26.2-mile course is USATF certified
50th Grandma's Marathon
Golden Anniversary on the North Shore: The 50th Grandma’s Marathon*
There’s “Boston” and then there’s Grandma’s, the people’s marathon on Lake Superior. In 2026, the race hits a milestone: 50 years of runners chasing the sunrise down Scenic Highway 61.
Location and Course
Grandma’s Marathon runs point-to-point from Two Harbors, MN to Duluth, MN.
Start: Just south of Two Harbors on Highway 61, hugging the North Shore of Lake Superior
Finish: Historic Canal Park in downtown Duluth, next to Grandma’s Restaurant
The 26.2-mile course is USATF certified, net downhill, and known for Lake Superior tailwinds.
50th Anniversary Race Date & Start Times —Saturday, June 20, 2026
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., then waves at 8:00 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. by corral
This event has passed
Who's Coming
Event Photos
Training & prep
Use our weekly runs to prepare for this race. Sunday Long Runs build endurance, Thursday Track Speed improves pace, and Tuesday Community Runs keep your legs fresh.