The 2026 Grandma's Marathon marks the 50th annual running of this historic point-to-point road race along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. Starting near Two Harbors, Minnesota, and finishing in the heart of Duluth, the course features a steady net-downhill profile and long stretches of forgiving pavement. Its gentle, rolling nature rewards runners who maintain a consistent cadence while managing intermittent changes in elevation.

Over the full 42.22 kilometers, the course gains 124.15 meters of elevation and descends 165.25 meters. Nearly 75 percent of the route is classified as flat, making it well-suited for settling into a goal pace early in the race. That said, athletes should pay close attention to the 13.7 percent of minor declines and 9 percent of minor inclines along the way. The climbs are generally short, but sudden grade changes — particularly on the descents — can quietly fatigue the quadriceps if not managed carefully, becoming a liability in the final kilometers approaching Duluth.

Late June on the North Shore historically offers favorable marathon conditions, though temperatures can climb noticeably as the morning progresses. Five-year averages place starting temperatures around 13.9 degrees Celsius, rising to an afternoon high of 21.1 degrees Celsius. Cloud cover is typically present during the early hours, providing some relief from the sun, but runners should expect skies to clear and a steady 10 to 20 kilometer-per-hour wind to develop as the race unfolds.

• Event Date: June 20, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 42.22 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 36.21
• Total Ascent: 124.15 m
• Total Descent: 165.25 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 35.36, 0.83 km at an average grade of 1.71%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 36.19, 0.84 km at an average grade of -1.49%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 8.69, 0.32 km at an average grade of 2.69%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 11.51, 0.16 km at an average grade of -2.19%
• 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%

Kilometers 0.0 to 9.83 establish the rhythm of the race as runners depart from the starting line near Two Harbors and head southwest along Scenic Drive. The citizens wave officially begins at 7:45 AM, sending athletes down a predominantly flat opening stretch. These early kilometers allow for immediate pace settling, though a few sharp minor declines — notably a half-kilometer drop between kilometers 2.84 and 3.34 — require braking discipline to save the legs for the miles ahead.

As the route tracks close to the Lake Superior shoreline, the road remains largely level until kilometer 8.69, where runners encounter the first significant climb and the steepest uphill of the entire course. The road pitches up at an average grade of 2.69 percent for just over 300 meters, gaining nearly nine meters of elevation. Approaching this short but punchy rise conservatively is essential to preserve energy for the remainder of the race.

The segment concludes shortly after cresting this climb near the Knife River trail. Spectator density is relatively sparse through these early wooded sections, though the zones at Larsmont and Knife River provide the first pockets of meaningful crowd support. Two aid stations within this stretch offer early hydration opportunities and a chance to begin establishing a reliable fueling plan.

• Managing Adrenaline: The combination of early flat terrain and minor descents can lead to starting too fast. Closely monitor your pace.
• Steepest Uphill: The climb at kilometer 8.69 is the sharpest incline of the course. Maintain a steady effort rather than trying to power over it at race pace.

• Climb #1: Km 8.69 to Km 9.01, 0.32 km, avg grade 2.69%, total gain 8.71 m

• Descent #1: Km 2.84 to Km 3.34, 0.5 km, avg grade -2.16%, total drop 10.89 m
• Descent #2: Km 8.19 to Km 8.36, 0.17 km, avg grade -3.01%, total drop 5.07 m

• Larsmont / Scenic Hwy 61 (Km 4.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Knife River / Scenic Hwy 61 (Km 8)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes

• Larsmont Spectator Zone (~Km 4.8) (Spectator Zone): First real chance in the race to catch a glimpse of the participants.
• Knife River Spectator Zone (~Km 8) (Spectator Zone): Perfect spot to see participants early in the race near the water's edge.
• Knife River trail (~Km 8.85): Hiking area and local point of interest.

Transitioning off Scenic Drive and onto North Shore Drive, kilometers 9.83 to 22.06 represent a long, methodical push toward Duluth. This section opens with nearly two kilometers of entirely flat running past the Buchanan Historical Marker before presenting its first real technical test.

At kilometer 11.51, the steepest downhill on the course drops sharply at a -2.19 percent grade, immediately followed by the second significant climb of the race beginning at kilometer 11.83.

After navigating this rolling sequence, the course flattens out considerably. Runners can settle back into their target pace while passing the Schmidt Creek Overlook and Spruce Overlook. A notable descent just before kilometer 15.30 drops nearly 12 meters over a short distance. This drop can generate unwanted eccentric muscle load if taken too aggressively, so runners should stay light on their feet through this stretch.

The final kilometers of this segment are highly consistent, running almost perfectly flat as the route approaches McQuade Small Craft Harbor. A well-populated spectator zone at the harbor provides a welcome energy boost as athletes cross the halfway point of the marathon.

• Rapid Elevation Shift: The steep drop at 11.51 kilometers immediately feeds into the major climb at 11.83 kilometers. Shorten your stride on the descent to protect your quads for the climb.
• Eccentric Loading: The sustained descent at 14.97 kilometers demands a smooth, light footstrike to prevent muscle damage early in the race.

• Climb #2: Km 11.83 to Km 12.17, 0.33 km, avg grade 2.35%, total gain 7.78 m

• Descent #3: Km 14.97 to Km 15.3, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.59%, total drop 11.82 m

• Scenic Hwy 61 between Knife River and Homestead Rd (Km 11.3)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Scenic Hwy 61 / Homestead Rd area (Km 14.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• North Shore Dr / Sucker River area (Km 17.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• McQuade Harbor / North Shore Dr area (Km 20.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes

• Buchanan Historical Marker (~Km 10.85): Historical marker along the North Shore.
• Schmidt Creek Overlook (~Km 18.28): Scenic overlook along the route.
• Spruce Overlook (~Km 20.92): Scenic overlook viewing Lake Superior.
• McQuade Harbor Spectator Zone (~Km 20.9) (Spectator Zone): Accessible public viewing area with plenty of parking.

Kilometers 22.06 to 30.69 are defined by extreme consistency. Moving onto Congdon Boulevard, the course features virtually no significant grade variations, with almost the entire segment registering as flat terrain. This is the portion of the race where mental focus and steady physical output are paramount. The lack of terrain shifts can make the distance feel taxing, requiring runners to lock into a strong, rhythmic cadence.

Runners continue tracking southwest with the lake on their left, passing the Congdon Overlook and the North Shore All-American Scenic Drive marker. The road provides long sightlines, which is useful for drafting in packs if the characteristic lake headwinds are present. Aid stations are spaced every three kilometers, providing reliable fueling markers to break up the effort.

As the segment concludes, the course transitions onto London Road and crosses the Lester River. This bridge crossing marks the official entry into the outskirts of Duluth and introduces the Lester River spectator zone. Crowd noise here typically surges, signaling the end of the quiet north shore and the beginning of the heavily supported final quarter of the race.

• Mental Fatigue: The extended flat nature of Congdon Boulevard requires deep concentration to avoid pace drift. Use the aid stations to mentally break up the distance.
• Wind Exposure: The long sightlines along the lake make this area susceptible to headwinds. Tuck into a pack of runners to conserve energy.

• None.

• None.

• Congdon Blvd midcourse segment (Km 24.1)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Congdon Blvd / Lakewood Rd area (Km 27.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Pure Fuel by Anderson's Maple Syrup
  • Toilet: Yes
• Lester River / Lakeside (Km 30.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Fresh Fruit (nearby)
  • Toilet: Yes

• Congdon Overlook 2 (~Km 28.36): Scenic overlook along Congdon Boulevard.
• Duluth North Shore Scenic Drive Sign (~Km 30.19): Sign marking the scenic drive limits.
• Lester River Spectator Zone (~Km 30.6) (Spectator Zone): The first glimpse of Duluth with loud crowd support.

The character of the race shifts dramatically from kilometer 30.69 to 37.71 as the route drives into Lakeside along London Road. Crowd support becomes incredibly dense and loud, creating a highly energetic atmosphere. While the energy is high, the physical toll of the distance begins to set in, making pacing discipline over the subtle grade changes absolutely critical.

At kilometer 35.36, runners face the notorious Lemon Drop Hill. While its average grade of 1.71 percent is moderate, it is the longest sustained uphill of the race at 0.83 kilometers. Hitting this incline deep into a marathon is a true test of willpower and muscular endurance. Shortening the stride and focusing on strong arm drive are smart strategies here to maintain momentum without spiking the heart rate.

The reward for cresting Lemon Drop Hill is immediate. Beginning at kilometer 36.19, the road descends gently at a -1.49 percent grade for 0.84 kilometers, making it the longest continuous downhill on the course. This forgiving drop gives runners a chance to recover their breathing and let gravity do some of the work as they cruise down toward the Duluth Rose Garden.

• Lemon Drop Hill: Arriving near kilometer 35, this is a severe test of attrition. Maintain a high, light cadence rather than pushing for a specific pace.
• Post-Climb Recovery: The longest downhill immediately follows Lemon Drop Hill. Relax the shoulders and use the free speed to recover rather than aggressively sprinting.

• None.

• None.

• Lakeside / London Rd (Km 32.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Lakeside / London Rd (Km 33.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Lemon Drop Hill / London Rd (Km 35.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• East Duluth / 21st Ave E and Superior St area (Km 37)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4, Fresh Fruit (nearby)
  • Toilet: Yes

• Lakeside Spectator Zone (~Km 32.2) (Spectator Zone): Raucous crowds on London Road offering a party atmosphere.
• Lemon Drop Hill Spectator Zone (~Km 35.4) (Spectator Zone): Iconic viewing area where runners need the most encouragement to crest the hill.
• Duluth Rose Garden (~Km 37.71): A well-known local garden and landmark near the end of the descent.

The final stretch, from kilometer 37.71 to 42.22, navigates the bustling urban landscape of Downtown Duluth. Leaving the Rose Garden, the route shifts from London Road to East Superior Street. The terrain remains largely flat but includes subtle declines that can feel jarring on heavily fatigued legs. Leaning into the massive crowd energy here is essential for pushing through these final kilometers.

A critical navigational and physical challenge arrives at kilometer 40.54, where the course drops sharply down 5th Avenue West toward Harbor Drive, descending at a -4.21 percent grade over 0.17 kilometers. This steep pitch demands careful management to avoid cramping or quad failure so close to the finish. Controlling momentum here is key to protecting the knees while setting up cleanly for the final turns.

Once on Harbor Drive, the last kilometer is flat but involves several turns around the William A. Irvin Museum and the Canal Park Drive intersection. Running the tangents efficiently will conserve valuable energy through this winding finish. The roar of the crowds serves as a beacon, carrying runners past the Clock Tower and the Spirit of Lake Superior monument to the finish line in Canal Park.

• The 5th Avenue Drop: At 40.54 kilometers, the course plunges steeply. Control your momentum to protect your knees and quads before the final push.
• Final Kilometer Turns: The course twists through Harbor Drive and Canal Park. Run the tangents to save valuable distance as you approach the finish line.

• None.

• Descent #4: Km 40.54 to Km 40.7, 0.17 km, avg grade -4.21%, total drop 7.05 m

• Downtown Duluth / 6th Ave E area (Km 38.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes
• Downtown Duluth / 5th Ave W / final-turn area (Km 40.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Powerade Ion4
  • Toilet: Yes

• Downtown Duluth Spectator Zone (~Km 38.6) (Spectator Zone): Popular viewing spot with plenty of space in the closing kilometers.
• North Shore Scenic Railroad (~Km 40.54): Historical railroad museum.
• William A Irvin Museum (~Km 41.36): Retired lake freighter operating as a museum.
• Canal Park Finish Line Spectator Zone (~Km 42.21) (Spectator Zone): The finish line surrounded by massive crowds and post-race festivities.