2025 Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon registration will open on October 1 at 7:00 p.m. CT.
2025 Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon registration is now open.
2025 Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon registration is now sold out.
To 2025 Race Day
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35th Annual Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
Connect with other Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon participants!
- Participant Facebook Group — You’ve got questions about race weekend? Go straight to the source and connect with other participants!
- Grambassadors — We’ve assembled a group of experienced and enthusiastic race weekend veterans to offer help and encouragement!
Don’t worry… there are still ways into the SOLD OUT Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon!
- 2-Year Guaranteed Entry Program — Skip the stress and secure your spot in both the 20XX and 20XX Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, while also supporting the Young Athletes Foundation. NOTE: 100 total entries available for the 2-year guarantee.
- Charity Partners Program — You raise the money, they pay for your race entry. Run for free, run for good! NOTE: Available entries and fundraising requirements vary by charity partner.
- Official Training Group — Sign up to train with us, and you’ll get all the support and advice you need to be successful on race day! NOTE: 200 guaranteed entries are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Great Grandma’s Challenge — Run the William A. Irvin 5K on Friday before the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon on Saturday! NOTE: 700 total entries available for Great Grandma’s Challenge.
- Bib Transfer Portal — Signed up but now can’t race? Or still looking for a way into this year’s race? Connect with each other on Facebook!
WORLD CLASS EVENT, SMALL TOWN CHARM
Garry Bjorklund won the inaugural Grandma’s Marathon in 1977 and was again the champion in 1980.
While that may be his local claim to fame, the Duluth area native also represented the United States in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, placing 13th in the 10,000-meters.
In 1991, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon was created to recognize his lifelong contributions to running throughout the area and state of Minnesota.
The race has now grown to become one of the largest half marathons in the country, welcoming approximately 10,000 participants each year to the shores of Lake Superior.
2nd Largest Event in History
Use our FAQ page to find a quick answer to the most common
questions about Grandma’s Marathon weekend, or please feel
free to call our office at (218) 727-0947.
2025 RACE DETAILS
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon course is a picturesque, point-to-point 13.1-mile stretch along the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. With rolling hills and a net downhill elevation, our racecourse starts north of Duluth, MN and runs along Scenic Highway 61, hugging the shores of Lake Superior before taking participants through the heart of downtown Duluth and finishing in historic Canal Park.
TIME REQUIREMENT
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon time limit for participants is 3 hours, which requires a minimum pace of approximately 14:00/mile. Slower participants will be required to move to the RIGHT SIDE of the racecourse for safety reasons.
MILE MARKERS
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon miles are marked by teal balloons.
COURSE ELEVATION
START – 615 feet
MILE 1 – 629 feet (+14)
MILE 2 – 631 feet (+2)
MILE 3 – 620 feet (-11)
MILE 4 – 640 feet (+20)
MILE 5 – 645 feet (+5)
MILE 6 – 625 feet (-20)
MILE 7 – 655 feet (+30)
MILE 8 – 672 feet (+17)
MILE 9 – 651 feet (-21)
MILE 10 – 657 feet (+6)
MILE 11 – 645 feet (-12)
MILE 12 – 636 feet (-9)
MILE 13 – 611 feet (-25)
FINISH – 610 feet (-1)
TOTAL ELEVATION CHANGE: -5 feet
Elevations are approximate, relative to sea level.
The start times for the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon are as follows:
- 5:50 a.m. — Adaptive
- 6:00 a.m. — Men’s Elite & Semi-Elite
- 6:00 a.m. — Women’s Elite & Semi-Elite
- 6:00 a.m. — Citizens
Using official bus transportation is the ONLY allowable way for participants to get to the start line of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. For the safety of our participants, volunteers, and the public, individual drop-offs at the start line area are strictly prohibited.
Buses will depart from the following locations on race morning:
- Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)
- Miller Hill Mall
- University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD)
- Duluth East High School
- Proctor Sports & Event Center
- University of Wisconsin Superior (UWS)
- Two Harbors High School
These transportation options are for PARTICIPANTS ONLY, and your race bib must be visible to board. NOTE: Participants will be asked to choose their preferred loading location via email in mid-May. Please look for this email and respond as soon as possible — it greatly helps our transportation team in creating its plan for race morning.
Please click HERE for more information on loading times and other information on start line transportation.
There will also be FREE return shuttle bus service provided for participants and spectators on race day. The buses will run continuously from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on race day.
Participants may pick up their race packets during the Essentia Health Fitness Expo. Extended hours for packet pickup are available on Friday night for those arriving late to Duluth.
PACKET PICKUP HOURS
- Thursday, June 19 | 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 20 | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Click HERE for more information on the specifics of your race packet pickup.
IMPORTANT: The deadline to select race packet delivery is May 20. To make this change to your account, please call our office at (218) 727-0947. This service costs $25, and your race packet will arrive 7-10 days before the race. IMPORTANT: Race packet delivery is not available for the Great Grandma’s Challenge.
You will receive an official, clear plastic gear bag at race packet pick-up. A label with your race number is provided in your race packet envelope and must be placed in the designated space on your bag.
Gear bags MUST be dropped at the bus pickup locations prior to departing for the start area. Gear bags WILL NOT be accepted in the start area.
Please plan to wear warm layers on race morning. Extra clothes can be discarded in the start area prior to the race – True North Goodwill will reuse or recycle all clothing left behind.
Participants may pick up their gear bags in the secure finish area. You may pick up your gear bag before collecting your post-race food, if desired.
IMPORTANT: Unofficial gear bags (including backpacks) are not permitted and will not be accepted. Do not leave valuables in your bag. Race officials are not responsible for any lost items. All bags are subject to inspection and should not be left unattended.
To help create a more efficient start experience, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon will use a staggered start process with three separate corrals for participants.
Based on goal finish time submitted during registration, participants will be assigned to either Start Corral 1, 2, or 3. The corral assignment will be printed on each participant’s race bib.
NOTE: Participants will receive an email in early May to confirm their goal finish time. Any changes to that must be made via your Race Roster account prior to May 27.
Participants may choose to move BACKWARD in the corral system, but in no scenario can a participant move FORWARD (i.e. if you’re assigned to corral 1, you can choose to start in either 2 or 3).
Volunteers and signage will help direct you to the correct corral on race morning. Toilets will be available to participants inside each corral.
IMPORTANT: Please expect and plan for congestion and long lines at the start line, especially for the portable toilets. There will also be speakers playing music and announcements – if noise is a sensory issue, please plan to bring ear plugs to use until after the race has started.
Click HERE for more information on the specifics on the start line area of the race.
Experienced pacers, presented by ASICS, will be available at the following times: 1:30, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:30, and 2:45.
Participants can find their pace team leader near the sign in the start corral indicating their goal pace.
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon water and aid stations will be located at Miles 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Water and Powerade Ion4 will be provided in cups at every station. Toilets and first aid will also be available.
Our partnership with Coca Cola means all 400,000+ cups available on the racecourse will now be compostable.
In addition, Hiccup Earth will again be providing 50,000+ reusable cups for one of our Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon water stations – located at Mile 12. Please remember two important things — DO NOT take the cups with you, and TOSS your used cups to the side of the road or in one of the marked collection bins.
ON-COURSE FUEL & FOOD
Super One Foods will provide fresh fruit near Miles 6 and 10.5, and PURE FUEL by Anderson’s Maple Syrup will be available at Mile 4.
BAGS & PERSONAL HYDRATION PACKS
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon does not allow backpacks to be worn by participants in our race weekend events or brought into the start areas or on start line transportation.
NEW IN 2025: Hydration packs or vests, fuel belts, and hand-held water bottles are allowed. Hydration packs or vests are limited to an overall capacity of no more than 8 liters (8L), and a water bladder capacity no more than 1.5 liters (1.5L), if applicable. Any items brought to start line areas by participants may be subject to search by law enforcement.
If you are unable to finish the race, there are five racecourse dropout zones with fatigue buses and medical tents.
- McQuade Road (just past the start line)
- Lakewood Road (approximately 3.1 miles)
- 60th Avenue East (approximately 6.0 miles)
- 26th Avenue East (approximately 9.2 miles)
- 9th Avenue East (approximately 10.7 miles)
Fatigue buses will bring participants who have dropped out of the race to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) medical tent, which is located on Railroad St. near the DECC parking ramp. Anyone seeking medical information on a participant should inquire at the Medical Information Tent near the finish line or by calling the marathon office at (218) 727-0947.
Seeking aid at a medical tent does not prevent you from continuing the race. However, any assistance that results in your being moved forward on the course will result in your disqualification.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and trained responders are located each mile along the racecourse. Medical assistance is available at racecourse aid stations during the event and at the finish line medical tent until 3:00 p.m. on race day. Use hospital/emergency room services for all needs after 3:00 p.m.
You MUST have a visible race bib or valid race credential to be inside the secure finish area. NO EXCEPTIONS.
After finishing the race, participants will immediately receive their finisher medal and T-shirt. IMPORTANT: Men’s and women’s shirts will be distributed on separate sides of the T-shirt tent. Please take the size shirt you selected during registration. To request a size exchange of your finisher shirt after the race, please complete a form HERE. Requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis as inventory allows.
Water, Powerade Ion4 (Mountain Berry Blast), and other refreshments will be available to participants within the secure finish area. Participants may choose to collect their gear bag before visiting the runner recovery lot but must stay within the secure finish area.
Click HERE for more information on the specifics on the finish line area of the race.
There will be a tearaway tag on the bottom of the race bibs, which can be redeemed for a FREE beverage on race weekend. These tags can be redeemed either in the secure finish area of Grandma’s Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon (Saturday, June 21) or at Bayfront Festival Park (Friday-Saturday, June 20-21).
If you wish to use your tag for an alcoholic beverage, you MUST present your ID at one of the following locations to receive a wristband, which must remain on your wrist and visible until the time you receive your drink. PRO TIP: Get your wristband at packet pickup or the fitness expo, and skip the ID line at Bayfront Festival Park.
Thursday, June 19 — 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, June 20 — 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Race Packet Pickup
C&L / Michelob Ultra Expo Booth
DECC Information Booths
All three locations are inside the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) as part of the Essentia Health Fitness Expo.
Friday, June 20 — 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 21 — 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Bayfront Festival Park
Timing mats will be placed at the following checkpoints on the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon racecourse: 3.1M, 6.9M, 8.9M, and 10.9M.
Live runner tracking, powered by ASICS, is available through our Grandma’s Marathon mobile app. The app can be downloaded anytime on Apple and Android, but live runner tracking will be available only on race day.
ESTIMATED CHAMPION FINISH TIMES
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
Men – 7:00 a.m.
Women – 7:10 a.m.
Grandma’s Marathon Wheelchair
Men – 9:00 a.m.
Women – 9:05 a.m.
Grandma’s Marathon
Men – 9:50 a.m.
Women – 10:10 a.m.
TV & RADIO COVERAGE
TV & Streaming: WDIO-TV (Duluth area), KSTC-TV (Twin Cities), and wdio.com
Radio: Northland FAN 106.5FM (Duluth area), and northlandfan.com
Coverage starts at 6:30 a.m. on race day.
Newspaper: Duluth News Tribune (Duluth area) and duluthnewstribune.com
VIEWING LOCATIONS
The best – and most fun! – places to watch Grandma’s Marathon come once the participants have reached Mile 19 and the outer city limits of Duluth.
London Road, Superior Street, and Canal Park are some of the most convenient locations to watch the race. Parking in these areas can be limited, so please plan to arrive early to allow extra walking time to your chosen viewing location.
More specific spectator information for race weekend can be found HERE.
Grandma’s Marathon is again offering spectators the chance to record Shoutout videos that will play as their favorite participants pass our Jumbotron screen in downtown Duluth.
The screen will be located near Mile 24 of the full marathon and Mile 11 of the half marathon.
From wherever you are, you can show your support when they need you the most in the day’s final miles.
Click HERE to record your Shoutout video today!
Open – 1st through 10th
Ages 12-18 – 1st
Ages 35-39 – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Ages 40-44 – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Ages 45-49 – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Ages 50-54 – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Ages 55-59 – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Ages 60-64 – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Ages 65-69 – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Ages 70-74 – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Ages 75-79 – 1st & 2nd
Age 80 & Over – 1st
Non-Binary – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Local Runner – 1st
Minnesotan – 1st
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon age division awards pickup and finish line photo opportunities will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on race day at the ASICS Results Tent om Bayfront Festival Park.
NOTE: 19-34 age group awards are included in the Open category. Per USATF rules, gun time will be used to determine prize money and incentive bonuses. Chip time will be used to determine all age-group winners and other award recipients. Non-binary athletes are not eligible for overall men’s and women’s prize packages.
Full race results will be posted immediately following the event at grandmasmarathon.com.
Finish time photo opportunities will be available to all participants from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the ASICS Results Tent. The PR Pan and First Time Finisher Bell will be available on race day in Canal Park.
To access the full historical results database of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon as well read more about the event’s all-time event record holders, year-by-year winners, and age category record-holders, please click HERE.
Rooms do book quickly for Grandma’s Marathon weekend, so it’s recommended that participants, volunteers, and spectators find lodging as soon as possible.
A full list of available hotels, motels, and campgrounds, etc. throughout the area is available HERE.
BIKE VALET
Skip the traffic when exploring Duluth! To help make our event a more accessible biking destination, we will offer a bike valet on both Friday and Saturday of race weekend. Just like a coat check, we’ll tag your bike and provide you with a claim stub. When you’re ready to move on, come get your bike, and off you go!
This complimentary service is available at the following times and locations on race weekend:
Friday, June 20
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), near Entrance A
Saturday, June 21
6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Corner of Buchanan Street & Lake Avenue
RIDE THE BUS
Participants can ride the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) for free on race day just by showing their official race bib. NOTE: Be sure to utilize the DTA Trip Planner to plan your weekend activities.
PORT TOWN TROLLEY
Courtesy of the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA), the Port Town Trolley will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on race day between Canal Park (corner of Lake Avenue and Morse Street) and Bayfront Festival Park.
SKYWALK ACCESS
Use the indoor skywalk system to cross Interstate-35 and access the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). Enter the skywalk in downtown Duluth at the Holiday Center (207 W. Superior Street).
LAKEWALK
For a less congested option to move between the finish line area and Miles 19-24 on the racecourse, consider using Duluth’s scenic Lakewalk. IMPORTANT: Bikes are allowed on the Lakewalk, but they are NOT ALLOWED on the racecourse.
Grandma’s Marathon is committed to ensuring our events, programs, and services are accessible to all participants, volunteers, vendors, spectators, and community members. Our intention is that organization adhere to the principles of social equity and inclusion and remain open, welcoming, safe, and accessible for all who participate.
We will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with permanent physical, intellectual, visual, auditory, or sensory impairments. If you require an accommodation, please contact us via email at [email protected] or via phone at (218) 727-0947.
Please click HERE to view our full Grandma’s Marathon Access & Equity Policy, and please click HERE for some more specifics on the accessibility of race weekend.
Our event uses the Event Alert System (EAS) to communicate information on current conditions prior to and on race day. Participants, spectators, and volunteers should familiarize themselves with the color-coded flags, which will be posted prior to the race at the fitness expo and on race day at the start line and at each water station. Updates may also be communicated over public address systems and by race officials.
Anyone seeking medical information on a participant should inquire at the Medical Information Tent near the finish line or by calling the marathon office at (218) 727-0947. If you need assistance for a non-race related emergency, please call 911.
For answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and our race weekend, please click HERE.
The Grandma’s Marathon course is a picturesque, point-to-point 26.2-mile stretch along the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. With rolling hills and a net downhill elevation, our racecourse starts north of Duluth, MN near Two Harbors and runs along Scenic Highway 61, hugging the shores of Lake Superior before taking participants through the heart of downtown Duluth and finishing in historic Canal Park.
TIME REQUIREMENT
The Grandma’s Marathon time limit for participants is 7 hours, which requires a minimum pace of approximately 16:00/mile.
Participants choosing to continue after the cutoff time will be asked to move to the sidewalk and will do so at their own risk due to vehicular traffic and aid/water stations no longer being available.
MILE MARKERS
Grandma’s Marathon miles are marked by yellow balloons.
COURSE ELEVATION
START – 740 feet
MILE 1 – 712 feet (-28)
MILE 2 – 686 feet (-26)
MILE 3 – 656 feet (-30)
MILE 4 – 664 feet (+8)
MILE 5 – 637 feet (-27)
MILE 6 – 634 feet (-3)
MILE 7 – 640 feet (+6)
MILE 8 – 664 feet (+24)
MILE 9 – 677 feet (+13)
MILE 10 – 620 feet (-57)
MILE 11 – 639 feet (+19)
MILE 12 – 638 feet (-1)
MILE 13 – 617 feet (-21)
MILE 14 – 629 feet (+12)
MILE 15 – 631 feet (+2)
MILE 16 – 620 feet (-11)
MILE 17 – 640 feet (+20)
MILE 18 – 645 feet (+5)
MILE 19 – 625 feet (-20)
MILE 20 – 655 feet (+30)
MILE 21 – 672 feet (+17)
MILE 22 – 651 feet (-21)
MILE 23 – 657 feet (+6)
MILE 24 – 645 feet (-12)
MILE 25 – 636 feet (-9)
MILE 26 – 611 feet (-25)
FINISH – 610 feet (-1)
TOTAL ELEVATION CHANGE: -130 feet
Elevations are approximate, relative to sea level.
Pricing Structure (In-Person)
October 1-October 15 — $120
October 16-December 31 — $130
January 1-March 31 — $140
April 1-June 1 — $150
Pricing Structure (Virtual)
October 1-Race Day — $110
The start times for Grandma’s Marathon are as follows:
- 7:35 a.m. — Wheelchair & Adaptive
- 7:40 a.m. — Men’s Elite & Semi-Elite
- 7:45 a.m. — Women’s Elite & Semi-Elite
- 7:45 a.m. — Citizens
NOTE: Non-binary participants who are accepted into the elite or semi-elite field will be invited to participate in either the men’s or women’s start.
The official Grandma’s Marathon training group, led by certified coach Tony Stensland, is designed to prepare you for a successful race day.
This is the perfect place to gain confidence while feeling the camaraderie and support of other, like-minded runners! Whether you’re interested in joining or just need advice on how to train on your own, please click HERE for more information.
As part of your registration, all participants will be receiving an exclusive trial of the ASICS Runkeeper Go premium subscription, with access to features like:
- Tailor-made training plans based on your individual goals, experience, and schedule
- Run comparisons and advanced insights into your progress
- Guided workouts to help motivate you along the way
Put the worries of training aside, and focus instead on the fun part of reaching your finish line in June!
To access the full historical results database of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon as well read more about the event’s all-time event record holders, year-by-year winners, and age category record-holders, please click HERE.
To access the full historical results database of Grandma’s Marathon as well read more about the event’s all-time event record holders, year-by-year winners, and age category record-holders, please click HERE.
For answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and our race weekend, please click HERE.
THE SWAG
2025 GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON LIMITED EDITION HOODIE
Despite its name, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon weekender hoodie is good for any day of the week. Made by Minnesota-based company Storm Creek, this hoodie is sporty, stylish, and all-around good-looking. A perfect outerlayer for your pre-race training or just for lounging around the house.
2025 GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON TRAINING SHIRT
Look good, feel better, and run fast. Let your clothes do the talking for you and let the world know you’re training for the 2025 Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in this 100% polyester, long-sleeve tech training shirt.
BUY BOTH & SAVE: Purchase both a jacket and training shirt during registration to receive a 20% discount code that can be used anytime on a single purchase of any size in our online store.
RACE RESULTS & PHOTOS
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon has grown into one of the most popular in the United States, now with close to 10,000 registered participants each year.
The race is is timed and scored by Mtec Results. The previous year’s results, as well as historical and all-time results dating to the inaugural event in 1991, are available HERE.
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon race day images are available online through MarathonFoto. Participants can view and purchase their very own personal photo gallery HERE.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Minnesota’s Best
Grandma’s Marathon has been voted four straight years as the state’s top annual sports event or race in the Minnesota’s Best awards, a Star Tribune initiative to celebrate the many businesses, organizations, and individuals that make Minnesota a great place to live, work, and play.
Minnesota’s Best is an audience-driven contest and had more than 1 million votes cast for 6,700+ organizations in 300+ categories.
Best of the Best
Grandma’s Marathon has been voted three straight years as the region’s best local tournament in the Best of the Best awards, which are hosted by our major media partner the Duluth News Tribune.
More that 140,000 votes were cast in this year’s competition, separating close to 45,000 nominees in hundreds of different categories searching to find the best of the best in Duluth and the surrounding area.
RUNNERS’ CHOICE
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon was named the top half marathon in the state of Minnesota by RaceRaves users.
The list crowns the 50 best half marathons in the United States based on votes from thousands of runners across the country, along with online reviews and ratings.
“When it comes to hosting a scenic destination event,” the award blurb reads, “Duluth knows best.”
MN Signature Event
Grandma’s Marathon weekend was named a Signature Event by Explore Minnesota Tourism for its contributions to the state’s $15 billion travel industry.
In a 2019 economic study, it was reported that the Grandma’s Marathon weekend brings nearly $21 million to the region each year.
The organization aimed to highlight Minnesota-based, world-class events that produce substantial media exposure and generate significant travel dollars for the state of Minnesota.
OLYMPIC TRIALS QUALIFIER
In 2023, there were four participants of Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon that qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
The qualifying window in the half marathon for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials will open in 2027.
Future Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon Dates
June 21, 2025
June 20, 2026
June 19, 2027
June 17, 2028
June 16, 2029
June 22, 2030
