Grandma's Marathon 2027: Where to Stay in Canal Park
Grandma's Marathon Weekend: Where to Stay and How to Plan Around the Finish
By Tiegen Brickson, co-owner, The Brix (Our Story) · Last updated October 2026
The quick answer: Grandma's Marathon is Saturday, June 19, 2027, and it finishes in Canal Park. Staying in Canal Park means you can walk to the finish, skip race-day parking and get back to a shower fast. Book early, since it's one of the busiest weekends of the year.
We're Tiegen and Keenan. Tiegen grew up in Duluth, and we host families in Canal Park year round, so this is the same advice we give our own guests.
Grandma's Marathon weekend: key facts
- 📅 Race day: Saturday, June 19, 2027 (marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon)
- 🃠Friday races: William A. Irvin 5K and kids' Whipper Snapper races on June 18, 2027
- ðŸ Finish: Canal Park
- 🢠Expo and packet pickup: at the DECC, a short walk from Canal Park
- 🚗 Getting around: roads near the course close on race day, so walk if you can
Why stay in Canal Park for Grandma's?
Because the finish is right there. You can walk to the expo at the DECC, walk to the finish and walk back to your condo. The start is up the shore near Two Harbors, and runners get there on the official race buses or the North Shore Scenic Railroad, so there's no driving to the course either. Check the race site for times.
Aerial Lofts, on the top floor of the Marshall Wells warehouse, overlooks Canal Park Drive and the finish line, so family can watch from the windows before heading down.
Photo: @kelseyleephotographmn
When should you book?
As early as you can. Registration for the 2027 race opened Oct 1, 2026. Lodging near the finish goes fast.
How to plan the weekend
- Thursday or Friday: arrive, pick up your packet at the DECC and walk Canal Park once so you know the area.
- Friday night: cook your own pre-race dinner in the condo kitchen and get to bed early.
- Saturday: runners catch the start bus. Family walks to the finish area. Afterward, everyone walks back to shower.
- Saturday night: the post-race party is at Bayfront Festival Park, about half a mile from the finish.
Our tip: Book a place with a full kitchen and a hot tub. Runners love a familiar pre-race meal and a soak after. Our Waterfront Plaza condos share a pool and hot tub, open until 11 PM for adults.
Where should a running group stay?
- Big group: Aerial Lofts, 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms (sleeps 12), overlooking the finish. Third-floor walk-up, no elevator, no pool.
- Family with kids: a Waterfront Plaza condo with elevators, a pool and on-site parking.
- Two families: Dockside Suites, two connecting condos with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
Grandma's Marathon lodging: FAQ
When is Grandma's Marathon 2027?
Saturday, June 19, 2027. The William A. Irvin 5K is Friday, June 18.
Where does Grandma's Marathon finish?
In Canal Park, on Canal Park Drive. Check the race site for the exact layout.
Is parking hard on race weekend?
Yes. Lots fill and roads near the course close on race day. Park once and walk.
Do you offer race weekend discounts?
No. Our member deals don't apply on Grandma's weekend.
Stay at the finish line
Walk to the expo, the finish and the post-race party.
- Aerial Lofts: 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, two kitchens, sleeps 12, on the top floor of the 1890s Marshall Wells warehouse. Third-floor walk-up, no pool.
- Dockside Suites: 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms across two connecting condos. Indoor pool and hot tub on site.
- L'Etoile du Nord: 3 bedrooms, 2,000 sq ft, a 10-person kitchen island, games and a fireplace. Indoor pool and hot tub on site.
Book directly at TheBrixDuluth.com to skip the extra fees and support our small, family-run business directly.
Join The Brix Club for first dibs on our best Duluth dates and member deals.
Staying with us? Your Brix Passport has discounts at 25+ local spots.
More Duluth guides: Canal Park Parking: What Guests Should Know · Things to Do in Canal Park, Duluth: A Local Family's Walkable Guide · All Duluth Guides
Official info: Grandma's Marathon · Visit Duluth
By Tiegen Brickson, co-owner, The Brix. Tiegen grew up in Duluth and met Keenan in Canal Park in 2011. Last updated October 2026.