Great Grandma's Challenge
June 18-19, 2027 | Duluth, MN
To 2027 Race Weekend
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Registration for the 2027 Great Grandma’s Challenge will open at 7:00 p.m. CT on October 1.
FULL GREAT GRANDMA’S CHALLENGE: Grandma’s Marathon + William A. Irvin 5K
HALF GREAT GRANDMA’S CHALLENGE: Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon + William A. Irvin 5K
Create your community. Connect with other Grandma’s Marathon participants!
RACE AMBASSADORS
Everything has its experts, and for our race that is is our group of GRAMbassadors! These people are knowledgeable and passionate about Grandma’s Marathon, and they are eager to share their journey to the finish line in Duluth while helping others with theirs.
Think you have what it takes to be part of this year’s GRAMbassadors? Click below to learn more and apply (applications close September 1).
PARTICIPANT FACEBOOK GROUP
What’s so great about Grandma’s Marathon weekend is the community it creates. Whether it’s reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, the time spent together during the training process and on race day creates a bond that will last a lifetime.
For anyone who hasn’t been to Duluth or maybe is just looking for some extra advice, who better to ask than other participants. That’s why we created our Grandma’s Marathon Participant Facebook Group, allowing that connection to start early and enhancing the communication between participants ahead of race weekend!
Miss out on registration? There are still ways into the 50th annual Grandma’s Marathon!
CHARITY PARTNERS PROGRAM
You raise the money, they pay for your race entry. Join one of our 50 official charity partners as we aim to raise $1 MILLION for these meaningful and worthwhile causes in our region. Run for free, run for good!
Choose the 2026 Charity Partner organization of your choice, and contact that organization directly to inquire about registration. NOTE: Available entries and fundraising requirements vary by charity partner.
BIB TRANSFERS
We want as many people as possible to be on the start line in June, but we also know plans change and injuries happen. So for those who signed up but now can’t race, we offer the chance to transfer your bib to for a full refund to someone who can use it.
Whether you’re buying or selling an entry, join the Grandma’s Marathon Bib Transfer Group on Facebook to connect with someone on the other end. Once connected, follow the steps on our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to complete your transfer.
IMPORTANT: Please BEWARE of scams. DO NOT send money directly or via a third party app. All transfer transactions are completed through Race Roster. Anyone asking for anything different or asking for more money on the side is most likely a scammer. The transfer deadline is May 1.
VIRTUAL RACE REGISTRATION
Unable to get to Duluth for Grandma’s Marathon weekend? Our virtual race options allows anyone from anywhere the chance to be part of the magic, as you can complete your race in your place and on your time. Even when we run alone, we run together!
Create or log into your Race Roster account to sign up for your virtual race. Virtual Grandma’s Marathon limited to 350 entries.
WORLD CLASS EVENT, SMALL TOWN CHARM
Some things aren’t just made — they’re built. With passion, with purpose, and with persistence. Grandma’s Marathon wasn’t just handed its legacy — it was earned.
The story of the marathon is much like that of its participants.
It’s a promise we make to ourselves — to try, and to do our best.
We come from different cities, countries, and ways of life, but once every year, we share the same road. For many, it’s like coming home. We can never leave the race, because it will never leave us.
So, here’s to every mile behind, and every mile still to come. This is Grandma’s Marathon. A world class event with small town charm. Built to last, and only getting stronger.
2027 RACE DETAILS
Marathon USATF Course Certification — Code MN25002DT
Half Marathon USATF Course Certification — Code MN25001DT
Marathon USATF Course Certification — Code MN25002DT
Half Marathon USATF Course Certification — Code MN25001DT
Full Great Grandma’s Challenge Entry Fee
October 1-October 5 — $240
October 6-October 31 — $260
November 1-March 31 — $280
April 1-May 1 — $295
Half Great Grandma’s Challenge Entry Fee
October 1-October 5 — $230
October 6-October 31 — $250
November 1-March 31 — $270
April 1-May 1 — $285
Per Minnesota’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act, all listed race entry costs include surcharges and processing fees.Â
THE SWAG
2026 VELOCITY HOODIE (Storm Creek)
SPECIAL Price: $69.99
(MSRP: $105.00)
Sporty enough for a run, comfy enough for the couch, and practical enough for errands. The Velocity Hoodie keeps up with your every move with 4-way stretch, zippered pockets, and a flattering fit. Basically, it’s designed for life at full speed. Fabric: 79% recycled nylon/21% spandex.
- 4-way stretch, performance fabricÂ
- Lightweight and breathableÂ
- Technical design with clean seam detailingÂ
- 3-piece scuba hood with elastic trim and extended brim for all-day wearÂ
- Zippered hand pocketsÂ
2026 TRAINING SHIRT
(Leslie Jordan)
SPECIAL Price: $29.99
Look good, feel better, and run fast. Let your clothes do the talking for you and let the world know you’re training for race day in this long-sleeve tech training shirt.
Per Minnesota’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act, all listed apparel item costs include surcharges and processing fees.Â
BUY BOTH DURING REGISTRATION & SAVE $15
Largest Event in History
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Grandma’s Marathon is now the 10th largest marathon in the United States, with 9,630 finishers in 2026 marking its largest field in the event’s 50-year history.
In total, more than 262,000 participants have crossed the finish line in Duluth’s Canal Park since the start of Grandma’s Marathon in 1977.
LARGEST MARATHONS IN THE UNITED STATES (2025)
1. New York City Marathon — 59,226
2. Chicago Marathon — 54,208
3. Marine Corps Marathon — 30,085
4. Boston Marathon — 27,163
5. Honolulu Marathon — 22,705
6. Los Angeles Marathon — 20,810
7. Philadelphia Marathon — 12,582
8. Walt Disney Marathon — 12,533
9. California International Marathon — 8,181
10. Grandma’s Marathon — 7,582
EVERGREEN CERTIFICATION
Grandma’s Marathon has earned the Evergreen Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport, recognizing the organization’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, community impact, and responsible event management.
The Evergreen Certification is the most rigorous standard offered by the Council for Responsible Sport, requiring a demonstrated commitment to sustainability and social equity across all aspects of race planning and execution.
Grandma’s Marathon becomes only the third United States marathon to receive the Evergreen Certification, joining the Chicago and Los Angeles Marathons.
Minnesota’s Best
Grandma’s Marathon was voted four straight years (2021-24) 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 was voted three straight years (2022-24) 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
Grandma’s Marathon was named by RaceRaves users as the top marathon in the state of Minnesota, and the the race also earned a spot on The BibRave 100: A Definitive List of the Best Races in America.
Grandma’s Marathon was also named one of the nation’s top 5 “Race-Cations” for its combination of a premier event with other race weekend experiences.
MN Signature Event
Grandma’s Marathon 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 Grandma’s Marathon 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.
Future Grandma’s
Marathon Weekends
June 18-19, 2027
June 16-17, 2028
June 15-16, 2029
June 21-22, 2030
