Grandma's Marathon is a legendary point-to-point road race celebrated for its scenic beauty and fast finishing times. The route traces the northern edge of Lake Superior, beginning near Two Harbors, Minnesota, and winding southwest into the heart of Duluth. Morning starting temperatures typically hover in the low 50s Fahrenheit and warm into the upper 60s or low 70s by afternoon. Runners should expect high humidity and average winds of 10 to 13 mph along the lakeshore, making pacing and heat management important considerations throughout the race.

The course is well-suited for consistent, rhythmic running. Nearly 75 percent of the route is flat, with gentle declines contributing to a net downhill elevation change. Few turns interrupt the path, allowing runners to settle into a steady pace early and hold it for much of the race.

That said, the flat and downhill terrain comes with its own demands. Sustained repetition on this type of surface places considerable stress on the quadriceps, and going out too fast can accelerate fatigue in the later miles. The most notable changes in gradient appear toward the end of the course, where tired legs meet the energy of the approaching finish-line crowds. Disciplined early pacing is essential to running well here.

• Event Date: June 20, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 26.23 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 36.21
• Total Ascent: 407.32 ft
• Total Descent: 542.16 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 21.97, 0.52 mi at an average grade of 1.71%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 22.49, 0.52 mi at an average grade of -1.49%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 5.4, 0.2 mi at an average grade of 2.69%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 25.19, 0.1 mi at an average grade of -4.21%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 2 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 4 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 74.9%
  • Minor Decline: 13.7%
  • Minor Incline: 9%
  • Moderate Decline: 1.6%
  • Moderate Incline: 0.8%

Starting at 07:45 AM, runners set off along the opening stretch of Scenic Drive. The terrain quickly lives up to the marathon's reputation for speed, featuring long, uninterrupted flats interspersed with gentle declines. The road sweeps gradually with few sharp turns, giving runners the opportunity to settle into a straight, efficient line early on.

The first notable climb arrives near Mile 5.4 — a brief but noticeable rise that briefly disrupts the early rhythm before the course continues on.

• Pace Control: The combination of fresh legs, race day adrenaline, and a predominantly flat or subtly declining grade makes it very easy to overextend. Constantly monitor your GPS watch to ensure you are not banking time too aggressively.
• Early Bottlenecks: Congestion near the Larsmont spectator zone at Mile 3 may cause minor crowding. Stay relaxed and hold your line rather than weaving and wasting energy.

• Climb #1: Mile 5.4 to Mile 5.6, 0.2 mi, avg grade 2.69%, total gain 28.58 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 1.76 to Mile 2.08, 0.31 mi, avg grade -2.16%, total drop 35.73 ft
• Descent #2: Mile 5.09 to Mile 5.19, 0.1 mi, avg grade -3.01%, total drop 16.63 ft

• Larsmont Aid Station (Mile 3)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Knife River Aid Station (Mile 5)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes

• Larsmont Spectator Zone (~Mile 3) (Spectator Zone): The first major chance for spectators to see participants after the start line.
• Knife River Spectator Zone (~Mile 5) (Spectator Zone): A popular early viewing spot near the water's edge of Lake Superior.

Continuing down North Shore Drive, runners are treated to iconic views of the Lake Superior coastline framed by Minnesota's north woods. The terrain remains largely level with occasional rolling shifts in elevation, offering just enough variety to engage different muscle groups without adding significant challenge.

Navigation is straightforward here, as the road serves as a direct path toward Duluth. As runners pass the Buchanan Historical Marker and cross various creeks, increased exposure to the lake means wind conditions will begin to play a more prominent role.

• Sustained Muscular Rhythm: The persistent lack of major terrain shifts means your legs will be firing in the same repetitive pattern. Focus on staying relaxed and maintaining a high, efficient cadence to minimize ground contact time.
• Wind Exposure: Moving closer to the water near McQuade Harbor, be prepared for potential headwinds or crosswinds sweeping off Lake Superior. Consider drafting behind small packs of runners if the wind feels substantial.

• Climb #2: Mile 7.35 to Mile 7.56, 0.21 mi, avg grade 2.35%, total gain 25.52 ft

• Descent #3: Mile 9.3 to Mile 9.51, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.59%, total drop 38.78 ft

• Scenic Hwy 61 Aid Station (Mile 7)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Homestead Rd Area Aid Station (Mile 9)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Sucker River Area Aid Station (Mile 11)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• McQuade Harbor Aid Station (Mile 13)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes

• McQuade Harbor Spectator Zone (~Mile 13) (Spectator Zone): An easily accessible public viewing area providing a boost of energy right before the halfway mark.

Congdon Boulevard offers what many runners describe as the quietest stretch of the marathon. The scenery here is striking, but the segment demands genuine mental strength.

The elevation profile flattens almost entirely, with virtually no vertical variance to speak of. Without the natural distraction of rolling terrain or a heavy spectator presence, the physical demands of the distance tend to become more pronounced. Maintaining goal pace through this sector requires a steady internal focus before the course carries runners into the Duluth city limits.

• Mental Fatigue: The solitude of the north woods in these miles can easily allow the mind to wander and the pace to slip. Use this quiet time to actively assess your form, nutrition, and hydration.
• Managing Exertion: With almost entirely level grades, there are no natural breaks for the legs. Avoid the temptation to push the pace prematurely, saving that energy for the final 10K.

• None.

• None.

• Congdon Blvd Midcourse Aid Station (Mile 15)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Lakewood Rd Area Aid Station (Mile 17)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Pure Fuel
  • Toilet: Yes
• Lester River Aid Station (Mile 19)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Fresh Fruit
  • Toilet: Yes

• Lester River Spectator Zone (~Mile 19) (Spectator Zone): The first glimpse of Duluth and a significant return of crowd support as runners exit the quiet woods.

Crossing the Lester River brings runners into the Lakeside neighborhood, where the energy of Duluth begins to build. The terrain along London Road becomes slightly more varied, introducing rolling elevation changes that will challenge legs already carrying significant mileage.

The most notable feature of the course is Lemon Drop Hill at Mile 22, the longest continuous climb of the day. Once crested, the route drops steeply toward downtown Duluth, funneling runners into a scenic and energetic final stretch past the DECC and through Canal Park.

• Lemon Drop Hill: At Mile 22, this half-mile rise is the primary test of late race willpower. Keep your effort level steady rather than attacking the pace, relying on the raucous crowd support to pull you upward.
• Steep Descent to the Finish: A sharp downhill segment near Mile 25.19 will aggressively pound fatigued quadriceps. Keep your stride quick and light, landing softly to absorb the impact.
• Final Turns: The last mile features a spike in twists and turns navigating downtown and Canal Park. Look ahead to run the tangents effectively through the thick crowds.

• None.

• Descent #4: Mile 25.19 to Mile 25.29, 0.1 mi, avg grade -4.21%, total drop 23.13 ft

• Lakeside Mile 20 Aid Station (Mile 20)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Lakeside Mile 21 Aid Station (Mile 21)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Lemon Drop Hill Aid Station (Mile 22)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• East Duluth Aid Station (Mile 23)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Fresh Fruit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Downtown Duluth Mile 24 Aid Station (Mile 24)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Downtown Final Turn Aid Station (Mile 25)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes

• Lakeside Yard Parties (~Mile 20.5) (Spectator Zone): A stretch of London Road known for raucous crowds, music, and an incredible party atmosphere.
• Lemon Drop Hill (~Mile 22) (Spectator Zone): An iconic point on the course offering a defining physical and mental test.
• Downtown Duluth (~Mile 24.5) (Spectator Zone): Deep crowds and urban energy pushing runners toward the finish line.
• Canal Park Finish Line (~Mile 26.2) (Spectator Zone): The epic conclusion of the race surrounded by massive crowds and the iconic Duluth landscape.