Grandma’s Marathon

Since our inaugural race in 1977, Grandma’s Marathon has grown into one of the largest and most popular marathons in the United States. Now much bigger than just a 26.2-mile road race, Grandma’s Marathon is now a “can’t miss” weekend that brings together runners of all calibers and from all over the world for a yearly celebration of the human spirit.

Named three straight years as the state’s best annual sporting event by “Minnesota’s Best” voters, Grandma’s Marathon has become the unofficial “kickoff to summer” event in the region. With rolling hills and a net downhill elevation, our racecourse starts north of Duluth, MN near Two Harbors and runs along Scenic Highway 61, hugging the shores of Lake Superior before taking participants through the heart of downtown Duluth and finishing in historic Canal Park.

The point-to-point course even offers runners a tailwind most years, making it the perfect place for a marathon rookie or a veteran trying for a PR or Boston Marathon qualifying time. Not only that, but one of the nation’s largest expos as well as a traditional pre-race spaghetti feed and great post-race entertainment make for a weekend experience that is the total package for our participants.

Grandma’s Marathon was also named one of 20 “Marathons of the Decade” by BibRave and a Minnesota Signature Event, further evidence of a world class event with small town charm.

Pricing Structure (In-Person)
October 1-October 15 — $120
October 16-December 31 — $130
January 1-March 31 — $140
April 1-June 1 — $150

Pricing Structure (Virtual)
October 1-Race Day — $110

Grandma’s Marathon weekend is a time the word “impossible” ceases to exist and when more than 20,000 people become your biggest supporters and best running buddies. So get ready to once again tie up your laces for another year of memories, miles, and human might.