Date
June 20, 2026
Field Size
Large (2,000 - 9,999)
PR Score
98.0 / 100
BQ Rate
11.5%
Race Watchlist
Get monthly BQ intel with course trends, registration reminders, and fast-race picks before you commit.
98 PR Score indicates a mostly flat course layout, optimizing energy use.
The marathon is a point-to-point route, starting in Two Harbors and ending in Duluth.
Approximately 11.5% of finishers manage to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
In 2022, the average finishing time was around 4 hours, reflecting a diverse field and solid pacing.
Over 7,500 runners finish Grandma’s Marathon each year, making it a lively event that’s both competitive and festive. The course runs along the picturesque Lake Superior, providing glimpses of the water while keeping a mostly flat profile, ideal for those seeking a PR. With a BQ rate of 11.5%, the race has a reputation for allowing determined runners to secure their spot in Boston, especially with the right conditions.
Grandmas Marathon is an Emerging BQ venue — a legitimate qualifier for committed runners, though BQ rates are still building as the race grows. Historically, around 11.5% of finishers have posted Boston-qualifying times here. The course profile rewards runners who execute a well-paced effort from the start.
Start conservatively to avoid early fatigue, especially during the first few miles near the lake. As the course flattens out, maintain an even effort and look to pick up the pace in the final stretch, where the excitement of the crowd can help push you toward your goal.
Grandmas is a large point-to-point race from the North Shore into Duluth, so transportation and pre-race staging deserve more planning than a loop course. The field is big enough to have a full race-weekend operation, but runners should confirm bus loading, gear-check rules, and finish-area reunions before leaving for the start. Spectators tend to focus on accessible points as the course approaches Duluth, with the finish area carrying most of the post-race energy.
Prepare for a mostly flat course with subtle rollers by practicing even effort instead of reacting to every small grade change along the North Shore.
Run portions of long workouts in cool, damp, or breezy conditions when possible, since Lake Superior weather can shape race-day effort.
Practice patience through the opening miles of point-to-point races; the BQ payoff at Grandmas often comes from arriving in Duluth with legs still intact.
No elevation data was found in the course profile file.
Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date
Temp
70.0°F / 54.5°F
Conditions
Rainy
Precipitation
0.02 in
Wind
10.2 mph
Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary
Typical conditions: Warm to hot (65–80°F), humidity varies. Summer racing demands careful heat management and aggressive early hydration; build a conservative first-half plan and let your fitness carry you home.
Find accommodation for race weekend in Duluth, MN.
Hotel links may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Fast Course Briefing
One email per month. Course trends, registration deadlines, and editor-picked qualifiers.
Last reviewed:July 2026