Annual Races

GRANDMA’S MARATHON WEEKEND

Grandma’s Marathon

Since our inaugural race in 1977, Grandma’s Marathon has grown into something much bigger than just a 26.2-mile race along the scenic North Shore of Minnesota.

It’s now become a “can’t-miss” weekend in June, a moment when participants of all calibers come together to celebrate the vigor of the human spirit.

NEXT RACE: June 22, 2024
Registration SOLD OUT

Still want to run in 2024? Try our Charity Partners Program!

Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon

Garry Bjorklund won the inaugural Grandma’s Marathon in 1977 and was again the champion in 1980.

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.

NEXT RACE: June 22, 2024
Registration SOLD OUT

Still want to run in 2024? Try our Charity Partners Program!

WILLIAM A. IRVIN 5K

The William A. Irvin 5K started in 1994 and has now become the popular kickoff event to an exciting lineup of races and festivities on Grandma’s Marathon weekend.

A perfect race for people of all ages and abilities, the 3.1-mile course was named after the William A. Irvin ore boat located next to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC).

NEXT RACE: June 21, 2024
Registration SOLD OUT

Still want to run in 2024? Try our Charity Partners Program!

GREAT GRANDMA’S CHALLENGE

Are you looking for the ultimate running experience on Grandma’s Marathon weekend?

Take your experience to a whole new level by participating in not just one, but two of our weekend races. All Challenge participants start with the William A. Irvin 5K on Friday evening, and they follow that up with either Grandma’s Marathon or the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon on Saturday morning.

NEXT RACE(S): June 21-22, 2024
Registration SOLD OUT

WHIPPER SNAPPER RACES FOR KIDS

Grandma’s Marathon weekend shouldn’t be just for the adults, so be sure to bring the kids to Bayfront Festival Park for their very own race complete with finisher medals!

These fun, short-distance races are the perfect way to introduce kids to running or to keep the fire burning bright for your future marathon finisher. You just may have a Grandma’s Marathon champion of the future on your hands!

NEXT RACE: June 21, 2024
Registration Opens Spring 2024

YOUNG ATHLETES FOUNDATION

KP CHALLENGE

RACES INCLUDED: Saint Fennessy 4K | Fitger’s 5K | Park Point 5-Miler & 2-Mile Walk

We know you don’t shy away from a challenge, so why not take on the KP Challenge?!

With three great YAF races spread out across the early spring and into the summer, the KP Challenge offers a perfect mix of distances and challenges for rookie and veteran runners alike. 

Registration SOLD OUT

SAINT FENNESSY 4K

Get your green on for the Saint Fennessy 4K, a festive fun run perfect for runners of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to jump start your spring training, this is the race for you!

NEXT RACE: TBD

FITGER’S 5K

A perfect challenge for new runners or a good training race for veterans, the Fitger’s 5K has grown into one of the area’s premier spring races.

NEXT RACE: TBD

PARK POINT 5-MILER & 2-MILE WALK

The Park Point 5-Miler & 2-Mile Walk brings all the classic elements of a midsummer race, including starting and finishing on the picturesque Park Point in Duluth.

NEXT RACE: July 18, 2024
Registration NOW OPEN

MINNESOTA MILE

Whether you’re running your first-ever mile or trying for a new PR, the Minnesota Mile will take you on a scenic, 5,280-foot journey through Duluth’s Enger Park.

NEXT RACE: September 6, 2024
Registration Opens July 1, 2024

NORTH END NIGHTMARE 5K

Spooky surprises and haunted attractions are around every turn at the North End Nightmare 5K, a Halloween run end perfect for anyone looking to test out their costume before the big day!

NEXT RACE: October 26, 2024
Registration Opens September 1, 2024

YOUTH RACES & EVENTS

A central pillar of the Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) is providing free and accessible programming for our area’s kids throughout the year. These programs are focused on our mission of building and providing pathways to the community’s children in their pursuit of active and healthy lifestyles.

2024 WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE RACES (all races start at 6:00 p.m.)
July 24 — Superior HS
July 31 — Two Harbors HS & Proctor HS
August 7 — Duluth East HS
August 14 — Duluth Denfeld HS
August 21 — Hermantown HS
August 28 — Wade Stadium
Registration Opens Summer 2024

2024 SATURDAY MORNING AT THE RACES (all races start at 10:00 a.m.)
January 6 — College of St. Scholastica (CSS)
January 20 — University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD)
February 3 — University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS)
Registration NOW OPEN