Grandma's Marathon
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Grandma's Marathon - Duluth, Minnesota
Grandma's Marathon is a multi-race event held in Duluth, Minnesota. The event weekend includes a full marathon, a half marathon and a 5K, with the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and the full marathon scheduled for June 20, 2026 and the William A. Irvin 5K scheduled for June 19, 2026. The Great Grandma's Challenge spans June 19-20, 2026 and pairs the 5K with either the half or full marathon.
The courses run along the shores of Lake Superior and are described as relatively flat and fast. The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon finishes in Canal Park after following the lakeshore toward the city limits. Tens of thousands of spectators provide support along the race routes.
The organizing group states a mission to deliver annual events and programs that cultivate running, educational, social, and charitable opportunities. The Young Athletes Foundation operates alongside the races and provides free and accessible programming, grants, scholarships and youth events. The organization reports needing more than 1,000 volunteers each year and hosts roughly 20,000 participants from across the United States and internationally.
Additional events affiliated with the organization include local races such as Fitger's 5K on April 18, 2026, the Park Point 5-Miler on July 16, 2026, the Minnesota Mile in the fall, and the Superior Nightmare 5K in the autumn with a costume contest element. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
