Everything You Need To Know About The 2026 Med City Marathon in Rochester, MN

Rochester's biggest race weekend is back, and 2026 is extra special.

If running a marathon is on your bucket list, you should add the Med City Marathon to your list!  About 50% of the participants at a marathon are first-timers and the crowd in downtown Rochester is one that will get you energized to push hard until you reach the finish line.

The Med City Marathon is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and they're going all out for the runners and the community.  One of the biggest changes that will bring more crowds and energy to the race scene is a brand new finish line location in the heart of downtown Rochester.

Below is everything happening May 16th and 17th, 2026 at the Med City Marathon.

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Med City Marathon Schedule For May 16th and May 17th, 2026

May 16th, 2026

2:00 pm - 6:30 pm - Health Street Expo

• This is your first stop of marathon weekend - (open to everyone, not just runners) enjoy health and wellness vendors, local craft and artist booths, live music from Loud Mouth Brass in the Peace Plaza, giveaways, and family-friendly fun.
• Location - Historic Chateau Theatre

That evening - Altra FCU Saturday Night 5k

• this run will have a "Fastest Wheels Competition", where the final 40 yards are timed, with awards for the fastest sprint finish.
• this race will finish with a celebrating including free beer and live bands
• Get signed up here.

Also on Saturday - GLK Orthodontics Kids Run

• this is free and includes a finisher medal
• Get signed up here.

Sunday, May 17th, 2026

7:00 am - Full Marathon, GPC Half Marathon, and relay events start

• course will start near the RST Airport, follow county roads, links up to the Zumbro River trail system, and finishes in the heart of downtown Rochester
• Get signed up here.

Post-Race - Med City Block Party

• This 21+ party for finishers will kick off at the finish line with live music, hydration, and free beer.

Need more info about the Med City Marathon?

Check out the Med City Marathon website here if you've got questions or need additional information.