Grandma's Marathon

Grandma's Marathon features a point-to-point road course tracing the North Shore of Lake Superior from just outside Two Harbors to the waterfront district of Duluth. The asphalt route runs predominantly along Scenic Highway 61, providing expansive lakeside views and a net-downhill profile. While the course accumulates only around 320 feet of total elevation gain, it is not completely flat; you will contend with rolling rollers through the first 20 miles that can fatigue your legs if you attack them too aggressively.

The defining topographic challenge arrives around mile 22 at Lemon Drop Hill. While moderate by trail standards, this prolonged incline hits at a critical juncture when muscular fatigue is high. After clearing the hill, you enter the city limits, progressing down London Road and Superior Street into heavy spectator crowds before navigating the flat final stretch into historic Canal Park. Wind off Lake Superior can either act as a refreshing cooling element or present a stiff headwind, making pacing and drafting strategic necessities along the exposed highway sections.

Duluth International Airport offers regional connections, but many runners fly into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and drive approximately two and a half hours north along Interstate 35. Because the race finishes in Canal Park, booking lodging in downtown Duluth or near the waterfront allows you to walk back to your hotel after the race. Due to high demand, local accommodations book quickly, leading many participants to stay near the University of Minnesota Duluth campus or across the bay in Superior, Wisconsin.

Because this is a strict point-to-point race with closed course roads, you must utilize the official race shuttles or passenger trains departing early on race morning from Duluth to reach the starting area near Two Harbors. June weather along the North Shore is notoriously variable; morning temperatures near the lake can be brisk and damp, warranting disposable warm-up layers, while inland sunshine can warm the final miles quickly. Plan to attend the race expo at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) on Friday to collect your packet.