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.
Last year 19.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 17.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Grandmas Marathon the 53rd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 70th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 99.32 ranks it as the 134th 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 244th 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)
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.
This is just about the most well organized, coordinated marathon I have ever had the pleasure to run. Loved the easy packet pick up, great pre-race dinner, easy transportation to the start, beautiful scenery along Lake Superior and one of the most fabulous finish line parties. Not only was Grandmas team of volunteers organized, they were the most welcoming helpful and friendly group that wanted nothing more than everyone to have fun and be happy. Well done!
Race Tips
This course is rolling - some slight graded, long inclines, but nothing too steep or intimidating. A "hill" at mile 22 seems bigger than it is by the simple fact that it comes at the end. Even pacing would work well here. Expect any kind of weather for Duluth. It was supposed to be 65 and rain and the sun arrived full force on mile 9 and temperatures hovered in mid-70's. It had been 90's the previous days and I've read that it has been close to freezing on other years.This is a course with little to no shade if there is full sun.
We stayed at a hotel near the finish line, but if you drive in for your packet pick up, there were lines of cars the afternoon before the race to get to the convention center.
There are several hotels near the finish line and all are very walkable. Book early, it all fills up!
The spaghetti dinner hosted by Grandmas was delicious.