The 41st Annual Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth

It seems like there is always something fun and interesting going on during the summer months in Duluth.  Whether it’s picking a new trail and exploring it, heading up to the mountains for their summer Adventure Parks and glorious views, making the rounds at Duluth’s latest breweries of favorite staples, or hitting the beach to soak up some sun, there’s no shortage of things to do in Duluth.  This June, it gets even better with the 41st annual running of the Grandma’s Marathon, and the subsequent weekend of fun that follows.  When you’re looking for a place to rest those tired legs after the races, look no further than the luxurious A.G. Thomson House bed and breakfast.  We are the best choice for lodging in all of Duluth.  Book your stay with us today.

Grandma’s Marathon Duluth

The Grandma’s Marathon series–named for its first big sponsor Grandma’s Restaurant–began in 1977 with a scenic road race from Two Harbors to Duluth.  Today, the 41st annual Grandma’s Marathon Weekend races kick off on June 16, 2017, with the larger races being run on June 17.  There are three races that weekend, which include of course the marathon itself, the Gary Bjorklund half marathon, and the William A. Irvin 5K race.  In total, more than 20,000 athletes descend on Duluth for the weekend of Grandma’s Marathon.  In fact, last year, 39 countries and all 50 states were represented in the weekend races.  To put it lightly, the event is a huge draw for the area.  There’s an official guide for the weekend’s festivities, but here are a few of the highlights you won’t want to miss:

• Essentia Health & Fitness Expo at the DECC
• 2017’s Rock the Big Top, which includes a kick-off party on Friday with Everclear “So Much for the Afterglow 20th Anniversary Tour.”  On Saturday, enjoy the post-race celebration featuring country rock group, The Shalo Lee Band, and Rhino, a high energy band playing and array of modern, alternative, 80’s and classic rock with twists of country. Saturday’s evening headliner is rock tribute band, Snake Oil.
• An All-you-can-eat Spaghetti Dinner to help runners “carb up,” a Grandma’s Marathon tradition since 1977.

Being a spectator throughout this exciting weekend is half the fun of Grandma’s Marathon Weekend.  In fact, you can watch the race in style, with the Grandma’s Marathon Viewing Train, provided by the North Shore Scenic Railroad.  Here, you’ll enjoy breakfast as you watch the start of the race, and will pace along the race for 5 miles, ultimately reaching the finish line where you can greet the first finishers of the race.  It’s by far the best way to see the race and cheer on your runner–or all of the runners as the case may be.  Make sure you book your tickets in advance–the viewing train is incredibly popular!

After the race, runners and their families will be ready to unwind and relax.  There’s no place better than the luxurious accommodations at the A.G. Thomson House Bed and breakfast.  All of our rooms are luxuriously appointed, and most of them include a whirlpool tub; perfect for those aching feet and muscles!  Book your stay at our Duluth Bed and Breakfast today, and get ready to enjoy the best of Duluth during Grandma’s Marathon.  Don’t forget to plan ahead and make your reservations for next year, as well.