Grandma’s Marathon – 2026 Registration & 2025 Results

Duluth, Minnesota, USA	June 19-20, 2026	Registration Open

Inaugurated in 1977, the Grandma’s Marathon is an annual event held in Duluth, North Minnesota. The event, initially started by a local group of runners, has grown from 150 participants its first year to over 20,000 participants across various races offered during the 2 day event. It is one of the largest and best-known marathons in the United States offering world class event along with small town charm

The event offers 3 main races – The Grandma’s Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and William A. Irvin 5K. There are various short races for kids also. 

The most popular event is the Half Marathon named after the first-ever marathon champion and Olympian Garry Bjorklund, This race was introduced in 1991 and is so widely popular that it is usually sold out shortly after registration opens.

The last event is the 5K which is actually the kickoff race to the 2 day event. Initiated in 1994, it is named after the historic William A. Irvin ore boat in Duluth’s Canal Park where the 5K race starts and finishes.

Book Your Stay Near Race Ending Point

Grandma’s Marathon

Race Categories, Dates, Registration, Eligibility & Fees

** Prices for the live event are time sensitive and will increase closer to race date. 

*** Different race start timings as per category 

^ Various race distances as per age category 

^^ Challenges, Corporate teams and Charity entries are also available

# Whipper Snapper Race On-The-Spot registration also available on race day

 Route / Course Map

Information about the course maps & other details for the Grandma’s Marathon 2026 is detailed below 

The Grandma’s Marathon has a mix of races – The Full Marathon and the Half Marathon route are POINT to POINT races while the 5K and Whipper Snapper races have an OUT & BACK courses with the below mentioned Start and Finish points:

Prize Money

Information about the prizes/ awards for the Grandma’s Marathon 2026 is not yet available. Below are details from the 2025 event for reference.

Prize Money – Open Division:

* In addition to above, time bonuses are also available for Marathon – 10 prizes ranging from USD 5000 to USD 200 based on time taken to finish the race

Prize Money – Non Binary Division:

Prize Money – Masters Division:

* In addition to above, time bonuses are also available for Marathon Masters Division- top / 1st prize of USD 500 based on time taken to finish the race

Prize Money – Wheelchair Division (Only Marathon):

* In addition to above, time bonuses are also available for Marathon Wheelchair Division – 3 prizes ranging from USD 1000 to USD 5200 based on time taken to finish the race

Points to Note for Prize Purse

• Awards are equal for Male and Female participants
• 19-34 age group awards are included in the Open category. 
• Per USATF rules, gun time will be used to determine prize money and incentive bonuses. Chip time will be used to determine all age-group winners and other award recipients. 
• Non-binary athletes are not eligible for overall men’s and women’s prize packages.

2025 and Earlier Edition Results

Results

• Check Results for Grandma’s Marathon 2025 and earlier editions here

Photos

• Check Photos for Grandma’s Marathon here

Important Points

1. Race Slots: There are limited number of slots for each race capacity- as mentioned below
   1. Full Marathon: 9000 participants
   2. Half Marathon: 8000 participants
   3. 5K: 1500 participants 
   4. Full Great Grandma’s Challenge: 500  participants
   5. Half Great Grandma’s Challenge 700 participants
2. Race registration is transferable to another distance as well as another person. Conditions apply 
3. Entry deferments are not permitted under any circumstances.
4. Refunds: Entry fees are non-refundable. The only exception to this is for those who are active military duty and deployed for service during race weekend (a copy of deployment orders is required).
5. Elite Athletes : You can apply by sending running resume any time after January 1 to our Elite Athlete & Administration Director Sarah Culver via email at sarah@grandmasmarathon.com. Get more Information about Elite Athletes Application here. Also check Qualifying Standards for Full Marathon here and Qualifying Standards for Half Marathon here
6. Bib collection: Someone else can pick up race packet on participant’s behalf. They would need to complete the authorization (found at the bottom of official bib number email coming in early June), and have someone else bring the printed, authorized confirmation to race packet pickup.
7. Parking: There is no parking at the starting line of either Grandma’s Marathon or the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. Each participant is required to use the provided bus or train transportation to the starting line. 
8. Pacers are available for both Full Marathon and Half Marathon (no pacers for the 5K) 
9. Aid stations: There would be aid stations located along the course providing water and Powerade Ion4 washroom and medical facilities. Fuel and fruits would be available at limited aid stations
10. Live tracking: A free mobile app is available to aid both runners & spectators to track your favourite runners 
11. Next race is June 22, 2024
12. Time limit applicable on the course for after which the course is thrown open to normal traffic
    – Full Marathon –7 hrs
    – Half marathon- 3 hrs
    – 5K- 1 hr

Contact Information

• Email: grandmas@grandmasmarathon.com
• Office address: 351 Canal Park Drive, Duluth, MN 55802
• Mailing address: PO Box 16234, Duluth, MN 55816
• Phone:  (218) 727-0947
• Website: https://grandmasmarathon.com/