Duluth, Minnesota, United States
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.
The next Grandma's Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 19 June 2027 with a 7:45 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 180 m of climbing on a net downhill then mostly flat layout.
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 then mostly flat 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.
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.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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