The Grandma’s Marathon route begins near Two Harbors, MN on the Scenic Route and follows the edge of Lake Superior ending in Canal Park. If you happen to take a drive on the scenic route on a day leading up to the races, you will see what seems like a million porta-potties lining the shore – an unusual sight for sure!
After two years off due to the pandemic, the Grandma’s Marathon weekend races are sold out, and the city of Duluth is ready to welcome people from all over the world to our city on the hill! This year, the main marathon event is Saturday, June 18th, 2022.
Grandma’s Marathon Whipper Snapper Race for Kids
My daughter is so excited to run the Whipper Snapper race this year! She was fortunate to run it once before 2020 and she has talked about it ever since. The free race happens in Bayfront Park and there are activities and food and games for families to enjoy starting at noon and ending at 4pm. {The distance of the race depends on the age of your child so don’t worry, it will be age and ability appropriate.}
The Whipper Snapper Race is put on by the Young Athletes Foundation and its mission is to promote healthy and active lifestyles in kids living in the Northland. They carry out this mission all summer long by hosting Wednesday Night at the Races. If you missed the Whipper Snapper, check-out future races:
2022 Wednesday Night at the Races
July 20 — Superior High School
July 27 — Cloquet High School
August 3 — Proctor High School
August 10 — Duluth East High School
August 17 — Hermantown High School
August 24 – Wade Stadium
On-site registration starts at 5:00 p.m., and Wednesday Night races start at 6:00 p.m.
Grandma’s Marathon Fitness Expo and Spaghetti Dinner
It all happens at the DECC on Thursday and Friday June 16th and 17th, 2022. I went with a friend to support her in the past and it was really cool to see all of the vendors and what they had to offer runners. Even though I am not a runner myself, the energy in the place was contagious and I would still recommend visiting the fitness expo! Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Every year there is also an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner at the DECC! {Friday, June 17th from 11am-9pm.} Tickets for Michelina’s All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner are $16 for adults and $8 for kids ages 5-12. The meal is free for kids ages 4 & under!
Cheering and Supporting Mom
Duluth Mom has team members participating in the races and one of our community partners, FIT4MOM Twin Ports, has many moms participating, too!
The Grandma’s Marathon app is a great tool to use to follow your friends and family along the race route – just search “Grandma’s Marathon” in your app store. Its super easy to use, you are able to track by bib numbers. I like to have it downloaded for race day, and then I offload it after the race to free up space on my phone. {Offloading will still keep the app in your cloud for you to access next year or for the next race.}
“The “cheerers” are my favorite people! They make the whole race possible and fun!” – Up North Clay
Get out and cheer! This page from the Grandma’s Marathon website has great information about suggested spectator areas along the route.
Check out the Grandma’s Marathon results page if you are curious!
Race Running and Recovery Supply Stores
Will you be looking for a place to brunch Sunday morning before heading home after the Grandma’s Marathon weekend? Check out our latest brunch guide!
Grandma’s Marathon 2023 will be on Saturday, June 17, 2023! See you next year!
