news duluth grandma’s

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Live Entertainment Returning To Bayfront Park

Schneider added they're closing in on 20,000 runners total for all three races.

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Marathon is set to be even more of a party again this year, as live music will be returning to Bayfront Park on race weekend. Last year there was live music at the finish line and modified entertainment in Canal Park. Now this year the six musical acts — one Friday and five through midnight Saturday —…

Some Marathon Pandemic Changes Well-Received, May Continue

DECC officials say 6,000 to 8,000 people came through Bayfront Park over the course of the day Saturday for the music and entertainment

DULUTH, Minn.- The start and finish locations, entertainment and more were all modified for this year’s marathon for the pandemic. But now race officials say Grandma’s will be evolving in the years to come as some of those changes worked well overall. DECC officials say 6,000 to 8,000 people came through Bayfront Park over the course of the day Saturday…

‘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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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…

Some Duluth Restaurants, Hotels Look Toward Uncertain Future

Hotels and restaurants try to stay afloat after decreased business for this long.

DULUTH, Minn.- As many local businesses in the hospitality industry make adjustments to continue staying open, for others that might not be an option. Dubh Linn Brew Pub in Downtown Duluth is changing their business model, offering delivery of growlers of their in-house brew, cider, wine, and food five days a week from 4pm-8pm. “People are looking for a reason,…

Summer Events at Bayfront in Limbo due to Pandemic

Officials, event organizers and acts are all looking at other ways to hopefully bring their art to fans.

DULUTH, Minn.- The COVID-19 pandemic has left musical acts and festivals at Bayfront Festival Park in unprecedented uncertainty–forcing organizers and artists to explore different ways to give fans an experience if shows are a no-go. Bayfront has become synonymous with summer fun, filling up every season with concert-goers, food lovers, and fireworks. But the empty, bleak park you see right…

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.

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…

Grandma’s Marathon Race Week Begins

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

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…

Grandma’s Marathon Celebrates Another Successful Year

DULUTH, Minn.-After bringing thousands of runners together for all the Grandma’s Festivities this weekend, plans for next year are already coming forth. Registration for all of next year’s races begins October 1, with the full marathon being held on June 16. Event organizers told us today the event could have gone any better, as the volunteers really stepped up again….