- Race day
- Sat, June 19, 2027
- Finish
- Canal Park, Duluth
- Start buses
- Official buses or the train are the only way to the start. DECC is one loading site, a short walk from Canal Park
- After the race
- Free return shuttles run 8 am to 3:30 pm on race day
Why stay near the finish
Race morning traffic and finish area parking are what runners complain about most. Ramps near the DECC fill up, and the lines for shuttles back to the outlying lots can be long. When you're staying in Canal Park, you skip all of that. Walk to your bus, finish, and walk home to a shower.
Getting to the start
Runners have to take an official bus or the North Shore Scenic Railroad to the start. Buses load at the DECC, Miller Hill Mall, UMD, Duluth East, Proctor, UW Superior and Two Harbors. The race asks you to pick your loading site by email in early May, so choose the one closest to where you sleep. From Canal Park, that's the DECC.
Booking tips
Lots of runners book for next year right after the race. Rooms can also open up in April, since the bib transfer deadline is May 1. Book early, and if you're coming with family or a running group, a condo with a kitchen makes the pasta dinner and race morning breakfast easy.
Don't miss
First time finishing? Ring the First Time Finisher Bell, or grab a photo with the PR Pan, near the family meeting area in Canal Park.
Quick questions
When is Grandma's Marathon 2027?
Saturday, June 19, 2027, in Duluth. The race finishes in Canal Park.
Where should I stay for Grandma's Marathon?
Canal Park puts you within walking distance of the finish and the DECC bus loading site, so you don't need to park on race day.
How do runners get to the start?
Only by official bus or the North Shore Scenic Railroad. You choose your loading site by email in early May.
More ideas: Our full Grandma's Marathon guide
