Spectator Information
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 and Kara Goucher 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.
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.
The finish line is one of the most exciting and popular places to watch Grandma's Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon.
For more specifics on finish line spectating, 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!
Click HERE for an up-to-date map of 2023 course entertainers and their locations along the Grandma's Marathon course!
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.
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 lead runners 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 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.
