DULUTH — Perhaps you aren’t ready or have no desire to run a marathon or half-marathon. But you still want to be part of the Duluth tradition that is Grandma’s Marathon. Luckily, the 48th annual marathon on June 21, 2024, from Two Harbors to Duluth’s Canal Park, has many spots along the route to watch and cheer on the thousands of runners.
Greg Haapala, race director, said the early portion of the race along North Shore Scenic Drive is best for runners as they enjoy a quiet opportunity to run along Lake Superior, but once runners cross the Lester River bridge from there to Canal Park, there are many great locations to cheer from. “As beautiful as the shore is, it's not great for spectating,” Haapala said. “It's hard to get your vehicle up there, watch runners in a safe way and then get back to meet them at the finish line.
So we really recommend London Road where you can park a few blocks off the race course and walk down to support.” Zach Schneider, marketing and public relations director and lifelong Duluthian, agreed, adding that Lemon Drop Hill, near the intersection of London Road and 26th Avenue East, is another great and iconic spot to view the race. ADVERTISEMENT “This isn’t a race that you should sit in one place the entire 4-5 hours you are out there,” Schneider said.
“Walk up and down the race course. Even if you go a mile or two in one direction, you are going to find different things that make Grandma’s Marathon what it is. Cheer on the .
