Grandma's Marathon celebrates its historic 50th annual running in 2026. A point-to-point road marathon renowned for its fast, net-downhill profile, the course traces the scenic northern shore of Lake Superior, starting near Two Harbors and progressing southwest into the heart of Duluth, Minnesota. Runners are treated to an expansive natural backdrop of the lake and dense north woods before transitioning into a vibrant, spectator-filled urban finish. With a vast majority of the course measuring flat and forgiving underfoot, athletes have a prime opportunity to lock into a steady, efficient rhythm.

Historical weather data suggests a cool and humid environment at the start line, with morning temperatures hovering around 9 to 10 degrees Celsius and relative humidity near 95 percent. These early conditions are highly favorable for fast running, though cloud cover and slight headwinds or crosswinds off the lake are common. As the morning progresses and runners enter the city, temperatures typically rise into the high teens or low twenties, making diligent hydration important despite the chilly start.

The course profile is a classic net-downhill, shedding 165 meters of elevation while gaining only 124 meters. Nearly 75 percent of the route falls into a flat grade category, allowing athletes to settle into a consistent, fast cadence. The minor inclines are concentrated largely in the first half, while the final stretch features a long, subtle uphill pull before a definitive descent into downtown Duluth. Managing early muscular fatigue on the downhills is key to capitalizing on the fast, flat finishing kilometers.

• Event Date: June 20, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 42.22 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 36.21
• Total Ascent: 124.15 m
• Total Descent: 165.25 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 35.36, 0.83 km at an average grade of 1.71%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 36.19, 0.84 km at an average grade of -1.49%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 8.69, 0.32 km at an average grade of 2.69%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 11.51, 0.16 km at an average grade of -2.19%
• 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%

The race begins near Two Harbors, heading southwest along Scenic Drive with Lake Superior stretching out to the left. With an official start time of 07:45 AM, runners set off in full morning daylight, well after sunrise.

The initial kilometers are dominated by level pavement and gentle declines, allowing the field to settle naturally into goal pace without any immediate climbing.

Passing through Larsmont, the route stays straight and untechnical. The absence of sharp turns or meaningful elevation change here encourages a smooth, even stride. Spectator presence is sparse in these early kilometers, offering a quiet environment to focus on pacing and breathing before reaching the first gathering point at Knife River.

• Pace Discipline: The initial kilometers contain several subtle downhill slopes. It is critical to resist the urge to overextend your stride early. Preserving your quadriceps for the descents later in the race will pay dividends.
• Early Congestion: With a large field funneling onto Scenic Drive, pack density will be high. Maintain a relaxed effort and avoid weaving unnecessarily until the runners naturally spread out.

• None.

• Descent #1: Km 2.84 to Km 3.34, 0.5 km, avg grade -2.16%, total drop 10.89 m
• Descent #2: Km 8.19 to Km 8.36, 0.17 km, avg grade -3.01%, total drop 5.07 m

• Larsmont / Scenic Hwy 61 (Km 4.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Knife River / Scenic Hwy 61 (Km 8)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes

• Larsmont (~Km 4.8) (Spectator Zone): The first real chance in the race to catch a glimpse of the participants.
• Knife River (~Km 8) (Spectator Zone): A popular early race viewing spot near the water's edge and the Great Lakes Candy Kitchen.

Exiting Knife River, the course profile shifts from flat terrain to a series of rolling features along North Shore Drive. This section introduces the most pronounced vertical changes of the day, beginning with a noticeable ascent that will require runners to adjust their effort. The terrain here undulates frequently, demanding ongoing attention to pacing as the road rises and falls along the coastline.

Despite the rolling nature of this stretch, the overall elevation continues a gradual downward trend. The road sweeps past historic markers and scenic overlooks, offering open views of the lake along the way. As the route approaches McQuade Harbor, the inclines subside and the course transitions back into a flatter, more rhythmic stretch.

• Steepest Uphill: Just outside Knife River at kilometer 8.69, the course tilts upward for its sharpest incline. Keep your heart rate under control and shorten your stride to maintain efficiency.
• Rolling Momentum: The frequent transitions between minor inclines and declines can disrupt a steady rhythm. Focus on maintaining a consistent effort level rather than forcing a specific pace over the crests.

• Climb #1: Km 8.69 to Km 9.01, 0.32 km, avg grade 2.69%, total gain 8.71 m
• Climb #2: Km 11.83 to Km 12.17, 0.34 km, avg grade 2.35%, total gain 7.78 m

• Descent #3: Km 14.97 to Km 15.3, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.59%, total drop 11.82 m

• Scenic Hwy 61 between Knife River and Homestead Rd (Km 11.3)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Scenic Hwy 61 / Homestead Rd area (Km 14.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• North Shore Dr / Sucker River area (Km 17.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• McQuade Harbor / North Shore Dr area (Km 20.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes

• Buchanan Historical Marker (~Km 10.85): A historic landmark alongside North Shore Drive.
• McQuade Harbor (~Km 20.9) (Spectator Zone): An easily accessible viewing spot with public parking, marking the approach to the halfway point.

As runners leave McQuade Harbor and merge onto Congdon Boulevard, the course flattens out almost entirely. This ten-kilometer stretch is characterized by long, straight, and level segments broken only by imperceptible shifts in grade.

The halfway point of the marathon falls squarely in this zone, making it a critical area for assessing hydration and nutritional needs. With fewer demands on your attention, this is an ideal time to take stock of how your body is responding to the race.

The environment also begins to shift here, transitioning from the remote solitude of the north woods to the residential outskirts of Duluth. As the course approaches the Lester River, the quiet isolation of the early miles gives way to the first major waves of city spectators lining the streets.

This section is built for efficiency. Use it to dial in your exact target pace and carry that rhythm into the second half of the race.

• Mental Lull: The extended flat grade and long straightaways can create a hypnotic effect. Stay mentally engaged by breaking the segment into manageable chunks and focusing on your fueling strategy.

• None.

• None.

• Congdon Blvd midcourse segment (Km 24.1)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Congdon Blvd / Lakewood Rd area (Km 27.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Pure Fuel by Anderson's Maple Syrup
  • Toilet: Yes
• Lester River / Lakeside (Km 30.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Fresh Fruit
  • Toilet: Yes

• Lester River (~Km 30.6) (Spectator Zone): Runners get their first glimpse of Duluth here as the crowd energy begins to build significantly.

Entering the Lakeside neighborhood along London Road, the atmosphere becomes electric. This stretch is well known for its raucous yard parties, live music, and dense spectator support that arrives precisely when athletes need it most. The road stays mostly level early on before settling into a continuous, subtle incline.

The defining physical test of this section, and arguably of the entire race, begins just past the 35 kilometer mark. Known locally as Lemon Drop Hill, this climb unfolds over nearly a kilometer of steady uphill running. It is not the steepest grade of the day, but its placement late in the race makes it a profound test of both endurance and willpower.

• Lemon Drop Hill: The longest continuous uphill of the race occurs here. Coming after 35 kilometers of running, this minor incline will feel significantly harder. Rely on the crowd noise, maintain a compact arm swing, and focus on the crest.

• None.

• None.

• Lakeside / London Rd (Km 32.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Lakeside / London Rd (Km 33.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Lemon Drop Hill / London Rd (Km 35.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes

• Lakeside (~Km 32.2) (Spectator Zone): London Road offers raucous crowds, yard parties, and a highly festive atmosphere.
• Lemon Drop Hill (~Km 35.4) (Spectator Zone): One of the most iconic points on the course, offering the single biggest late-race test in willpower.

Cresting Lemon Drop Hill, the course rewards runners with the longest sustained downhill of the race. The descent drops sharply toward the heart of downtown Duluth, flushing the legs and building speed as the finish draws near. The route winds through the historic brick storefronts of Superior Street, passing landmarks like the Fond-du-Luth Casino and Jay Cooke Plaza.

The final two kilometers transition onto Harbor Drive and return to flat ground. The atmosphere in Canal Park is electric, with crowds stacked several rows deep along the course. Sweeping, well-paved turns lead directly into the finish line straightaway, where the iconic lift bridge rises in the background.

• Downtown Descent: The drop into downtown features a moderate decline steep enough to jar fatigued quadriceps. Lean slightly forward, increase your cadence, and let gravity do the work without braking excessively.
• The Flat Finish: Transitioning from the downhill back to a flat grade on Harbor Drive can make your legs feel heavy and unresponsive. Focus on a strong knee drive and use the energy of the Canal Park crowds to maintain your turnover to the line.

• None.

• Descent #4: Km 40.54 to Km 40.7, 0.16 km, avg grade -4.21%, total drop 7.05 m

• East Duluth / 21st Ave E-Superior St area (Km 37)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Fresh Fruit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Downtown Duluth / 6th Ave E area (Km 38.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Downtown Duluth / 5th Ave W / final-turn area (Km 40.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes

• Downtown Duluth (~Km 38.6) (Spectator Zone): A highly populated spectator area walking distance from the finish line.
• Canal Park Finish Line (~Km 42.2) (Spectator Zone): The culminating celebration of the race, packed with crowds and live music near Bayfront Festival Park.