Grandma’s Marathon
The Lowdown
Founded in 1977, Grandma’s Marathon has grown into one of the Upper Midwest’s most celebrated summer road races, drawing elite competitors and thousands of recreational runners from across the U.S. and abroad. Traditionally run in June, the event retains a community-focused, festive atmosphere with strong volunteer support, live bands, and finish-line celebrations that showcase Duluth’s lakeside charm. The race’s name and spirit reflect its local roots and long history as a marquee destination marathon in the region. The point-to-point course begins in Two Harbors and follows scenic Highway 61 along the North Shore of Lake Superior before descending into Duluth, offering sweeping lake views, rocky shoreline vistas, and a mix of rolling terrain that rewards smart pacing. Runners experience iconic landmarks such as the Lakewalk and Canal Park in the final miles, finishing with a memorable approach beneath the Aerial Lift Bridge on Duluth’s waterfront. Aid stations, crowd support, and well-organized logistics make the route both picturesque and race-ready for fast times or personal-first marathon experiences. Grandma’s Marathon is USATF-certified and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifying course, making it popular among athletes seeking qualifying times as well as those chasing a scenic summertime marathon. The event’s combination of storied history, stunning lakefront scenery, and energetic local support creates an approachable yet competitive race experience for a wide range of runners.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Lemon Drop Hill: Located near the 22-mile mark, this incline is one of the course's most challenging segments. Spectators often gather here to motivate runners as they approach the final stretch.
Troll Mile: Approximately at mile 19, runners encounter the "Troll Mile," a section adorned with over 200 troll figurines, adding a whimsical touch to the race.
Historic Fitger's Brewing Company: Around mile 24, participants pass this historic brewery, a Duluth landmark that has been transformed into an inn and retail complex.
SS William A. Irvin: Near mile 25.5, runners pass by this retired iron ore freighter, now a museum ship docked in Duluth's harbor, symbolizing the city's rich maritime heritage.
Aerial Lift Bridge: As runners approach the finish line in Canal Park, they are greeted by views of this iconic bridge, one of Duluth's most recognizable structures.
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Duluth, MI, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Must be at least 16 years old on race day to enter the marathon
- Entrants under 18 must have parent or guardian consent at registration
- No qualifying time required for entry
- Runners must register and sign the race waiver prior to participation
- Participants should be capable of finishing within the course time limit (estimated 6.5 hours)
- Medical clearance recommended for runners with pre-existing conditions
- Participants must wear official race bibs and follow race marshal and traffic control instructions
- Wheelchair athletes must register in the appropriate division and comply with wheelchair racing rules
- No unsanctioned or unauthorized pacers allowed
- All entrants agree to comply with event policies, including any COVID-19 or public health requirements in effect at the time of the race
Required Documents
- Photo ID
- Signed liability waiver
- Emergency contact information
- Proof of age (for age-group awards)
- Medical information / emergency medical consent
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Waitlist
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Registration is non-refundable
Registrations are non-transferable to another runner
Race deferral to the following year is allowed for a fee if requested by the deadline (typically spring)
Medical deferral available with physician documentation (contact race staff for instructions)
If the race is canceled by the organizer, registrants will be offered a choice of full refund or deferral to the next year
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is also held on the same course on June 21, 2025
Yes, even if general entries for Grandma's Marathon are sold out, you can still secure a spot by participating as a charity runner. Grandma's Marathon collaborates with various official charity partners, each allocated a limited number of race entries specifically for fundraising purposes. To obtain one of these entries, you'll need to commit to raising a minimum amount of funds for the chosen charity.
For instance, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers guaranteed race entries to participants who pledge to raise at least $1,200 for the full or half marathon, and $650 for the 5K. Similarly, Save the Boundary Waters provides entries with a fundraising commitment of $500 for either the full marathon or half marathon, and $250 for the 5K. It's important to note that each charity sets its own fundraising requirements and may have specific deadlines. Additionally, charity entries are limited and can sell out, so it's advisable to reach out promptly to the organization you're interested in supporting.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.