Reflections On The Grandma's Marathon Weekend In Duluth

I cannot believe that Grandma's Marathon weekend is already over! It always seems so far away in the winter months and then you blink and suddenly the weekend is here and gone in the blink of an eye.

The energy in the air around Grandma's Marathon weekend is so incredible. I love seeing people from all over the world come to our little town and fall in love with it just like I did a decade ago.

Get our free mobile app

I was lucky enough to be able to run my fourth Garry Bjorklund half marathon this weekend. It was the most beautiful day and the volunteers and spectators truly made it what it was - so thank you!

I have seen so many people asking how many people actually finished the races over the weekend. Race officials shared the answer - and it's insane!

I noticed this year that people were really going all out in honor of the 50th anniversary of the full. I stayed to cheer on some of my friends that ran the full and I am more in awe than ever of what it takes to run it. It takes some intense dedication and it made me emotional to watch.

RELATED: Grandma's Marathon Earns Amazing New Achievement

I noticed this year, also more than ever, that runners really need the cheers and applause, especially so close to the finish line. I was close to the finish line and I saw so many people needing a little push to the end, and screaming for them really motivated them. I know running the half how important the spectators are and I was so excited to be in Canal Park as so many runners were completing the journey.

I loved the energy and felt like even though Grandma's is always incredibly organized, it was insanely organized this year for the 50th anniversary. I feel like everything went so smoothly and so many people were talking about how it was the most organized race they've ever taken part in.

RELATED: Get Ready For 'Bigfoot Days' In Remer Next Month

I also saw so many funny signs, including one that featured Garrett Graham from Off Campus, which I just watched. It made me laugh so hard. I also loved seeing people running as actual grandmas. I have to give a special shoutout to the guy who finished the full marathon in sandals?! He didn't even look like he was in pain.

Grandma's Marathon 2021 — Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth

Shout out to the amazing organizers of this race, the spectators that keep us going and the volunteers who are the backbone of it all. I am already counting down until next year.

[

2026 Grandma's Marathon & Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon Photos

June 20, 2026 marked the 50th anniversary of Grandma's Marathon in Duluth. A record number of finishers completed this year's marathon, and the half marathon saw its third-largest number of finishers ever.

Here are photos from along the race course and at the finish line from this year's events. To see any of the photos larger, just tap on it.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth