Grandma's Marathon
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Grandma's Marathon
Grandma's Marathon is an annual race weekend based in Duluth, Minnesota. The weekend includes a full marathon and a half marathon, plus additional races and community events held along the shores of Lake Superior.
The event presents multiple race options:
- Grandma's Marathon full marathon
- Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, 13.1 miles
- William A. Irvin 5K, 3.1 miles
- Great Grandma's Challenge combining the 5K and either the full or half marathon
Race weekend features a fitness expo, a spaghetti dinner, a music festival, kids races including the Whipper Snapper series, and course entertainment. The Young Athletes Foundation is the event's charitable arm; the foundation provides free kids programming and youth grants and has contributed more than $1.8 million to local youth athletics. Recent YAF activity listed on the site includes 3,250+ participants in free programming, more than $80,000 in grants, 450+ pairs of free running shoes, and $5,000 in scholarships.
The course runs along Lake Superior and is described on the site as relatively flat and fast. The event draws large spectator crowds and more than 20,000 participants from more than 50 countries and all 50 states. Registration for 2027 opens October 1. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
