Overview Grandma's Marathon pairs its namesake marathon with the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and the William A. Irvin 5K along a North Shore course from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota. Founded in 1977, it is the 10th largest marathon among roughly 1,000 in the United States and the only major national marathon not held in a large metropolitan area. The 2027 running marks its 50th anniversary. On site Race weekend runs Friday through Sunday, centered at Bayfront Festival Park. The Essentia Health Fitness Expo fills more than 100 booths, JumboTron screens run along the racecourse and at the Expo, and a post-race party with live music creates a festival atmosphere. Friday night pairs the William A. Irvin 5K with the Michelina's All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner, and Whipper Snapper kids' races run over the weekend. Hotels and motels within a 50-mile radius fill for the weekend. Audience Runners travel from more than 65 countries and all 50 states to take part, joined by an estimated 45,000 friends and family who take part in the weekend's festivities. Community support and race organization are among the reasons runners cite for returning year after year. Track record The race has generated more than $400 million for the local economy since its founding and brings in over $40 million in direct dollars annually to the Twin Ports. Its Young Athletes Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 million to youth athletic organizations since 1990, and charity partners have raised over $3,000,000 between 2018 and 2026. Brand presence Toyota serves as a marquee partner. Sponsorship is structured in Presenting, Major, Contributing, Supporting and Product tiers, with recognition placements across the event website, e-newsletter, printed Weekend Guide and Media Guide, and on-site JumboTron screens at the Expo and along the course.