At that time, there weren’t many races of 26.2 miles or longer – especially in the Midwest – so club members were confident that people would register for their race. The club had organized races in the past, but not on the scale of a marathon. The North Shore Striders, a Duluth running club consisting of approximately 40 members, set forth to plan a marathon along the club’s favorite training course from Two Harbors, Minnesota, to Duluth, Minnesota. It all started during the running boom of the mid-1970s. Through it all, Grandma’s has remained true to its original purpose – that of being a people’s race and providing a fun, unforgettable weekend for everyone. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But from these resources has grown one of the most successful races in the history of marathon running.

What do you get when you combine $600, a scenic highway, the largest freshwater lake in the world, a handful of long-distance runners, a pub, and a whole lot of passion? The answer: Grandma’s Marathon. DECC ACCESS: Motorists wanting to reach the DECC or Bayfront area during the Marathon on Saturday must use either 5th Avenue West or Garfield Avenue to Railroad Street.Here’s a riddle for you. There will be no vehicle access to Park Point or Canal Park from Lake Avenue. will not be able to access Mesaba Avenue and will instead be diverted to Superior Street and I-35 at 6th Avenue West at 5:30 a.m.ĪCCESS &DETOURS: PARK POINT AND CANAL PARK ACCESS: The only access for motorists wanting to reach Park Point or the Canal Park area during the Marathon on Saturday, June 18 will be on 5th Avenue West from Superior Street. Northbound traffic on I-35 will be diverted up Mesaba Avenue to 2nd Street at 5:30 a.m.

A detour will guide vehicles to 2nd Street to continue east.

The northbound lanes of I-35 will close at 5:30 a.m.

The southbound lanes of I-35 from 21st and 26th Avenues East will close at 4:30 a.m.

Commerce Street/Railroad Street, Lake Place Drive, and Canal Park Dr.

Michigan Street from 4th Avenue East to 5th Avenue West.

Superior Street from 12th Avenue East to 5th Avenue West.

Starting at 5:30 a.m., the following roads will close to traffic and will remain closed until the end of the Marathon:

Most avenues leading to London Road will close at 4:30 a.m.

Download grandma's marathon course