Next race
Saturday, 19 June 2027
7:45 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Point-to-point road
Elevation
Net downhill · 180 m gain
180 m climbing
Race profile
Grandma's Marathon is a classic North Shore point-to-point from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota, drawing about 6,500 runners each June. The net-downhill course follows Lake Superior's scenic Highway 61 with views of the big lake, boreal forest, and Duluth's hillside finish in Canal Park. Cool lake breezes and a fast early profile make it one of America's most popular regional marathons.
Grandma's Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 6,500 finishers
Course & terrain
Grandma's Marathon is a point-to-point course from Two Harbors to Canal Park in Duluth along Highway 61 on the Lake Superior shoreline, passing Gooseberry Falls and running to the waterfront near the Aerial Lift Bridge. The opening descent is the easiest section, the rolling final 5 km through Duluth are tougher after the long net downhill, and crowds build toward the Canal Park finish.
The Grandma's Marathon course is net downhill over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 180 metres of climbing and 220 metres of descent, with a net descent of 40 metres from start to finish.
Net downhill · 180 m gain — approx. 214 m above sea level
↑ 180 m · ↓ 220 m · net −40 m
Registration
Grandma's Marathon is held on the Saturday of the third full weekend of June. Registration is at https://grandmasmarathon.com/ and fills well in advance.
Getting there
Duluth International Airport (DLH)
10 km / 6 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Duluth.
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon (listed here as Minneapolis Marathon) draws thousands of finishers on an urban point-to-point road course from Minneapolis to Saint Paul, United States. It starts downtown Minneapolis and finishes at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul after passing the Chain of Lakes. Mostly flat with gentle undulations and a late Summit Avenue climb.
Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
The Fargo Marathon draws about 2,500 finishers each May through North Dakota's largest city on the flat Red River valley. The course passes the Fargodome, the historic downtown, and the Red River with community celebrations at every mile. May spring weather on the northern plains and a flat, friendly course make it one of the most beloved regional marathons in the American Midwest.
Next race: Saturday, 22 May 2027
The Run Crazy Horse Marathon draws approximately 135 finishers each October on a scenic road in Hill City, United States. The Black Hills marathon near Crazy Horse Memorial draws runners to Hill City each October. The course tours Black Hills roads with granite peaks, forest corridors, and Crazy Horse Memorial vistas. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.
Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
The Fox Cities Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each September on an urban and suburban road in Appleton, United States. Linking several Wisconsin communities gives the event a bigger footprint than its finisher count suggests. The course passes Fox River communities, tree-lined neighborhood roads, and steady crowd support through the valley cities. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 5 September 2027
The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon attracts approximately 1,800 finishers each May along the Fox River and Lake Michigan shoreline in Titletown USA. The course passes Lambeau Field, the CityDeck riverfront, and the Bay Beach area on flat Wisconsin terrain. May's mild Great Lakes spring and the Packers-country atmosphere make it Wisconsin's flagship marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027
The Brookings Marathon draws approximately 89 finishers each September on an urban road in Brookings, United States. Brookings' certified marathon serves eastern South Dakota runners on a flat prairie-city loop. The course tours Brookings neighborhoods, university-area roads, and eastern prairie connectors. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Saturday, 2 October 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
