Your Ultimate Guide to Med City Marathon Weekend
Your Ultimate Guide to Med City Marathon Weekend in Downtown Rochester – May 17 & 18
Downtown Rochester is about to come alive for the 29th Annual Med City Marathon Weekend, and the lineup is stacked with energy, entertainment, and community connection. Whether you’re racing, cheering, or just soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone happening May 17 and 18. Here’s everything you need to know about the events lighting up Downtown Rochester this weekend!
Saturday, May 17
Health Street Expo
Presented by Discover Turkey MN
Saturday 3-5pm | Peace Plaza & Chateau Theatre | FREE
The newly reimagined Health Street Expo is the community’s kickoff to race weekend. Set in Peace Plaza and the Historic Chateau Theatre, this FREE event is a celebration of wellness, creativity, and connection.
What’s happening:
- Wellness expo with health & fitness vendors
- Handmade goods from local artists and crafters
- Packet pickup for all race participants
- Interactive sponsor booths with giveaways
- Live music on Peace Plaza
- Easy access to downtown shops and dining
Loud Mouth Brass performs live from 3-5pm, bringing the funk and energy to set the weekend tone right.
Altra 5K & PRIDE Edition 5K
Saturday Evening | Downtown Rochester
Start your Saturday night with a run through Downtown! The Altra 5K wraps up with a big finish line celebration on 1st Ave and 3rd St—closed off just for the fun.
Want to run with purpose? Join the PRIDE Edition 5K, where participants get a limited-edition MCM x PRIDE hoodie, with proceeds benefiting local LGBTQ+ initiatives.
After the race, the party kicks off…
Med City Block Party – Night One
Saturday 6:30–8:30pm | 1st Ave & 3rd St SW | FREE
Celebrate Downtown with a full-blown street party!
- Live music from Salty Dog (Northwoods funk)
- Food trucks, drinks, and Downtown eats
- Featured brews from Go Brewing Co., Humble Forager, and Michelob Ultra
- A vibrant crowd of runners and supporters
Whether you ran or are just here for the fun, it’s the perfect way to close out a Saturday in Rochester.
Sunday, May 18
Med City Marathon Races Continue
Starting Early Morning Sunday | Downtown Rochester
Thousands of runners take to the streets for the full Boston-Qualifying Med City Marathon, plus the 20-Miler, Half Marathon, Relay Races, and the GLK Kids Run.
Finish lines are located at 1st Ave and 3rd St SW, making Downtown the place to be for runners and spectators alike.
Med City Block Party – Day Two
Sunday 9:15am–12:15pm | 1st Ave & 3rd St SW | FREE
As the marathon wraps up, the celebration continues with live music from Maygen and the Birdwatcher, a soulful and crowd-pleasing duo sure to make your Sunday morning feel special.
Grab a coffee, cheer on the final finishers and enjoy the Downtown energy!
With closed streets, live music, free community events and runners from across the multi-state region, Med City Marathon Weekend is an exciting time to explore Downtown Rochester. Whether you’re running, cheering or just enjoying our community, the Med City Marathon events are a great way to spend your weekend.
