When people in the running community hear “Duluth,” they almost instantly think of Grandma’s Marathon. As a proud Grambassador and long-time Duluth local, I share that excitement. This year, Grandma’s will be my first road marathon, and I can’t wait to join the thousands of runners celebrating Grandma’s 50th anniversary. But when I lace up on most other days, you won’t find me on the shoulder of London Road, you’ll find me on the trails.
Duluth is a trail runner’s dream city. We’re tucked between Lake Superior and a ridge that rises dramatically through forests, streams, and rocky outcrops. This geography gives us miles upon miles of singletrack trails that rivals anywhere in the state and beyond.
Hartley Nature Center is one of my favorite places to explore. Near the college campus’, its mix of rolling terrain, wooded turns, and plenty of long gradual climbs make it perfect for a quick afternoon run or a longer weekend one. You can link up trail sections or follow the Duluth Traverse, to go for as long as you can last. It’s where I go when I want a dose of nature without leaving the city.
And then there’s the Superior Hiking Trail… sometimes serene, often rugged, and always humbling. Parts of it cut right through the heart of Duluth before heading north toward the Canadian border. I won’t pretend it’s easy; rocks, roots, and relentless climbing keep you honest. But the rewards can be worth it… sweeping overlooks of the lake, quiet creeks, and those unforgettable fall colors painting the horizon in gold and red.
One of the best parts about trail running up here is that it doesn’t stop when winter arrives. Duluth’s outdoor spirit doesn’t hibernate. When the trails freeze and snow blankets the woods, out come the insulated layers. There’s a special kind of peace in the sound of the crunch of frozen ground below your feet. Trail running through winter, watching your familiar routes transform beneath fresh snow, feels like rediscovering your backyard every outing.
So while Grandma’s Marathon will always be the crown jewel of Duluth’s running identity, the trails tell another side of the story, one that’s wild, colorful, and endlessly rewarding. I’ll look forward to the the energy of race day and the hum of the starting corrals, but after when I need to recharge my running soul, it’s the woods and spur overlooks that call my name.
Alex Rogers
Follow Him on: Instagram
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: My favorite Grandma’s Marathon memory isn’t tied to one race or finish line. It has been all about the people I get to share the weekend with. As a proud Duluthian, I’m lucky to have travel and lodging already figured out for 2026, which means I can focus on hosting. For the past several years, we’ve crammed our little home with friends and family from near and far, most of whom are running at least one of the events. Beyond the electric race day atmosphere, what I cherish most is our tradition of gathering at the Spaghetti Dinner to swap stories from past years, sharing laughs, and building the excitement for the big day ahead.
Song that must be on your running playlist: Trampled by Turtles- Wild Animals. All TBT
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: Unfortunately, the only thing that kept me from running outside in the last year was the air quality. Otherwise, there is very little that can keep me from running outside.
2026 running goal: As a person who has just started running a year ago, my 2026 running goals are big ones! I’ll be running Grandma’s 50th Marathon as my first marathon ever! On top of that, I’ve got a 100k trail race on the calendar. More than the races themselves, I’m looking forward to continuing to run as my space to recharge, socialize, focus on my mental health, and deepen my connection with the outdoors.
Advice to other runners:I run for my own reasons, and I hope others find and honor theirs, too. In today’s screen-filled world, it’s not always easy to block out outside influences, but running feels most meaningful when it’s done for yourself and no one else.