Grandma's Marathon
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Elevation Gain
60m
Elevation Range
36m
Avg Temperature
55°F / 13°C
Course Profile
flat
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A net-downhill, point-to-point course dropping ~36m from Two Harbors (220m) to Canal Park in Duluth (184m), following the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. With rolling hills (133m ascent, 172m descent), minimal sharp turns, and a gentle overall grade, this is one of the fastest BQ-qualifying courses in the US. The one wildcard is Lake Superior's weather.
Key Segments
Two Harbors to Castle Danger
Terrain: Steepest early descent section, dropping from 220m to ~200m with rolling hills. Gentle but sustained net-downhill along Scenic Highway 61
Challenge: The fast downhill and cool morning tempt aggressive opening splits. The road is exposed to lake weather from the start
Tactic: Run 5-10 sec/km slower than goal pace. Let the downhill carry you without pounding. Lock into rhythm early — this is a long, straight road.
Castle Danger to Knife River
Terrain: Rolling hills between 186m and 203m with noticeable ups and downs. North Shore panorama views
Challenge: The monotony of the highway can lull you into autopilot. Halfway adrenaline at km 21 can tempt a surge before the real work
Tactic: Settle into goal pace. Take fuel at km 15 and km 20. Stay mentally engaged despite the repetitive scenery.
Knife River to Lemon Drop Hill
Terrain: Undulating terrain around 189-197m with Lemon Drop Hill — a climb to 205m around km 34 that arrives on tired legs
Challenge: Lemon Drop Hill is the course's toughest climb and arrives when glycogen is depleted. The grade feels enormous at km 34
Tactic: Prepare mentally for Lemon Drop. Shorten stride on the climb, increase cadence. Do not let it break your rhythm. Crest it knowing the hardest terrain is done.
London Road to Canal Park Finish
Terrain: Hilly stretch with a climb to 210m at km 36 before descending to the finish at 184m through residential Duluth on London Road into Canal Park
Challenge: Headwinds off Lake Superior are common on this exposed final stretch. Fatigue plus wind can crush morale
Tactic: Use the Duluth crowds that build from km 36 onward. Tuck behind other runners in the wind if possible. The final 2km into Canal Park are festive — push to the line.
Race-Specific Training
- •Run long runs on gently rolling, net-downhill routes (1-2% average grade over 25-30km) to condition your quads for the sustained eccentric loading of a 36m net drop with 133m total ascent
- •Practice running into headwinds during tempo efforts to prepare for the Lake Superior winds that often hit in the final 8km
- •Include at least one long run with a short steep hill at km 28-30 to simulate Lemon Drop Hill arriving on fatigued legs
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Start at 220m, finish at 184m. No altitude concerns. Net downhill of ~36m with 133m total ascent and 172m total descent.
Weather
Mid-June. Typical temps 10-20°C (50-68°F). Lake Superior creates unpredictable conditions — fog, rain, and sudden temperature drops are all possible. Warm years can exceed 25°C (77°F).
Sun & Wind
Sun exposure on the east-facing North Shore road throughout the morning. Headwinds off Lake Superior are common, especially in the final 10km. Humidity near the lake can cause more fluid loss than the cool temps suggest.
What to Wear
Layer for the cool start in Two Harbors. Arm sleeves work well — remove as you warm up. Light singlet and shorts for most conditions. Rain gear is impractical; accept getting wet if it rains.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-13 | 5-10 sec/km slower than goal pace | Steepest descent section. Bank energy, not time. The downhill feels free but your quads are working. |
| km 13-21 | Goal pace | Settle in. The grade eases. Fuel consistently. Halfway mark at km 21. |
| km 21-35 | Goal pace, effort-based over Lemon Drop | Accept 10-15 sec/km slower on Lemon Drop Hill (km 34). Otherwise maintain rhythm on the flattening terrain. |
| km 35-42.195 | Goal pace or faster | The payoff stretch. Duluth crowds carry you through London Road to Canal Park. Push to the finish. |
Race Day Tip
Lake Superior's microclimate can change the race-day forecast dramatically in the final hours before the gun. Check the weather at Two Harbors specifically (not Duluth) the morning of the race. Many runners dress for the Duluth forecast and freeze at the start, or dress for the start temp and overheat in Duluth.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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