2027 Grandma's Marathon

Nearly 8,000 runners gather in Two Harbors, Minnesota, for a point-to-point half marathon that hugs the North Shore of Lake Superior. The course rolls gently through birch-lined roads and open stretches with unobstructed views of the big lake, a cool breeze often rising off the water. By the time you reach the outskirts of Duluth, the energy builds toward a finish at Canal Park, just steps from the Aerial Lift Bridge.

The race has grown steadily since its debut in 1991, now drawing participants from all 50 states and boasting a remarkable 40% repeat-runner rate. The field is competitive—the typical winning time hovers around 62 minutes—but it's equally welcoming to first-timers chasing a personal best on a famously fast, flat point-to-point layout. The finish in Duluth delivers a classic harbor festival: live music, post-race refreshments, and a finisher medal that celebrates the iconic route.