The 50th annual Grandma's Marathon offers a historic point-to-point journey from the quiet woods near Two Harbors to the vibrant finish in Canal Park in Duluth, Minnesota. A staple in the road racing community, this course is beloved for its scenic beauty along the North Shore and its traditionally fast profile.

Runners can expect favorable racing conditions based on historical weather patterns. The 7:45 A.M. starting gun typically sounds under cloudy skies with temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, gradually warming into the low 60s as the morning progresses. Wind speeds average around 13 mph, often providing a cooling effect off Lake Superior.

The predominantly flat trajectory features a net downhill profile with 542 feet of descent and only 407 feet of climbing, which heavily favors consistent pacing. Nearly three-quarters of the route is flat, allowing runners to settle into a comfortable rhythm early on Scenic Drive.

While the early miles are forgiving, athletes should respect the gentle rollers that appear in the second half of the race. The course introduces minor inclines and drops, culminating in the well-known Lemon Drop Hill at mile 22, before a final push to the finish line.

• Event Date: June 20, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 26.23 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 36.21
• Total Ascent: 407.32 ft
• Total Descent: 542.16 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 21.97, 0.52 mi at an average grade of 1.71%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 22.49, 0.52 mi at an average grade of -1.49%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 5.4, 0.2 mi at an average grade of 2.69%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 25.19, 0.1 mi at an average grade of -4.21%
• 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 marathon starts near Two Harbors, sending runners southwest along Scenic Drive. The 7:45 A.M. starting gun fires well after the 5:14 A.M. sunrise, launching the field onto a fast, predominantly flat course with gentle, sweeping descents.

These opening miles are characterized by long straightaways and few sharp turns, giving runners an excellent opportunity to settle into goal pace early.

As the course follows the Lake Superior shoreline, runners pass through the Larsmont spectator zone around mile 3, offering the first real crowd support of the day. Near mile 5.4, approaching the Knife River trail area, the course presents its steepest climb — a moderate incline that serves as the first true test of pacing discipline. Runners who maintain a steady, controlled effort here can absorb the hill without significantly elevating their heart rate.

• Pace Management: The initial miles offer flat and slightly declining grades. The excitement of the start combined with the fast profile makes it easy to go out too hard. Stick to your race plan.
• Early Climb: A brief but noticeable uphill approaching mile 5.4 requires a slight effort adjustment before settling back into a rhythm.

• Climb #1: Mile 5.4 to Mile 5.6, 0.2 mi, avg grade 2.69%, total gain 28.58 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 1.76 to Mile 2.08, 0.31 mi, avg grade -2.16%, total drop 35.73 ft
• Descent #2: Mile 5.09 to Mile 5.19, 0.1 mi, avg grade -3.01%, total drop 16.63 ft

• Larsmont (Mile 3)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
• Knife River (Mile 5)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4

• Larsmont (~Mile 3) (Spectator Zone): First real chance to catch a glimpse of the participants.
• Knife River (~Mile 5) (Spectator Zone): Perfect spot to see participants early in the race near Lake Superior.

Transitioning seamlessly from Scenic Drive to North Shore Drive, this section immerses runners in the solitude of the Minnesota north woods. The route remains remarkably flat, mirroring the shoreline as runners tick off consistent, fast miles.

The grade distribution throughout these seven miles is almost exclusively flat, though a few subtle rollers break up the terrain. One such roller occurs just past mile 7.3, presenting a minor incline, followed by a more noticeable descent at mile 9.3.

The long, quiet stretches of road can become a mental test of focus. Runners should use the evenly spaced aid stations to break the distance into manageable chunks, while keeping the progression toward the half marathon mark and the spectator hub at McQuade Harbor in mind as a strategic anchor.

• Maintaining Focus: The long, relatively straight stretches along North Shore Drive can be mentally fatiguing. Break the distance down into aid station increments to maintain concentration.
• Minor Rollers: Small undulating segments around miles 7 and 9 require subtle shifts in stride and effort, particularly a notable descent near mile 9.3.

• Climb #2: Mile 7.35 to Mile 7.56, 0.21 mi, avg grade 2.35%, total gain 25.52 ft

• Descent #3: Mile 9.3 to Mile 9.51, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.59%, total drop 38.78 ft

• Scenic Hwy 61 (Mile 7)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
• Homestead Rd (Mile 9)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
• Sucker River (Mile 11)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
• McQuade Harbor (Mile 13)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4

• McQuade Harbor (~Mile 13) (Spectator Zone): Easily accessible viewing spot with public parking, providing a boost near the halfway point.

Leaving the half marathon point, the course traces Congdon Boulevard as it begins a gentle curve toward the city. This segment is notably flat with a steady, consistent bearing — ideal conditions for finding and holding a rhythm through what are historically some of the more challenging mid-race miles. The surroundings gradually shift from remote woods to the suburban outskirts of Duluth.

The terrain here is largely flat, with only minor surface variations to navigate. Rather than fighting these small adjustments, runners are best served by staying relaxed and running efficiently.

Approaching mile 19, the course crosses the Lester River, marking the official entry into Duluth. Crowd noise rises noticeably here as runners reach the first major suburban spectator zones. This surge of energy from the crowds comes at a welcome moment, providing a boost of momentum heading into the final 10K.

• The Mid Race Lull: Miles 14 through 18 are historically where runners experience mental lulls. Lean on the flat terrain to run efficiently and rely on your fueling strategy.
• Subtle Grade Shifts: The terrain here features very gradual micro fluctuations in elevation. Run entirely by effort rather than fighting the small adjustments in the road surface.

• None.

• None.

• Congdon Blvd Midcourse (Mile 15)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
• Lakewood Rd (Mile 17)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Pure Fuel
• Lester River (Mile 19)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Fresh Fruit

• Lester River (~Mile 19) (Spectator Zone): The first glimpse of Duluth after the north woods, featuring a loud and energetic crowd.

The final stretch transforms the event into a loud, energetic street party as runners navigate London Road through the Lakeside neighborhood. The raucous crowds and yard parties provide a massive boost of energy for the closing miles.

The terrain makes one final demand just before mile 22 with Lemon Drop Hill. This half-mile ascent is the longest uphill of the day and, though a relatively minor incline, will severely test tired legs. Keeping effort controlled and drawing on the crowd energy to push over the crest is critical.

Cresting the hill rewards runners with the course's longest sustained downhill, carrying momentum onto Superior Street. The route winds through downtown Duluth, passing historic landmarks and deep crowds. A final moderate decline past mile 25 drops runners toward Harbor Drive. Managing momentum carefully here sets up the sharp turns onto the flat sprint to the finish line in Canal Park.

• Lemon Drop Hill: At mile 21.97, you will hit the longest continuous climb of the course. Keep your effort controlled and use the crowd energy to push over the crest.
• Late Race Descent: The subsequent half mile downhill from Lemon Drop Hill can hammer tired quads. Keep a quick, light turnover to avoid excessive braking forces.
• Final Drop to the Finish: A brief, steep descent past mile 25 drops you down toward Harbor Drive. Manage your momentum carefully before the final flat sprint to the line.

• None.

• Descent #4: Mile 25.19 to Mile 25.29, 0.1 mi, avg grade -4.21%, total drop 23.13 ft

• Lakeside / London Rd (Mile 20)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
• Lakeside / London Rd 2 (Mile 21)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
• Lemon Drop Hill (Mile 22)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
• East Duluth (Mile 23)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Fresh Fruit
• Downtown Duluth (Mile 24)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
• Final Turn Area (Mile 25)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4

• Lakeside (~Mile 20) (Spectator Zone): Raucous crowds, yard parties, and music along London Road.
• Lemon Drop Hill (~Mile 22) (Spectator Zone): One of the most iconic points on the racecourse and a major willpower test.
• Downtown Duluth (~Mile 24.5) (Spectator Zone): Popular viewing spot in the closing miles.
• Canal Park Finish Line (~Mile 26.2) (Spectator Zone): The finish line, featuring deep crowds and bleachers.