Grandma's Marathon

The Grandma's Marathon was founded in 1982, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 44 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in Duluth, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.

The fastest time ever recorded at the Grandma's Marathon is 02:16:36, set by Moses Tanui in 1997. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of Duluth.

The Grandma's Marathon route is one of those courses where runners forget their pace and reach for their phones. The scenery through Duluth and its surroundings has earned this race a reputation as one of the most photogenic in North America.

For thousands of runners each year, the Grandma's Marathon is their first marathon. The combination of a forgiving course, generous time limits, and supportive crowds has earned this race a reputation as the place where marathon journeys begin. The first-timer energy on race morning is palpable.