The point-to-point Grandma's Marathon course loses approximately 100 feet of elevation as it runs along Lake Superior. The course travels on Old Highway 61 along the north shore of Lake Superior. The route is mostly flat with some small rolling hills and one significant incline - Lemon Drop Hill - just prior to mile 22.
The start is just outside of Two Harbors, Minnesota and the race finishes in Duluth’s Canal Park.
This is a great late spring marathon because race day temperatures are often lower than the temperatures in the rest of the U.S.
The Grandmas Marathon was the 10th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 12th largest in 2022.
This year 16.4% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 19.8% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Grandmas Marathon the 56th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 71st highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.32 ranks it as the 136th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest course in Minnesota.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Grandmas Marathon a PR Score of 98.20. This PR Score ranks it as the 243rd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 6th fastest in Minnesota.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Grandmas Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 727 feet (221m) Min Elevation: 603 feet (183m)
Just did the 2024 one. The marathon is nice as expected. But the logistics is pretty bad. I arrived at bus pick up site 5:45, it is a 45 minutes wait in the rain, arrived at starting line 2 minutes before the race. And only can start at the last corral. Another thing is Gear check pick up. Long line in the wind and rain. The worst part of the race is all my gear checked cloth is wet…
The course was nice. The locals enthusiastically supported the marathon. However, the logistics were very bad. Waiting for the busses to take you to the start was a 40-minute wait. Gear check was horrible. My entire bag was wet, they had the bags sitting in puddles of water and did not even adjust them, so the opening was out of the water. The hotels are insanely expensive. I spent 3 afternoons in October calling hotels only to find the requirement was for 3-night minimum stay at a cost of $579 (not including taxes) per night. It appeared that they spent more time thinking about how to be "green" then they spent thinking about the runners.
Find a friend who has a summer home/ cottage in the area.
HB's review of 2023 Grandmas Marathon.
3 /
5 Stars
Review
It was a great course with lots of crowd support.Weather was great in 2023.Volunteers and after marathon was nice.A bit of walking to get to the celebration area.Two things prevent me from giving 5 stars.Serious lack of porta potty for such a large marathon.Please be aware of the hotel price gouging for marathon weekend.Your paying incredibly high prices for basic accommodations if you can find them
Race Tips
Slightly downhill or flat.One slight hill at 22 barely noticed.Slight hill just created a fast gradual incline to finish.Negative splits for me
Hotel and motel sale out quickly and they are charging twice what they are worth.If your traveling solo consider staying at Two Harbours but still very pricey
KB's review of 2022 Grandmas Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Great race organization, beautiful course with mix of lake views and running in town. Mostly flat and just enough elevation to keep it interesting. Nice medal and finisher shirt. Good after party.
Race Tips
The lemon drop hill isn't bad at all! Although known to be somewhat warm and humid 2022 ended up with great weather. Bus ride takes about 30 minutes to start line. Rolling start.
Book hotel as soon as registering or even before. Hotels are expensive, Dorm room options open up around February, which is cheaper.
DF's review of 2018 Grandmas Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Very well organized race. Great crowd support from the small towns on the way into Duluth. Weather was great, cloudy and cool. Lemon Drop Hill at Mile 22 can be challenging, only if you don't prepare for it.
4.5 Stars from 21 Reviews
