Wondering where the best spots are to cheer on runners during Grandma’s Marathon? No sweat! We’ve mapped out the best locations along the route in Duluth to show your support – and have some fun while you’re at it.
LOCATION 1: McQuade Harbor (5105 Congdon Blvd, Duluth)
Half marathon – Mile 1
First Runners Expected: 6:05 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 6:30 a.m.
Full marathon – Mile 13
First Wheelers Expected: 8:20 a.m.
First Runners Expected: 8:50 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 11:45 a.m.
Tips & Tricks:
- Best for early risers.
- Easy to get to and lots of parking.
- Snack situation: Pack your own!
- What to watch for:
- A Lake Superior sunrise
LOCATION 2: Lakeside Neighborhood (Along London Road)
Half marathon – Mile 6-8
First Runners Expected: 6:30 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 7:45 a.m.
Full marathon – Mile 19
First Wheelers Expected: 8:40 a.m.
First Runners Expected: 9:20 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 1:15 p.m.
Tips & Tricks:
- This is where the party begins! There’s fun along this entire stretch of London Road.
- Park above London Road and Superior Street for a nice walk down to the racecourse.
- Snack situation: Stop at Amity Coffee for a pastry and some caffeine (4429 E Superior Street).
- What to watch for:
- Free bacon!
- Lots of yard parties
- Bands and performances
- More than 200 trolls along the “Troll Mile“
- Plenty of cute dogs!
LOCATION 3: Downtown Duluth (Along Superior Street)
Half marathon – Mile 10-12
First Runners Expected: 6:50 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 8:45 a.m.
Full marathon – Mile 24-25
First Wheelers Expected: 8:50 a.m.
First Runners Expected: 9:40 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 2:15 p.m.
Tips & Tricks
- Best for those who want to catch runners twice! Downtown offers an easy walk to Canal Park and the finish line.
- Park up above 1st Street for an easy walk or take advantage of public transportation. Be sure to use the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) Trip Planner to plan your weekend activities.
- The recently constructed Minnesota Power Plaza offers a fun and comfortable viewing location on the corner of Lake Ave and Superior Street. Especially great for families spectating with kids (because, swings).
- Snack situation: So many options! Check websites and social media for hours and race-day specials.
- What to watch for:
- Bands and performances
- Live DJs
- Watch parties and cheer stations at local businesses
LOCATION 4: Canal Park
Half marathon – Mile 12- Finish
First Runners Expected: 7:00 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 9:15 a.m.
Full marathon – Mile 25- Finish
First Wheelers Expected: 9:00 a.m.
First Runners Expected: 9:50 a.m.
Last Runners Expected: 3:00 p.m.
Tips & Tricks:
- Best for those who want to be there for the emotional and exciting finish line!
- Park up above 1st Street in downtown for an easy walk or take advantage of public transportation. Be sure to use the DTA Trip Planner to plan your weekend activities. (Note that race participants can ride the DTA for free on race day by showing their official race bib.)
- Take a break from the excitement with a short (or long) stroll on the Lakewalk.
- Snack situation: So many options! Check websites and social media for hours and race-day specials.
- Canal Park Brewing
- Chachos Taqueria
- DECC (Hosting an official Bacon & Bloodies Race Viewing Party)
- Grandma’s Saloon & Grill
- Hoops Brewing
- Hepzibah’s Sweet Shoppe
- Lake Ave
- Northern Waters Smokehaus
- Vikre Distillery
- Vitta Pizza
- What to watch for:
- Triumphant finishes!
- Live music at Rock the Bayfront in Bayfront Festival Park
BONUS LOCATION! By Train via the North Shore Scenic Railroad
- Departs The St. Louis County Depot at 5:45 a.m. and returns to Duluth at 9 a.m.
- The train arrives to the starting line in time to find your favorite runner and watch the start of the race.
- The train parallels the course and keeps pace with the lead runners for the first few miles, before heading back to Duluth in time for the first marathoners to cross the finish line in Canal Park.
- Ticket includes train ride, breakfast, snacks, Bloody Mary/mimosa bar and Grandma’s souvenir pack.
- Buy tickets at duluthtrains.com
Visit Grandma’s Marathon website for more information and other resources. Good luck, runners, and happy viewing, spectators!