The 2008 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon has been designated by USA Track & Field as the USA Men's and Masters Marathon Championship. To be eligible for the USA Championship and age group awards, athletes must be current members of USATF and U.S. citizens. All participants in the USA Masters Marathon Championship must wear specially designated back tags. If you are not currently a USATF member, you can register at www.usatf.org.

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on October 5 is the one (and only) opportunity in 2008 to qualify for the 2012 Men's US Olympic Trials with a time of 2:19:00 or better.

The men's course record is 2:10:05, set by Phil Coppess of Clinton, IA in 1985. The women's course record is 2:26:51, set by Zinaida Semenova of Moscow, RUS in 2001 and tied by Irina Permitina of Russia in 2004.
Standards for Elite Classification

Athletes wishing to obtain elite status for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon must meet one or more of the following criteria:

1) Completion of a certified marathon in the previous two years satisfying the following time qualifications:

RUNNERS:
Open Standards
Men: 2:25 (local = 2:35)

Women: 2:50 (local = 2:59)

Masters Standards Men Women
40-44 2:40 40-44 3:00
45-49 2:48 45-49 3:10
50-54 2:55 50-54 3:20
55-59 3:05 55-59 3:40
60-64 3:10 60-64 3:55
65-69 3:25 65-69 4:15
70-74 3:35 70-74 4:45
75-79 3:50 75-79 5:00
80-84 4:15 80 and up 5:30
85 and up 5:00


WHEELERS
Men: 2:10 (local= 2:20)
Women: 2:40 (local = 3:00)

2) Performance(s) in races shorter or longer than the marathon, clearly indicating an ability to complete a marathon satisfying the above time qualifications.

3) Another significant qualification at the discretion of the Elite Recruiting Committee.

Consideration for travel or other financial assistance requires additional qualifications.
Elite Recruiter contact information:
Bruce Mortenson, Elite Recruiting Chair
Rick Trueman, Open Recruiter: Rick Trueman
Carol Zazubek, Masters Recruiter: Carol Zazubek
Kevin Bobblitt, Wheeler Recruiter: Kevin Boblitt

Please note: once you've contacted a recruiter, allow up to five business days for a response. Provide your age, race times (including the name and date of the race) and other information which you would like us to consider.


Click here to register using a code supplied by an elite recruiter

Click here for 2008 Marathon Prize Purse