it provides just the right level of challenge. The medals and T-shirts are unique and high-quality. Wally and Peg do such a wonderful job as race directors!I’m so excited to pace because I get to help a group of people achieve a time goal, and some for some, a new distance! There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing huge smiles and tears of joy on runners’ faces after accomplishing a challenging goal!
Are you running an event at the 2016 Med City Marathon or other race that weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
