Grandma's Marathon

Grandma's Marathon began in 1977 when a group of local runners planned a scenic road race from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota. There were just 150 participants that year, but organizers knew they had discovered something special. The marathon received its name from the Duluth-based group of famous Grandma's restaurants, its first major sponsor. The level of sponsorship with the restaurants has changed, but the race has retained its name. Grandma's Marathon is now a self-governed nonprofit organization with a 17-member board of directors. Grandma's Marathon weekend draws more than 17,000 participants for its three-race event each June.

Prize Money Breakdown

Course Description

Grandma's Marathon is a point-to-point course run on scenic Old Highway 61 along the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior. The race begins just outside of Two Harbors, Minnesota and finishes in Duluth's Canal Park. Grandma's Marathon is ideal for first time participants as the terrain is relatively flat with some gently rolling hills and a larger incline just before mile 22. The course is USATF certified. Yellow balloons mark each mile and times are recorded for 7 hours (until 2:45 p.m.).

Grandma's Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon

The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is a point-to-point course on scenic Old Highway 61 along the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior. It begins approximately three blocks north of Clearwater Grille on Lake Superior and finishes in Duluth's Canal Park. The course is run on the second half of the Grandma's Marathon course.

We're excited to host the 2012 and 2013 USA Half Marathon Championships!

The men's and women's national half marathon races will be run in conjunction with the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon on Saturday, June 16, 2012 and Saturday, June 22, 2013.

Link to Course Map