2026 Grandma's Marathon Race Weekend
Grandma's Marathon weekend in Duluth offers a scenic lakeside journey with strong community support.
Race Date
Jun 19, 2026
Location
Duluth, MN
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, June 19, 2026
- Location
- Duluth, Minnesota
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon ($50 Team Fee plus $750 fundraising), William A. Irvin 5K ($50 Team Fee plus $500 fundraising), Great Grandma's Challenge - 5K and Marathon - ($50 team fee plus $1250 fundraising)
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Grandma's Marathon Race Weekend in Duluth, Minnesota, transforms the city into a vibrant hub for runners, drawing participants from across the nation. While the full marathon is the headline event, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon offers a similarly spectacular experience along the shores of Lake Superior.
The course is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, with a significant portion running alongside the vast, shimmering expanse of the lake. Runners often describe the route as fast and scenic, with the cool lakeside air providing ideal racing conditions. The flat terrain and minimal elevation changes make it a popular choice for those aiming for personal bests.
The atmosphere on race day is electric, fueled by enthusiastic crowds lining the streets and the shared accomplishment of thousands of runners. The finish line celebration in Duluth is a memorable culmination, marking the end of a challenging yet rewarding journey. Participants receive a Dri-Fit shirt and a goodie bag, with opportunities for top fundraisers to win additional prizes.
Race-provided description
Earn your entry to the 2026 entry to Grandma's Marathon or the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon by raising funds and awareness for Semper Fi & America's Fund. Semper Fi & America’s Fund cares for our nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families. Supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, we provide one-on-one case management, connection, and lifetime support. Today. Tomorrow. Together. To learn more about Semper Fi & America's Fund please visit thefund.org. What are the benefits of joining the Semper Fi & America's Fund Team?
Complimentary entry to Grandma's Marathon or Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
A training shirt, a race day shirt and runner's goodie bag!
An online fundraising link set up by RunSignUp.com that you can send to your donors.
Timely updates from our Race Coordinator.
Prizes for the top fundraisers!
The heartfelt thanks of the injured Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Soldiers you will be supporting!
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, June 19, 2026
Start Time
6:45 AM
Giveaway
Semper Fi & America's Fund Team Dri-Fit Shirt
Start Location
350 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN, 55802
Course Info
Course Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
3 timing sources
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 74°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
57°
Afternoon (High)
74°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.2"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the 2026 Grandma's Marathon Race Weekend?
The 2026 Grandma's Marathon Race Weekend is held on Friday, June 19, 2026, starting at 6:45 AM.
Where does the 2026 Grandma's Marathon Race Weekend take place?
It takes place in Duluth, Minnesota.
What distances does the 2026 Grandma's Marathon Race Weekend offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon ($50 Team Fee plus $750 fundraising), William A. Irvin 5K ($50 Team Fee plus $500 fundraising), Great Grandma's Challenge - 5K and Marathon - ($50 team fee plus $1250 fundraising).
Is the 2026 Grandma's Marathon Race Weekend course flat and good for a PR?
The 2026 Grandma's Marathon Race Weekend is a ultra-flat, point to point course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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