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 20, 2026
Registration Opens October 1
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 20, 2026
Registration Opens October 1
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 19, 2026
Registration Opens October 1
GREAT GRANDMA’S CHALLENGE
FULL CHALLENGE: Grandma’s Marathon & William A. Irvin 5K
HALF CHALLENGE: Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon & William A. Irvin 5K
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 19-20, 2026
Registration Opens October 1
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 19, 2026
Registration Opens April 1
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.
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 17, 2025
Registration NOW OPEN
