Many visitors to the North Shore enjoy a morning run or casual hike to get their day started. In fact, there are a few races throughout the year along the shore to celebrate these popular forms of recreation. With that in mind, each June the Grandmas Marathon starts in Two Harbors and ends in Duluth.
Since 1977 Grandmas Marathon has been bringing an estimated 18,000 participants for its three-race weekend – the 26.2-mile Grandma’s Marathon from Two Harbors to Duluth’s Canal Park, the 13.1-mile Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon also on Saturday, and the 3.1-mile William A. Irvin 5K, which is Friday.
In addition to the recreational atmosphere, live music and kid-friendly events are all part of the scene during Grandma’s Marathon weekend in Duluth and along the North Shore.
According to event organizers, Grandma’s Marathon got its name from the Duluth-based Grandma’s Restaurant. The popular eatery in Canal Park was among the first major sponsors of the race.
And while Grandma’s Marathon is a long-standing tradition on the North Shore, it is far from a Minnesota-specific event. In 2018, for example, the race had participants from all 50 states and 49 different countries.
There’s no question it will be a busy weekend on the North Shore. It’s a good idea to book early and check out one of the biggest events of the entire year on the North Shore!