2026 Grandma's Marathon Race Weekend

Grandma's Marathon Race Weekend concludes in Duluth's Canal Park adjacent to the Aerial Lift Bridge, close to the restaurant that inspired the race's name. The primary event is a 26.2-mile paved road marathon held each June from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota. A half marathon and 5 km race are also part of the same weekend, drawing additional participants. The marathon has been contested annually since 1977, typically attracting around 9,000 marathoners, and is one of the ten largest U.S. marathons based on finishers. The route begins in Two Harbors, proceeds along Route 61 beside Lake Superior, and finishes in the bustling Canal Park area of Duluth's waterfront. Scott Keenan, a member of the North Shore Striders, conceived the event after other local businesses declined sponsorship; the recently opened Grandma's Restaurant provided $600 for the inaugural race. The first race featured 160 participants, including ten women, with a red truck leading the field and Garry Bjorklund and Wendy Hovland as the winners. Initial aid stations offered water and ERG, a sports drink formulated for electrolyte replacement with glucose, while current stations provide water and Powerade. The weekend now unites club runners, novice marathoners, tourists, and residents in Duluth, drawing tens of thousands of attendees for the races.