Grandma’s Marathon Ultimate Guide by a Runner
Grandma’s Marathon is a popular marathon, and for good reason! This small town race brings in thousands of runners every year. Its known for it’s scenic course, friendly atmosphere, and incredible crowds!
When I first completed Grandma’s Marathon, the race blew me away. This was my second marathon ever and I was so surprised with this race. I went into it expecting a cute small-town race, but it ended up being a huge event with a great course and amazing community support (but still keeping true to the small town charm.). This is one of those races that I recommend every runner do at least once in their life!
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The race also attracts an impressive elite field which makes it extra fun to run in.
But, there are some tips and tricks to running this race – like getting a hotel to stay at! I’ll share with you all about Grandma’s Marathon weekend. I’ll also share the tips I’ve learned from years of experience doing this race.
What is Grandma’s Marathon
Grandma’s Marathon takes place in June in Duluth, Minnesota as a whole weekend of events. Participants can take part in a 5K, half marathon, and full marathon over the weekend. The race is a point to point course that starts in Twin Harbors, Minnesota and finishes in Duluth.
The name Grandma’s Marathon comes from the Duluth restaurant “Grandma’s Saloon and Grill” which was a major sponsor of the race when it first started in 1977. It has now become one of the most popular marathons in the United States, with over 9,000 runners participating each year.
How to Register for Grandma’s Marathon
There are a few ways to register for Grandma’s Marathon. You can sign up for the marathon in October. Spots are first come, first serve. The race normally doesn’t fill to capacity. But, 2024’s race is different. Registration for Grandma’s opened right after TC Marathon was cancelled in 2023. With that race being cancelled many runners signed up for Grandma’s.
The half marathon is done on a lottery process. Registration for the lottery opens in October and is open until November. Runners are then selected at random from the lottery pool to participate in the half marathon. This race is extremely popular and has been a lottery for quite a few years now.
How to Find a Hotel in Duluth
One of the trickiest parts to running Grandma’s Marathon is finding a hotel. Hotels for race weekend often sell out over a year in advance! I recommend booking your hotel as soon as you consider running this race – this might be even before registration opens. Most hotels open for registration right after the race weekend so that would be the best time to get your spot.
Duluth is a small city with limited hotel options. Hotels book extremely fast for Grandma’s Marathon weekend, so it’s important to plan ahead. Some runners choose to stay outside of Duluth and drive into the city on race day, but this can add extra stress and logistics.
There are a few other unique options available if you’re unable to get a hotel room.
Dorms
One unique lodging option is staying at the University of Minnesota Duluth dorms. These are basic, no-frills accommodations but they offer a convenient location close to the race start. Rooms can be booked for Friday and Saturday night during race weekend.
The University opens dorm registration in February. So, keep an eye out for the announcement and book early. The spots fill up quickly.
Rental Homes (Air B&B, VRBO, etc.)
Another popular option is to rent a home for the weekend through websites like Air B&B or VRBO. This can be a great choice for groups or families as it allows for more space and amenities compared to a hotel room.
However, just like hotels, rental homes in the Duluth area are in high demand during race weekend so it’s important to book early. Some rental properties even require a minimum stay of 2-3 nights, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Camping
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are several campgrounds in the Duluth area that offer tent and RV sites. However, these also fill up quickly during race weekend so it’s important to plan ahead and make reservations .
Tour Groups
If you’re traveling from out of town and not familiar with the Duluth area (or just looking for a group to join for the weekend), joining a tour group may be a good option. These groups offer lodging packages that include transportation to and from the race start, making for a stress-free race weekend. Some group packages even include bibs for the half marathon or full marathon.
In addition to lodging, the tour groups offer activities, race day transportation, meals and more so you can make the most out of your visit to Duluth. This is also a great option for solo travelers who want to meet new people and have a built-in support system during the race.
My favorite tour group for the weekend is Destintion Marathons. They’re a reputable company that hosts tour groups for several popular races, including Grandma’s Marathon. Their package is a complete weekend package – shakeout runs, dinners, group events, race day transportation and of course hotel- so you really don’t need to worry about anything.
They also do have access to sold out race bibs for both the marathon and half marathon (and readers can get $50 off a Grandm’as package with the promocode COFFEE).
Related Post: Twin Cities Marathon Recap
Other Accommodation Options
If none of these options work for you or if everything is already booked, there are still a few other accommodation options available in Duluth during race weekend. These
Hotel Wait Lists
Since hotels are so popular for the weekend, many hotels offer waitlists. To join a hotel waitlist, you usually just need to provide your name, email and phone number. If a room becomes available, hotels will contact you in the order of your waitlist registration.
How to Train for Grandmas Marathon
Training for a marathon, especially one with the challenges of Grandma’s Marathon course, can be daunting. But with the right training plan and determination, anyone can conquer this iconic race. Here are some tips for how to train for Grandma’s Marathon:
Join a Running Group
Having a support system during your training is crucial. Consider joining a local running group or finding a running partner to train with. This not only provides accountability, but also allows you to push yourself and gain valuable training advice from others. If you don’t have a running group near you, join the official Grandma’s Marathon facebook group to have a virtual option.
I also recommend using a marathon training plan to keep you on track with running. This could be with a running coach or if a training program like the Peloton Marathon Training Program.
Incorporate Hill Training
Grandma’s Marathon course is known for its rolling hills, so it’s important to incorporate hill training into your training plan. Find a local hill or incline and practice running up and down it multiple times during your training runs.
Cross-Train
In addition to running, it’s important to cross-train in order to prevent injury and build strength. Incorporate activities like cycling, swimming, or strength training into your weekly routine. I like to include cross training with strength training 2 times a week.
Rest and Recover
Rest days are just as important as training days in a marathon training plan. Make sure to listen to your body and take rest days when needed. Additionally, incorporate stretching and foam rolling into your routine to help prevent injury and aid in recovery.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is key in any training plan, but especially for a marathon. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day and carry water with you on your long runs.
Practice Nutrition During Training Runs
It’s important to practice your nutrition strategy during your training runs. Figure out what types of fuel work best for you and how often you need to refuel during long runs. This will help prevent any stomach issues on race day.
Tips and Tricks for Race Weekend
After doing Grandma’s and running marathons for years, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned:
Make Your Plan Early
As soon as you start thinking about Grandma’s Marathon, figure out where you will stay. Hotels book really fast for this weekend so making lodging plans as soon as you can.
Join the Facebook Group
One of the best ways to stay in the know with the race is to join their official Facebook group. This group is not only a great way to stay connected with other runners, but also a way to keep an eye on hotel openings and bibs for sale.
Prepare for Anything
Duluth weather can be unpredictable. Some years the race is very warm, and others it’s freezing. My first year I did Grandma’s it was cold and rainy while 2 hours south in Minneapolis it was sunny and 80 degrees.
Pack for a variety of weather conditions and be prepared to adapt your race strategy based on the weather. Bring layers, rain gear, hats, gloves, and sunscreen just in case. The course is also Lake Superior-side, which can be windy. Plan accordingly and bring clothes that will keep you warm and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in Minneapolis on Race Day and Drive Up?
I would not recommend driving to the race on race morning. Minneapolis is about 2 1/2 hours away from Duluth, and with road closures for the race, this can really be cutting it too close.
What is the closest airport?
The closest airport is the Duluth airport, but it is a small airport so flights can be expensive. Minneapolis St. Paul Airport is about 2 1/2 hours away and is the closest major airport. There are shuttles available to bring you from the airport to Duluth.
Do I have to be a Grandma to run in Grandma’s Marathon?
Grandma’s Marathon is open to any runner, but they do have a special award for the first Grandma to finish.
Is there transportation on race day?
Grandma’s marathon is a point to point race and transportation to the start is required. There are multiple places to get busses to the start so I recommend reading the official guide to find the closest bus stop. They do not allow runners to be dropped off at the start.
Who can run the marathon?
Anyone 18 and older can run in Grandma’s Marathon
Does the race sell out?
The half marathon always sells out and is a lottery, however the full marathon usually doesn’t.
Do they have pacers?
They do have pacers at the race! For pacing information and groups, check out the official marathon website.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun and well-organized marathon in a beautiful location, Grandma’s Marathon is the race for you. With its stunning course, supportive crowds, and great organization, it’s no wonder this race has been a favorite among runners for decades. It’s one of the most popular races for a reason!
Are you running Grandma’s this year? Let us know in the comments below!
Need a bib or hotel? Check out Destination Marathons for exclusive access to hotels and race bibs for the weekend. Use my discount code COFFEE for $50 off all packages!
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