Twin Cities Marathon organizers: No decision yet on refunds, credits for runners

MINNEAPOLIS — There was a disappointing delay Thursday for tens of thousands of runners who were supposed to participate in Twin Cities Marathon races this weekend.

Twin Cities In Motion (TCM), which organizes the marathon, said at the time to expect an update about a "possible credit" by Thursday. But a little after 6 p.m., another note went out that no decision was reached as marathon officials "work through our event cancellation coverage process with our insurer." It said the next update will come by Oct. 20.

The organization canceled the annual Twin Cities Marathon and 10-mile run just hours before it was supposed to begin. The decision came as the metro reached a record high of 92 degrees on Sunday. Normal temperatures for this time of year are in the mid-60s.

Runners who were signed up for the marathon and 10-mile race still hit the course Sunday, including many people running for more than just themselves.

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"Even though the race is canceled, the cause is still there," said Candace Hurckman, the grassroots coordinator for the nonprofit Venture.

Dozens of runners helped raise more than $40,000 for Venture, which fights poverty, trafficking, and helps with the global refugee crisis.

"Everybody on our team that I've talked to, I feel like their heart has been, 'We're still in this for these women and children,'" Hurckman said.

She says she's fine with not getting a refund.

Alyssa Hawkins, the executive director of the nonprofit Brave Like Gabe, says she'll donate her race fee if it's returned to her.  

"I'm grateful for all that they do," Hawkins said.

Brave Like Gabe raises money for rare cancer research and had a fundraising team of dozens of runners.

"For us as charities, it's really much more than a marathon," Hawkins said. "We get a chance to tell our story and share our organization with so many more people, so I encourage others to be gracious."

TCM is offering ways to get into upcoming races in different parts of the country.

Those who paid for event photography or iTab metal inserts will be refunded, not including any transaction fees.

"Nothing can fully replace the experience of a great, safe race. We hope our effort to secure cancellation solutions confirms our commitment and respect for you, our runners," TCM said.

Runners can pick up their medals starting Monday at the TCM office in St. Paul. Pick-up is available during business hours Monday through Friday until Oct. 27.

Participants who live outside of the 11-county Twin Cities area and St. Croix County, Wisconsin, are able to have their medals mailed to them. A form will be sent to those runners by Tuesday.

Remaining gear check bags from 10-mile participants are also available for pick-up through Oct. 27.

The only other time the marathon didn't happen was in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2007, the event happened during a record high for the race of 82 degrees