grandma's marathon Archives

Grandma’s Marathon Registration Now Open for 2024 Races

“Registration day is always an exciting day for us," said Zach Schneider, the Marketing and Public Relations Director for Grandma's Marathon. "If race day is the most exciting day in our calendar year, registration open day is a pretty close second.”

October 1, 2023

Drew Kerner,

DULUTH, Minn. — Registration opens today for the biggest marathon in the Twin Ports. Runners interested in Grandma’s Marathon could register for race day next year starting as of 7 p.m. Sunday. Race weekend holds the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and Full Marathon as well as the William A. Irvin 5-K. Last year the marathon had its second fast sellout…

Essentia Fitness Expo is on at the DECC; Grandma’s Race-Day Registration Open

June 16, 2023

Drew Kerner,

DULUTH, Minn.–You could argue that Grandma’s Marathon officially started today with crowds of people gathering at the DECC for the Essentia Health Fitness Expo. Runners, spectators, and the community were welcomed to browse through the latest in athletic gear. “There’s everything from the latest running shoes on the market to the latest technology through garments watches. Then of course Advantage…

‘Everything that goes up has to come down:’ Grandma’s Marathon Cleanup Begins

For some locals who volunteer, cleaning the 7 tons of trash that's left has become a big part of their lives.

June 20, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- For runners and spectators, the Grandma’s experience ends after 26 miles at the finish line in Canal Park. But for volunteers, the race is far from over, with cleanup in the days that follow. “We often compare it to; think about when you throw a party at your house for 20 or 30 people. We just throw a…

Grandma’s Marathon Sideline Traditions Continue

Grandma's Marathon allows traditions to begin, and with its return to the North Shore this year, those traditions are able to continue.

June 19, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– Today was the day everyone was anticipating for over a year, and it wasn’t only the athletes who had to prepare, but a few local members too who have been doing this for years. Hundreds of fans and volunteers lined London Road to cheer on runners. Lindsay Ekstrom, a Duluth native, has been attending these races since she…

Massive Preps Underway for Michelina’s All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner

The Spaghetti Feed Helps Kick Off The Festivities Surrounding Grandma's Marathon

June 17, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – You can’t have a marathon without a ton of carbs before the action gets underway. Massive preps continued Thursday for the Michelina’s All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner happening Friday, June 18 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). The dinner has been a tradition since the start of the race in 1977. More than 8,000 plates are typically served…

Essentia Health Fitness Expo Kicks Off Thursday

There will be close to 75 vendors displaying the latest and greatest in runner gear and fitness items.

June 16, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The official kick off of events for Grandma’s Marathon begins on Thursday with the Essentia Health Fitness Expo at the DECC. There will be close to 75 vendors displaying the latest and greatest in runner gear and fitness items. Although the Expo will look a bit different with Covid-19 protocols still in place, organizers still wanted to…

Strapped for Staff: Northland Restaurants Balance Business, Employee Burnout through Labor Shortage

For some restaurants, it means cutting back on hours of operation while trying to balance the quality of life for the workers they do have.

June 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH/CLOQUET, Minn.- From Duluth to smaller cities like Cloquet, restaurants big and small are experiencing the effects of being short on labor. For some, it means cutting back on hours of operation while trying to balance the quality of life for the workers they do have. Just last week, Family Tradition Restaurant in Cloquet has had to close their restaurant…

What To Know Leading Up To 45th Grandma’s Marathon

After Being Sidelined Due to COVID-19, Grandma's Marathon Will Take Place In-Person This Year With Safety Protocols in Place

June 14, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s an exciting week for many in the Northland — the 45th Grandma’s Marathon will take place Saturday, June 19. After going virtual in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, event organizers are thrilled to be hosting the marathon and entertainment in-person with safety protocols in place. A handful of volunteers are still needed to help make…

Tortoise and Hare Footwear Gears Up For Grandma’s Marathon in June

As the buzz around Grandma's is growing, many more are coming in for running shoes and gear.

May 11, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Some local shoe stores are feeling the runner’s high from Grandma’s Marathon weekend approaching next month. Owners of Tortoise and Hare Footwear in Duluth’s Denfeld neighborhood say it’s been a pretty busy spring with many coming in for hiking shoes and boots to get out to places like the Superior Hiking Trail. But as the buzz around Grandma’s…

Fitger’s 5K Returns to Biggest Race Turnout During Pandemic

Race officials say high turnout for the Fitger's 5K has them feeling good about the full Grandma's Marathon just two months away.

April 17, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– The 32nd Annual Fitger’s 5K here in Duluth returned to its normal date as northlander’s turned out for Grandma’s biggest race since the pandemic. The Fitger’s 5K race took place Saturday afternoon, where 775 participants ran through downtown. That’s the largest turnout for a grandma’s race this year. “That’s exciting because it means that some of the restrictions…

Grandma’s Kicking off Summer Racing Season with Saint Fennessy 4K

Right now, more than 500 people are already signed up with around 100 of them electing to run the race virtually.

March 10, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Grandma’s is officially kicking off the summer racing season with the Saint Fennessy 4K this Saturday at the Hermantown High School. Right now, more than 500 people are already signed up with around 100 of them electing to run the race virtually. Although the St. Patrick’s Day-themed event will not have the same after party as years…

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Participants Capped at Half Capacity

There will be around 10,000 race participants for Grandma's Marathon weekend.

January 14, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon announced Thursday morning that in-person capacity for the 2021 race weekend will not be increased due to public health concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. Officials with the race have capped the event for in-person runners at half capacity. In October when registration opened, there was hope that the guidelines would improve allowing for more participants…

2020 Park Point 5-Miler Includes Several Options for Runners

Park Point 5-Miler In-Person Race Happening Thursday, July 16

July 13, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – This year’s Park Point 5-Miler will go forward with multiple options for runners amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Grandma’s Marathon has been working for weeks with guidance from the City of Duluth and the Grandma’s Marathon Medical Director to come up with a safe way to host the annual event. The plan allows the event to move forward…

Denfeld Students Keep Up Course Cleanup Tradition Despite Grandma’s Cancellation

Denfeld Girls Soccer Team has picked up trash along the shore the day after race day for about 10 years.

June 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The cancellation of Grandma’s Marathon didn’t stop Denfeld High School students from their nearly 10-year tradition of picking up trash along the course the day after race day. “We’re a part of the community and it’s nice to get our name out, y’know get some supporters for our team,”said Denfeld Junior Kamryn Hill. After Grandma’s every year, it’s…

Duluth Without Grandma’s Marathon for the First Time in 43 Years

Race officials say crews are hard at work making next year even better.

June 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time in 43 years, Duluth and the North Shore were not packed with thousands of runners as Grandma’s Marathon was cancelled this year. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic the race was called off after over 18,000 runners had already registered. Runners across the country still participated in the virtual races, but race officials say it’s…

Cancellation Not Breaking Runners’ Stride on Grandma’s Race Day

Out of the 18,000 that registered this year, about 3,000 are doing virtual races.

June 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While the Grandma’s Marathon finish line in Canal Park was considerably emptier this year, shoes still jogged across, pushed by cheers, as some runners still ran the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon themselves. “Being a Duluth resident you just partake in this event, and obviously being different this year but still fun to do it,” said Sierra Johnson, running…

Visit Duluth Furloughs Six Employees, As Summer Tourism Remains Uncertain

Six out of the 11 employees were temporarily furloughed.

June 16, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Six employees have been temporarily furloughed at Visit Duluth, the tourism bureau tasked with marketing the city to outsiders. “We are at a point now where it was the harsh reality of what we’re facing in our industry,” said President Anna Tanski. “We have the resources and took these steps to stretch our operation at least through the…

2020 Grandma’s Marathon Canceled Amid COVID-19 Concerns

Race Weekend Was Scheduled for June 19-20, 2020

March 31, 2020

Brett Scott,

(courtesy: Grandma’s Marathon) DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon is canceled for 2020 amid growing concerns over coronavirus. Race weekend was scheduled for June 19-20, 2020. The decision comes after careful deliberation by the Grandma’s Marathon staff and board of directors along with medical and public agency leaders in an effort to keep participants, volunteers, partners, spectators, and the community as…

Grandma’s Marathon Still on for June, Officials Discussing Further Action

Officials recommend participants should look into cancellation plans for lodging in case race is postponed or cancelled.

March 17, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Marathon has not decided yet if the race of more than 9,000 runners will be cancelled because of the Coronavirus. Race officials told us they are right now discussing whether they need to cancel or postpone the race in June 19th. As for now, the race is still on. But officials are urging runners and spectators to…

Ready, Set, Run Like a Leprechaun This Saturday in Hermantown

Grandma's Marathon is Hosting the Annual Saint Fennessy 4k Saturday, March 14, 2020

March 9, 2020

Brett Scott,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Runners are gearing up for the 7th annual Saint Fennessy 4k Fun Run happening Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m. There will be changes to the race this year that organizers say will significantly enhance the experience for participants. The race begins at Hermantown High School and travels along Arrowhead Road, but this year the new course…

“Morning At The Races” Event Promotes Active Lifestyle For Kids

January 4, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Saturday, hundreds of kids participated in the free “Saturday Morning at the Races” event. The Saint Scholastica wellness center hosted kids fourteen and under. They ran around the track, joined in face painting and hung out with the C-S-S mascot. It’s all to help promote a healthy lifestyle during the colder months. “It’s kind of a…

Superior Gets Spooked for Spooktacular

Packed day featured parade, new North End Nightmare 5K.

October 26, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Skeletons and superheroes, clowns and creatures line Tower Avenue, all to try and nab some candy from the parade goers. “There’s a lot of people, ran out of candy pretty fast actually,” said Grant Peterson, a player on the Superior Area Lacrosse float. “It’s awesome, we saw some people that we know, it’s pretty fun.” “It was definitely…

Athletes With Disabilities Change Endurance Sports For The Better

Inclusion in Marathons for Special Needs Kids and Duo Young Racers

June 26, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s marathon may be over for 2019 but that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to hit the pavement running! In this week’s Great Outdoors Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot introduces us to a duo team from Wisconsin who’s story is a little bit different from the rest. When it comes to race day some of the runners are…

The Weekend That Was of Grandma’s Marathon

A very successful Granada's weekend due to many things

June 24, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- The 43rd Annual Grandma’s Marathon has come and gone, and while the clean-up is still on-going, it’s time to take a final look back at just how everything went this year. Northlanders spend so long getting prepared and ready for the thousands of people that come to town for Grandma’s Marathon. And then it goes by just like…

Grandma’s Marathon Route See’s Slight Change For Second Year

With Superior Street reconstruction on-going, Grandma's Marathon will use a brief detour

June 21, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- Something to keep an eye on tomorrow, is the different route that the runners will take for the second straight year due to construction in downtown Duluth. It’s year two of three of Grandma’s Marathon route being a little different, but it’s not as complicated as you may think. As phase two of reconstruction continues on Superior Street,…

Grandma’s Marathon Preps in Full Swing in Two Harbors

The calm before the storm as the site for the starting line is ready for thousands of runners and spectators

June 20, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- With all the people coming to the Northland, it means a lot of work is going on behind the scenes. Rain or shine, come Saturday morning, thousands of runners and spectators will gather in Two Harbor’s for the 2019 Grandma’s Marathon. Ready or not. Here they come. As the start line for Grandma’s Marathon is ready for…

DECC Prepares for Grandma’s Marathon, Officials Monitoring Weather

Getting things ready for Health and Fitness Expo, Spaghetti Dinner.

June 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Before runners take off on either the William A. Irvin 5K, Half, or Grandma’s Full Marathon, they get to eat and shop around some products at the DECC. The two halls of the DECC were empty Wednesday, but these crews are preparing for the Essentia Health and Fitness Expo Thursday and Friday. “It’s really the gateway for people…

Hundreds Take Part in Day of Caring Event

Volunteers were seen up and down the railroad tracks of the North Shore Scenic Railroad

June 19, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of volunteers fanned out across Duluth today for the United Way’s Day of Caring. Volunteers walked a three mile stretch along the Lakewalk on the North Shore Scenic Railroad and picked up trash and debris preventing it from getting into Lake Superior. Two volunteers we spoke to said making Duluth look clean is important, but with Grandma’s…

Hanging Flower Baskets Go Up in Canal Park

Greater Downtown Council puts up baskets to beautify Canal Park before Summer and Grandmas's

June 18, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s beginning to look like summer in Canal Park, as the hanging flower baskets have started going up, just in time for Grandma’s Marathon. More than 100 baskets were delivered and hung up Tuesday morning. Greater Downtown Council leaders said it’s important to liven up the scenery in Canal Park. “This is just important aesthetics for the Downtown…

Running Stores Prepare for Grandma’s Marathon

Duluth Running Company getting store ready for race weekend.

June 17, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s Grandma’s Marathon Race Week, and Duluth running stores are getting ready for over 20,000 runners to take to the streets this weekend. Duluth Running Company is bringing out all their stock to prepare for runners, getting last minute gear not only during the week, but even right before the race. “We’ve had sales like happen day of,”…

Grandma’s Marathon Race Week Begins

Preparations begin for the 5k, 1/2 and Full Marathons.

June 17, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Pieces of Grandma’s Marathon are coming together in Duluth, as the Big Top Tent has just gone up in Canal Park. It seems the Marathon will reshape the city, to give runners a solid course, and give spectators a comfortable experience to cheer them on. Finishing touches still have to be added, like painting the finish line, which…

Summer, Tourism Season Right Around the Corner

Tourism expected to have over $900 million dollar impact.

June 12, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The official start of summer is a little more than a week away, and in Duluth that means Grandma’s Marathon, outdoor festivals, and live music at Bayfront Festival Park. Those events all bring in Tourists. Grandma’s Marathon brings in as many as 20,000 runners and their friends and family. That weekend kicks off Duluth’s summer of fun. Grandma’s…

Countdown Begins to Grandma’s Marathon, Volunteers Needed

Grandma's Marathon Weekend is Happening June 21 - 23

June 3, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The countdown to Grandma’s Marathon is on! The jam packed weekend of events will run June 21 – 23 this year. While the 2019 race isn’t even over yet, planning has already started for next year’s big race. More than 6,000 volunteers are needed to make race weekend happen. Volunteers are needed from Two Harbors to Canal…

Seawall Rehabilitation Nears Completion

Work should be done before Grandma's Marathon.

June 2, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The seawall rehabilitation project in Canal Park is in the home stretch and should be complete before Grandma’s Marathon. The project has been done in phases and starting this Monday, the last phase will begin. Crews will be putting in a storm water outfall, curbs, concrete patios, sidewalks, turf, and a bike path. The Minnesota slip bridge will…

Park Point Construction Begins Next Week

13th street to the Lift Bridge will be filled with construction cones starting next week

May 23, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- A start date has now been set for a major Duluth construction project. Work on Park Point Road just south of the Lift Bridge will begin on May 29th. Starting later this month, 13th street to the Lift Bridge will be filled with construction cones. The city will take three inches of black top off the roads to…

UMD Hosts Fit-N-Fun Run

Thousands of students laced up their shoes at Malosky Stadium today

May 14, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- Students laced up their shoes, stretched out their legs, and got to enjoy the beautiful weather today at UMD during the annual fit and fun run. Two thousand third, fourth, and fifth graders from Duluth Elementary Schools ran a lap around the school’s Stadium in celebration of their hard work put forth in their physical education classes. Once…

New Construction, Husky Updates Among Topics in Superior’s State of the City

Mayor Jim Paine delivers his second State of the City address.

April 29, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In his second State of the City address, Superior Mayor Jim Paine is proud of the progress Superior has made. He said the city will be unrecognizable to some in the coming years. The Mayor announced the construction of Cobblestone Hotel on Tower Avenue, and the development of Central High School into a mixed-use development, featuring both market-rate…

Runners and Walkers Take to the Streets for Fitger’s 5K

Over two thousand competed in the 30th Annual Race.

April 27, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 30th year, runners and walkers took over the streets of Duluth to complete the Fitger’s 5K Run and Walk, benefitting the Young Athletes Foundation. The chilly race warms athletes up to run 26 miles at Grandma’s Marathon in June. The airhorn sends off the first wave of runners, who take-off like a stampede. Runners of all…

Northland Group Training for Grandma’s Marathon

North Park Run Club enjoying outdoors with warm weather

March 19, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- Snow in the Northland is melting which means that one local group is preparing for Grandma’s Marathon finally has the opportunity to get onto the pavement and enjoy the fresh air. North Park Run Club Coach Jessica Rossing says “this kind of helps to even it out a bit, to help everyone get back into a grove of…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Mile to Attract Hundreds this Friday

The Minnesota Mile Sponsored by Grandma's Marathon will Take Over Skyline Parkway Friday, September 7

September 3, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders are welcome to sign up now as an individual or team member for the 12th annual Minnesota Mile taking place on Friday, September 7. The course will be set along Duluth’s Skyline Parkway. Participants will run a one mile loop while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Superior, the St. Louis River Bay and the start of…

Wednesday Night at the Races Lets Kids Be Active

The weekly event is for kids ages 4-14 and is free to register.

August 15, 2018

Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Wednesday Night at the Races has become a huge local traditional throughout the summer, where kids can participate in free, short, non-competitive races each Wednesday for six weeks. The races are held in a different location each week and this Wednesday it was held at Superior High School. Kids were split up by age groups and gender,…

Heavy Rain Pours Down In the Northland, Flooding Some Areas

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning until Sunday for a section of Northeast Minnesota

June 15, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Heavy rain has been pouring down in many parts of the Northland throughout the day. So much rain has fallen some places, that flooding has become a problem. This is what the area near 27th Avenue West in Duluth looked like this afternoon with high water flowing on the streets. The heavy rain didn’t stop some people…

Behind the Scenes of the Spaghetti Feed

Overall nearly 8,000 plates of food will be served.

June 15, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The annual Michelina’s Spaghetti Feed has been feeding the Northland before grandma’s marathon since 1977. The spaghetti feast helps runners carb up before the big race, but everyone is welcome to enjoy the all you can eat meal. The line starts around 10 a.m. and doors are open until 9 p.m. Overall nearly 8,000 plates of food will…

Kara Goucher Returns to Duluth for Gary Bjorkland half marathon

The Olympic medalist tells us, she will be giving it her all tomorrow but is racing to have fun.

June 15, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- After experiencing races around the world a two time Olympian is raving of Grandma’s Marathon. Two time Olympian and Duluth native Kara Goucher is back and excited to take-off at the starting line. It’s the third year Goucher has participated in Grandma’s Marathon. Goucher says she grew up cheering on loved ones running and volunteering for the event….

Active Adventures: Starting Line Etiquette

FOX 21's William Seay Speaks with the Starting Line Coordinator from Grandma's Marathon

June 15, 2018

Brett Scott,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – In this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21 Meteorologist William Seay speaks with Two Harbors Chamber President Janelle Bianco Jones. Jones is also the Starting Line Coordinator for Grandma’s Marathon. She tells FOX 21 it’s important to make sure you don’t bring any bags with you to the starting line because you’ll be asked to discard them. Jones say…

Grandma’s Marathon Charity Partner: Running for the Cure

Scleroderma is a chronic tissue disease, which has no cure.

June 15, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- There are over a dozen charity partners with Grandma’s Marathon, but this year one man is starting a first-time charity to honor his wife. Runners are raising money for the Scleroderma Foundation, for team Carole. Scleroderma is a chronic tissue disease, which has no cure. Kevin Berg is organizing a fundraiser to help find a cure, now nearly…

Morning Update 6-14-18

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 14, 2018

June 14, 2018

Brett Scott,

Categories: News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, grandma’s marathon, Morning, News, Update, weather, William Seay

Hotels Sell Out For Grandma’s Marathon

Each room at the Holiday Inn will have a race gift bag with water and snacks.

June 13, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Local hotels in Duluth are either sold out or close to it for the busy race weekend. The General Manager at Holiday Inn on West Superior Street tells us his team is excited to welcome in guests from all over the world. The hotel is booked solid on Friday with just a few rooms left for Saturday. “Grandma’s is actually kind of a fun easy…

Morning Update 6-13-18

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 13, 2018

June 13, 2018

Brett Scott,

Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, grandma’s marathon, Headlines, lincoln park, Love Creamery, morning update, William Seay

Northland Uncovered: Grandma’s Marathon Viewing Train

The Grandma's Marathon Viewing Train will Leave the Duluth Depot at 5:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 16

June 12, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend thousands of fans will be packing the streets, waiting for their favorite athletes to pass by. But did you know you can also witness Grandma’s Marathon from the tracks of the North Shore Scenic Railroad? Tuesday morning on FOX 21 Local News, Lake Superior Railroad Museum Executive Director Ken Buehler stopped by to chat about…