Spectator Information
One of the best ways on race day to keep track of your favorite runners is by using the live tracking feature on our Grandma’s Marathon mobile app, powered by ASICS.
Available on Apple and Android devices, the live tracking will show you exactly where your family and friends are on the course so you can be sure not to miss them as the pass by.
NOTE: The Grandma’s Marathon mobile app is available for download at any time, but the live tracking feature will not be accessible until race morning. Because of limited cell coverage in some remote areas of the racecourse, there may be some delays in tracking during portions of the race.
Watch, Listen Follow
Watch, listen to, or follow the drama unfold from wherever you are! Our major media partners WDIO-TV, the Northland FAN 106.5FM, and the Duluth News Tribune take you inside the race, from start line to finish line, and bring you all the biggest moments of the day.
You can join Grandma’s Marathon legends Dick Beardsley and Doug Kurtis along with Minnesota running royalty Carrie Tollefson as they follow the action live from the course on race day. They’ll break down the history and strategy of the race, plus you’ll hear from the winners as soon as they cross the finish line!
Whether it’s winning moments or citizen success stories, our media partners have you covered on race day.
Featured Viewing Locations
LARSMONT
Full Marathon: Mile 3
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
*No Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon Runners
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 7:45 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 7:55 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 8:30 a.m.
WHY TO WATCH HERE
With limited spectator access at the start line, this is the first real chance in the race to catch a glimpse of the runners. If you play your cards right, you may be able to visit the Trading Post or Mocha Moose Coffee Shop and still have time to get to Canal Park to watch the winners cross the finish line.
KNIFE RIVER
Full Marathon: Mile 5
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
*No Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon Runners
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 7:50 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 8:05 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 9:15 a.m.
WHY TO WATCH HERE
Just five miles from the Grandma’s Marathon start line, Knife River is a perfect spot to see runners early in the race. Plus, a short hike will bring you right to water’s edge of beautiful Lake Superior. Make sure you stop by Great Lakes Candy Kitchen or Russ Kendall’s Smokehouse before moving on.
McQUADE HARBOR
Half Marathon: Mile 1 | Full Marathon: Mile 13
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 6:05 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 6:30 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 8:20 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 8:50 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 11:45 a.m.
WHY TO WATCH HERE
You’ll have to get up early to catch the half marathoners here, as it’s just about a mile from the start line. When picking your viewing spot up the shore, McQuade Harbor is one of the easier spots to get to and, unlike some other remote areas, there is usually plenty of public parking available.
LESTER RIVER
Half Marathon: Mile 6 | Full Marathon: Mile 19
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 6:25 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 7:30 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 8:35 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 9:15 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 1:00 p.m.
WHY TO WATCH HERE
As they cross the Lester River on the outskirts of town, the runners here get their first glimpse of Duluth after spending the opening miles in the solitude of Minnesota’s north woods. The louder the better at this point, as most everyone will need an energy boost before the race’s final miles.
LAKESIDE
Half Marathon: Miles 6-8 | Full Marathon: Miles 19-21
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 6:30 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 7:45 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 8:40 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 9:20 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 1:15 p.m.
WHY TO WATCH HERE
If you’re looking for a party on race day, London Road in Lakeside offers some of the most raucous crowds on the course. Plenty of yard parties and music make for a fun atmosphere, and it’s not uncommon to see some of the runners stop for a beer along this stretch.
LEMON DROP HILL
Half Marathon: Mile 9 | Full Marathon: Mile 22
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 6:40 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 8:15 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 8:45 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 9:30 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 1:45 p.m.
WHY TO WATCH HERE
One of the most iconic points on the racecourse, Lemon Drop Hill offers one of the day’s single biggest tests in willpower. The runners will welcome any extra enthusiasm you can muster to help them to the top. Once they’re past this hill, they can start to taste the finish line.
DOWNTOWN DULUTH
Half Marathon: Miles 11-12 | Full Marathon: Miles 24-25
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 6:50 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 8:45 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 8:50 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 9:40 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 2:15 p.m.
WHY TO WATCH HERE
One of the more popular spots in the closing miles, downtown Duluth not only offers plenty of space for comfortable viewing but is also within walking distance of the finish line and Canal Park. Make sure you stop in for lunch at the Fitger’s complex, Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake, or Pizza Luce.
WATERFRONT
Half Marathon: Finish Line | Full Marathon: Finish Line
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 7:00 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 9:15 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 9:00 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Runners Expected: 9:50 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 3:00 p.m.
WHY TO WATCH HERE
Crowds will be four or five deep by mid-morning, so arrive early to claim a front row spot. Free bleachers are available at the finish line or just behind the DECC. After you’re done watching, check out Bayfront Festival Park for live music, food, and drinks.
ROAD CLOSURES
Canal Park Drive will be closed between Railroad Street and Buchanan Street beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June 17. All of Canal Park Drive will be closed on race day until approximately 5:00 p.m.
Scenic Highway 61 will be closed on race day from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., while all of London Road and portions of Superior Street will be closed from 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
IMPORTANT: Vehicles and bicycles are not allowed on the racecourse during the event. All cars parked on the racecourse during the event will be towed at the owner's expense.
EXPRESSWAY TRAVEL
MN-Expressway 61, which runs parallel to the racecourse between Duluth and Two Harbors, will be open to traffic on race day. Expect heavy congestion and potentially significant delays. NOTE: Parking on the expressway is absolutely prohibited.
PARK POINT ACCESS
On race day, motorists wanting to access Park Point should exit use the 5th Avenue West exit from Interstate 35 North and follow the detour signs.
A spectator bus will run between Bayfront Festival Park and the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus every 30 minutes between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on race day.
The bus will load on the UMD campus on Kirby Drive and drop off at the Bayfront Festival Park parking lot, which is a half-mile from the finish line.
Parking is limited in downtown Duluth and Canal Park throughout all of race weekend, including the day of the race. Public parking options are colored in orange on the map above, including at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), where parking is available for $10.
Want to skip the traffic on race weekend? Ride your bike!
Just like a coat check, we'll tag your bike and provide you with a claim stub. Our complimentary bike valet service is available at the following times and locations on race weekend.
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Bayfront Festival Park --- 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Dewitt-Seitz Marketplace --- 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
