Grandma's Marathon Start Line
The Grandma’s Marathon start line is located just south of Two Harbors, MN on Old Scenic Highway 61.
Official shuttle buses and the full marathon participant train will drop participants approximately 1/3 of a mile from the start line. Plan to take the earliest shuttle bus you can to maximize your time at the start area.
Taking official start line transportation is the ONLY way to guarantee arriving at the start area on time. Race transportation to the start is for participants only, and you must have your official race bib visible to board. Please see our Participant Transportation page for more information on bus and train loading times and locations. NOTE: There is no access for individual drop-offs or parking near the start line.
You will receive an official, clear plastic gear bag at race packet pickup. A label with your race number is provided in your race packet envelope and must be placed in the designated space on your bag.
Gear bags must be dropped in the appropriately numbered containers near the start corral entrance and will not be permitted in the start corral. Gear bags should be dropped off by 7:15 a.m. to avoid delays getting into the start chute.
Please plan to wear layers that can be discarded in the start area - Goodwill will reuse or recycle all clothing left behind. Your gear bag can be picked up following your race in the finish area tent.
NOTE: Unofficial gear bags (including backpacks) are not permitted and will not be accepted. Do not leave valuables or prohibited items in your bag. Race officials are not responsible for lost or damaged items. All bags are subject to inspection and should not be left unattended.
There will be plenty of portable toilets, as well as water, available to participants at the start area. NOTE: Please be respectful of our neighbors along the racecourse and help keep Minnesota's North Shore pristine by using designated portable toilets ONLY. Runners doing otherwise run the risk of disqualification.
The Grandma’s Marathon starting area is lined on one side of the racecourse by trees and private property and on the other side by railroad tracks. Due to this confined nature, spectators are not encouraged at or near the start line. Please see our Spectator Information page for more recommendations on where and how to watch on race day.
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon Start Line
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon start line is located on Old Scenic Highway 61 just north of McQuade Safe Harbor.
Official shuttle buses will drop participants approximately 1/3 of a mile from the start line. Plan to take the earliest shuttle bus you can to maximize your time at the start area.
Taking official start line transportation is the ONLY way to guarantee arriving at the start area on time. Race transportation to the start is for participants only, and you must have your official race bib visible to board. Please see our Participant Transportation page for more information on bus loading times and locations. NOTE: There is no access for individual drop-offs or parking near the start line.
You will receive an official, clear plastic gear bag at race packet pickup. A label with your race number is provided in your race packet envelope and must be placed in the designated space on your bag.
NEW POLICY IN 2022: Gear bags must be dropped at your bus loading location prior to departing to the start area. Gear bags WILL NOT be allowed on the buses or accepted at the start area.
Please plan to wear layers that can be discarded in the start area - Goodwill will reuse or recycle all clothing left behind. Your gear bag can be picked up following your race in the finish area tent.
NOTE: Unofficial gear bags (including backpacks) are not permitted and will not be accepted. Do not leave valuables or prohibited items in your bag. Race officials are not responsible for lost or damaged items. All bags are subject to inspection and should not be left unattended.
There will be plenty of portable toilets, as well as water, available to participants at the start area. NOTE: Please be respectful of our neighbors along the racecourse and help keep Minnesota's North Shore pristine by using designated portable toilets ONLY. Runners doing otherwise run the risk of disqualification.
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon starting area is lined on one side of the racecourse by trees and private property and on the other side by Lake Superior. Due to this confined nature, spectators are not encouraged at or near the start line. Please see our Spectator Information page for more recommendations on where and how to watch on race day.
