LOUD & PROUD — SUPPORT THE RUNNERS!
Everyone who crosses the finish line on race day certainly didn’t do it alone. All of them enjoyed support all the way through their training up to, and especially on race day.
After a tranquil and serene start to their race as the course takes them along the scenic shores of Lake Superior, the participants are ready for one thing when they hit the city limits — NOISE!
The final six miles of Grandma’s Marathon provide some of the most fun you’ll find anywhere in road racing. The shift is perfectly timed — just as participants hit the most painful part of their race, thousands of supporters are there to cheer them to the finish line.
Use our FAQ page to find a quick answer to the most common
questions about Grandma’s Marathon weekend, or please feel
free to call our office at (218) 727-0947.
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
The GRANDMA’S MARATHON course is a picturesque, point-to-point 26.2-mile stretch along the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. With rolling hills and a net downhill elevation, our racecourse starts north of Duluth, MN near Two Harbors and runs along Scenic Highway 61, hugging the shores of Lake Superior before taking participants through the heart of downtown Duluth and finishing in historic Canal Park.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON miles are marked by yellow balloons.
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The GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON course is a picturesque, point-to-point 13.1-mile stretch along the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. With rolling hills and a net downhill elevation, our racecourse starts north of Duluth, MN and runs along Scenic Highway 61, hugging the shores of Lake Superior before taking participants through the heart of downtown Duluth and finishing in historic Canal Park.
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON miles are marked by teal balloons.
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
Adaptive — 5:50 a.m.
Elite & Semi-Elite — 6:00 a.m.
Citizens — 6:00 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
Wheelchair & Adaptive — 7:35 a.m.
Men’s Elite & Semi-Elite — 7:40 a.m.
Women’s Elite & Semi-Elite — 7:45 a.m.
Citizens — 7:45 a.m.
ESTIMATED CHAMPION FINISH TIMES
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
Men – 7:00 a.m.
Women – 7:10 a.m.
Grandma’s Marathon Wheelchair
Men – 9:00 a.m.
Women – 9:05 a.m.
Grandma’s Marathon
Men – 9:50 a.m.
Women – 10:10 a.m.
For a list of full estimated finish times, based on time per mile, please click HERE.
Timing mats will be placed at the following checkpoints on the GRANDMA’S MARATHON racecourse: 3.1M, 6.2M, 13.1, 16.2M, 20M, 22M, and 24M.
Timing mats will be placed at the following checkpoints on the GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON racecourse: 3.1M, 6.9M, 8.9M, and 10.9M.
Live runner tracking, powered by ASICS, is available through our Grandma’s Marathon mobile app. The app can be downloaded anytime on Apple and Android, but live runner tracking will be available only on race day.
Grandma’s Marathon is again offering spectators the chance to record Shoutout videos that will play as their favorite participants pass our Jumbotron screen in downtown Duluth.
The screen will be located near Mile 24 of the full marathon and Mile 11 of the half marathon.
From wherever you are, you can show your support when they need you the most in the day’s final miles.
Click HERE to record your Shoutout video today!
Join Grandma’s Marathon legend Dick Beardsley and past USA Olympians Kara Goucher and Carrie Tollefson as they follow all the action on race day.
With FREE online video and audio streaming options, you can watch and hear the drama unfold from wherever you are as our live broadcast takes you inside the race, bringing you all the day’s biggest stories and winning moments from start line to finish line!
TV & Streaming: WDIO-TV (Duluth area), KSTC-TV (Twin Cities), and wdio.com
Radio: Northland FAN 106.5FM (Duluth area), and northlandfan.com
Coverage starts at 6:30 a.m. on race day.
Newspaper: Duluth News Tribune (Duluth area) and duluthnewstribune.com
The meeting area is located in Canal Park near the Aerial Lift Bridge, just beyond the exit of the secure runner recovery area.
Signs will be labeled as follows: AB, CD, EF, GH, IJ, KL, MN, OP, QRS, TUV, and WXYZ.
Want to be in Canal Park or downtown Duluth on race day without the hassle of traffic? Park your vehicle at any of the following locations, and our shuttle buses will take you to the finish line area in Canal Park:
- University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD)
1120 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN 55812 - Miller Hill Mall
1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811 - Duluth East High School
301 N. 40th Avenue East, Duluth, MN 55804 - Proctor Sports & Event Center
704 Kirkus Street, Proctor, MN 55810 - University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS)
2701 Catlin Avenue
Superior, WI 54880
IMPORTANT: These buses are also used as return shuttles for participants. The loading locations are the same as they were for the morning start line buses.
At each of these locations, shuttles will run continuously from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on race day. The buses will drop off near the north gate of the DECC parking ramp, which is approximately a half mile from the finish line.
Departure times will vary but are expected to be approximately every 30 minutes.
DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT & CONVENTION CENTER (DECC) — $10
To access DECC parking from I-35, take the Lake Avenue/5th Avenue West exit (#256B).
350 W. Railroad Street
Duluth, MN 55802
BAYFRONT FESTIVAL PARK — $10
To access Bayfront Parking from I-35, take the Mesaba Avenue/Superior Street exit (#256A) and use Superior Street.
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN 55802
DOWNTOWN DULUTH — $$ varies
To access these parking options from I-35, take the Mesaba Avenue/Superior Street exit (#256A) and use Superior Street.
BIKE VALET
Skip the traffic when exploring Duluth! To help make our event a more accessible biking destination, we will offer a bike valet on both Friday and Saturday of race weekend. Just like a coat check, we’ll tag your bike and provide you with a claim stub. When you’re ready to move on, come get your bike, and off you go!
This complimentary service is available at the following times and locations on race weekend:
Friday, June 20
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), near Entrance A
Saturday, June 21
6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Corner of Buchanan Street & Lake Avenue
RIDE THE BUS
Participants can ride the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) for free on race day just by showing their official race bib. NOTE: Be sure to utilize the DTA Trip Planner to plan your weekend activities.
PORT TOWN TROLLEY
Courtesy of the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA), the Port Town Trolley will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on race day between Canal Park (corner of Lake Avenue and Morse Street) and Bayfront Festival Park.
SKYWALK ACCESS
Use the indoor skywalk system to cross Interstate-35 and access the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). Enter the skywalk in downtown Duluth at the Holiday Center (207 W. Superior Street).
LAKEWALK
For a less congested option to move between the finish line area and Miles 19-24 on the racecourse, consider using Duluth’s scenic Lakewalk. IMPORTANT: Bikes are allowed on the Lakewalk, but they are NOT ALLOWED on the racecourse.
Grandma’s Marathon is committed to ensuring our events, programs, and services are accessible to all participants, volunteers, vendors, spectators, and community members. Our intention is that organization adhere to the principles of social equity and inclusion and remain open, welcoming, safe, and accessible for all who participate.
We will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with permanent physical, intellectual, visual, auditory, or sensory impairments. If you require an accommodation, please contact us via email at [email protected] or via phone at (218) 727-0947.
Please click HERE to view our full Grandma’s Marathon Access & Equity Policy, and please click HERE for some more specifics on the accessibility of race weekend.
Our event uses the Event Alert System (EAS) to communicate information on current conditions prior to and on race day. Participants, spectators, and volunteers should familiarize themselves with the color-coded flags, which will be posted prior to the race at the fitness expo and on race day at the start line and at each water station. Updates may also be communicated over public address systems and by race officials.
Anyone seeking medical information on a participant should inquire at the Medical Information Tent near the finish line or by calling the marathon office at (218) 727-0947. If you need assistance for a non-race related emergency, please call 911.
For answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Grandma’s Marathon race weekend, please click HERE.
There are several locations along the racecourse featuring local and regional entertainment groups… from solo musicians and bands to dance teams and even fire twirlers!
WOULD YOU WATCH… ON A TRAIN?
Watch this year’s Grandma’s Marathon in one of the most unique and comfortable ways possible, onboard the coaches of the North Shore Scenic Railroad.
The spectator train will be at the marathon starting line with enough time to find your favorite runner and watch the start of the race. It will then parallel the racecourse and keep pace with the leaders for the first few miles before heading back to Duluth so you can get to the finish line in time for the first marathoners to cross.
A truly unique experience you won’t want to miss!
ALL-INCLUSIVE TICKETS: $90
- Breakfast (maple pecan danish, fruit, yogurt, & granola parfait, egg bake, french toast with whipped cream & fruit, strawberry shortcake)
- Snacks & Drinks, including a bloody mary bar with mimosas
- Grandma’s Marathon Souvenir Gift Package (commemorative lanyard, Fitsoks, logo decal, finish line bleacher passes)
FEATURED VIEWING LOCATIONS
LARSMONT
Full Marathon: Mile 3
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
*No Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon Participants
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 7:45 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 7:55 a.m.
Last Participants 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 participants. NOTE: Expect it to be difficult to see your favorite runner here and at the finish line on race day, as traffic and congestion will be high headed into town.
KNIFE RIVER
Full Marathon: Mile 5
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
*No Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon Participants
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 7:50 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 8:05 a.m.
Last Participants 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 participants 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.
McQUADE HARBOR
Half Marathon: Mile 1 | Full Marathon: Mile 13
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 6:05 a.m.
Last Participants Expected: 6:30 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 8:20 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 8:50 a.m.
Last Participants 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 plenty of public parking.
LESTER RIVER
Half Marathon: Mile 6 | Full Marathon: Mile 19
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 6:25 a.m.
Last Participants Expected: 7:30 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 8:35 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 9:15 a.m.
Last Participants Expected: 1:00 p.m.
WHY TO WATCH HERE
As they cross the Lester River on the outskirts of town, the participants here get their first glimpse of Duluth after spending the opening miles in the solitude of Minnesota’s north woods. The louder you can be 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 Participants Expected: 6:30 a.m.
Last Participants Expected: 7:45 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 8:40 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 9:20 a.m.
Last Participants 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 participants stop for a beer – or maybe even some pickle juice – along this stretch.
LAKESIDE
Half Marathon: Mile 9 | Full Marathon: Mile 22
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 6:40 a.m.
Last Participants Expected: 8:15 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 8:45 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 9:30 a.m.
Last Participants 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 participants will welcome any extra enthusiasm you can muster to help them to the top. Once they’re past this hill, they can almost start to hear the roar of the finish line.
DOWNTOWN DULUTH
Half Marathon: Miles 11-12 | Full Marathon: Miles 24-25
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 6:50 a.m.
Last Participants Expected: 8:45 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 8:50 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 9:40 a.m.
Last Participants 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.
CANAL PARK
Half Marathon: Finish Line | Full Marathon: Finish Line
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 7:00 a.m.
Last Participants Expected: 9:15 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON WHEELCHAIR
First Wheelers Expected: 9:00 a.m.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
First Participants Expected: 9:50 a.m.
Last Participants 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.