Days
Hours
Min
Sec
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
Named after legendary Olympian and Duluth native Garry Bjorklund, this iconic half marathon is the high-energy opening act of Grandma’s Marathon weekend in Duluth, Minnesota. With roughly 10,000 runners toeing the start line each June, it has grown into one of the largest half marathons in the United States — and one of the most beloved.
The Course
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is a USATF-certified, point-to-point 13.1-mile course that begins north of Duluth along Scenic Highway 61 on the shores of Lake Superior. Runners follow the highway south, hugging the lakeshore with panoramic views of the world’s largest freshwater lake. The route winds through downtown Duluth before delivering runners to the iconic finish line in historic Canal Park. The elevation profile is gently rolling with a net change of just -5 feet, keeping the course accessible for all ability levels. Start corrals open at 5:50 a.m., with citizen waves beginning at 6:00 a.m. and staggered through 6:20 a.m.
Race Day Experience
Race morning begins early with official bus transportation — the only permitted method to reach the start line — departing from multiple locations including the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), Miller Hill Mall, and UMD. At the finish line in Canal Park, runners receive their finisher medal and T-shirt immediately after crossing. Recovery amenities include water, sports drinks, and a gear bag pickup area. The ASICS Results Tent in Bayfront Festival Park hosts finish line photo opportunities, age division awards, and the popular PR Pan and First-Time Finisher Bell from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A tearaway bib tag can be redeemed for a free beverage at Bayfront Festival Park. Pace groups are available from 1:30 to 2:45.
Why Run the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon?
This race carries the legacy of a hometown Olympian and is part of one of the most celebrated marathon weekends in the Midwest. The Lake Superior shoreline scenery is unmatched, and the electric atmosphere of 10,000 runners gives the event a major-race feel with a community spirit that keeps runners coming back year after year. The course is also fast enough to chase a personal best — in 2023, four participants used the race as part of their qualifying journey for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Pace groups running from 1:30 to 2:45 make it a strong choice for runners chasing time goals.
Travel & Logistics
Duluth is approximately 150 miles north of Minneapolis and accessible via I-35. Fly into Duluth International Airport (DLH) or Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and rent a car. Race weekend hotel rooms sell out quickly — book as early as October when registration opens. The Canal Park and downtown Duluth areas offer a wide range of hotels, inns, and vacation rentals within walking distance of the finish line. The Duluth Transit Authority offers free rides on race day with your race bib.
How to Register
Registration opens at 7:00 p.m. CT on October 1 each year and sells out fast. Sign up early at the official Grandma’s Marathon website to secure the lowest entry fee and your preferred corral placement.
Check out our race catalog for more exciting races.
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
Named after legendary Olympian and Duluth native Garry Bjorklund, this iconic half marathon is the high-energy opening act of Grandma’s Marathon weekend in Duluth, Minnesota. With roughly 10,000 runners toeing the start line each June, it has grown into one of the largest half marathons in the United States — and one of the most beloved.
The Course
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is a USATF-certified, point-to-point 13.1-mile course that begins north of Duluth along Scenic Highway 61 on the shores of Lake Superior. Runners follow the highway south, hugging the lakeshore with panoramic views of the world’s largest freshwater lake. The route winds through downtown Duluth before delivering runners to the iconic finish line in historic Canal Park. The elevation profile is gently rolling with a net change of just -5 feet, keeping the course accessible for all ability levels. Start corrals open at 5:50 a.m., with citizen waves beginning at 6:00 a.m. and staggered through 6:20 a.m.
Race Day Experience
Race morning begins early with official bus transportation — the only permitted method to reach the start line — departing from multiple locations including the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), Miller Hill Mall, and UMD. At the finish line in Canal Park, runners receive their finisher medal and T-shirt immediately after crossing. Recovery amenities include water, sports drinks, and a gear bag pickup area. The ASICS Results Tent in Bayfront Festival Park hosts finish line photo opportunities, age division awards, and the popular PR Pan and First-Time Finisher Bell from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A tearaway bib tag can be redeemed for a free beverage at Bayfront Festival Park. Pace groups are available from 1:30 to 2:45.
Why Run the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon?
This race carries the legacy of a hometown Olympian and is part of one of the most celebrated marathon weekends in the Midwest. The Lake Superior shoreline scenery is unmatched, and the electric atmosphere of 10,000 runners gives the event a major-race feel with a community spirit that keeps runners coming back year after year. The course is also fast enough to chase a personal best — in 2023, four participants used the race as part of their qualifying journey for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Pace groups running from 1:30 to 2:45 make it a strong choice for runners chasing time goals.
Travel & Logistics
Duluth is approximately 150 miles north of Minneapolis and accessible via I-35. Fly into Duluth International Airport (DLH) or Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and rent a car. Race weekend hotel rooms sell out quickly — book as early as October when registration opens. The Canal Park and downtown Duluth areas offer a wide range of hotels, inns, and vacation rentals within walking distance of the finish line. The Duluth Transit Authority offers free rides on race day with your race bib.
How to Register
Registration opens at 7:00 p.m. CT on October 1 each year and sells out fast. Sign up early at the official Grandma’s Marathon website to secure the lowest entry fee and your preferred corral placement.
Check out our race catalog for more exciting races.