Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
Grandma's Marathon is a beloved point-to-point race in Duluth, Minnesota, tracing the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior on a gently net-downhill route toward the harbor city finish. The scenic lakeside course is fast by profile and draws a dedicated field to one of the Midwest's most cherished running traditions. Held in June, conditions can swing from cool and ideal to unexpectedly warm along the exposed shoreline. The gentle descent rewards confident pacing, with the lake providing the scenery rather than dense crowds. It suits runners who want a fast, scenic summer race with a strong sense of place and Midwestern warmth.
Course Insight
Grandma's is a fast point-to-point along the north shore of Lake Superior into Duluth, gently net downhill on a scenic lakeside course beloved for quick times. Run in June, the main variable is weather, from cool and ideal to warm and humid, so watch the forecast. The lake views are a constant, lovely distraction. The slight descent tempts an aggressive start you should resist. Pace the early miles with control and the downhill-aided back half rewards you.
Difficulty Breakdown
A balanced marathon with no single defining challenge.
Course Details
- Course type
- Point-To-Point
- Elevation gain
- 145m
- Elevation loss
- 184m
- Highest point
- 225m
- Lowest point
- 185m
- Net elevation
- -39m
- Start
- Two Harbors, Minnesota
- Cutoff time
- 7h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:09:06 — Dominic Ondoro (Kenya), 2014
- Women's
- 2:24:28 — Volha Mazuronak (Belarus), 2024
Race History
Grandma's Marathon was first held in 1977 and takes its name from an early restaurant sponsor in Duluth, Minnesota, tracing the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior on a gently downhill point-to-point route. Its scenic lakeside course made it one of the Midwest's most cherished running traditions. From its founding it grew into a beloved, dedicated event. Held each June, it draws a large field to the harbor-city finish.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Duluth International (DLH), Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP)
- Best area to stay
- Canal Park for proximity to the finish and lakeside hotels, downtown Duluth for central options, and the North Shore for scenic stays near the point-to-point start.
- Getting to the start
- It's point-to-point along the North Shore; board the official buses (or the scenic train) from Duluth out to the Two Harbors start in the early morning.