Grandma's Marathon is a Boston-qualifying road race run every third Saturday in June along Lake Superior's North Shore, from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota. Founded in 1977 by local runner Scott Keenan with just 160 entrants, it has grown into one of the ten largest marathons in the United States, drawing thousands of runners past the lake to a Canal Park finish beside the Aerial Lift Bridge.
Grandma's Marathon began as a favor.
What distinguishes Grandma's Marathon is its point-to-point course along Minnesota's Scenic Highway 61, tracing Lake Superior's shoreline for 26
2 miles before finishing at Canal Park beside the city's landmark Aerial Lift Bridge, next to the original Grandma's Restaurant that gave the race its name and its first sponsorship
Co-founder and inaugural champion Garry Bjorklund summarized the course as starting in the woods, following the lake, and finishing at a pub
The event has weathered budget crises, a doping disqualification in its early championship-chip era, and shifting sponsorship, yet it retains a reputation among distance runners for flat-to-gently-rolling terrain, reliably cool lake-effect race-morning weather, and organization considered among the best of America's major marathons
Longstanding traditions include finisher medals (awarded since 1986)
first-aid support from a U
Army medical company stationed at aid stations since 1980
recognition of the race's eldest finisher in the spirit of original 1977 finisher Alex Ratelle
and a finish line built around Grandma's Restaurant
the local diner whose sponsorship kept the fledgling 1977 race afloat
Dates TBA · Usually June
Base the route around Duluth, then leave extra time for temporary streets, queues or late return traffic.
Lightweight, moisture-wicking running gear suited to a mid-June morning on Lake Superior, where race-day temperatures can range from cool and damp to warm and humid; many runners layer a...
For Grandma's Marathon, choose safe viewing points, watch weather and leave extra time around starts, finishes or releases.
Choose lodging by the part of Duluth you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.
Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.
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Grandma's Marathon is listed for Past edition: 19–20 June 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.
The festival is listed in Duluth, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.
2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.
Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.
Duluth, MN
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