Grandma’s Marathon offers a uniquely compelling blend of riverside charm and lakeshore grit along the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. The 26.2 miles stretch from Two Harbors to Duluth, tracing the North Shore’s rugged grace with an elevation gain that challenges but rarely overwhelms—approximately 300 feet of rolling hills and steady inclines pushing runners onward. The terrain is mostly paved, with brief sections flirting with forest and rocky shoreline, where the wind from Superior dares you to keep pace.

Each mile unfolds scenes fiercely natural: the currents of the Saint Louis River pushing under bridges, pine trees shading stretches through Gooseberry Falls State Park, and waves crashing below as the marathon skirts the lake’s edge. You aren’t just running a race here—you’re moving with the pulse of a landscape that’s as much a participant as you are.

Planning for Grandma’s Marathon needs more than correct pacing. Hydration stations crop up every two miles along the route, but carrying a compact hydration system is wise for those who prefer sipping on their own schedule. Footwear should balance cushion with stability; the asphalt dominates, yet occasional slide on sand or loose gravel demands solid grip. Aim to start early on race day to dodge midday heat waves and glimpse Lake Superior’s morning colors when the water’s calmest, glass-like.

Training approaches vary, but allowing four to six months to build endurance along rolling terrain similar to the course pays dividends. Don’t overlook strength exercises focused on hips and calves—they bear the brunt of the marathon’s gentle gradients. Weather in June brings unpredictability; a dress rehearsal in layered gear can save you from the rare but biting cold front or a surprise sun flare.

Beyond the finish line, Duluth invites recovery with its vibrant lakeside parks and breweries, where fellow runners swap tales. It’s a race sturdy and soulful, where the natural elements test you with honest challenge and every step connects you deeper to northern Minnesota’s raw, living landscape.