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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

It's here! Our annual list of the year's
best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

2026 IS HERE!



Grandmas Marathon

Duluth, MN
Saturday, June 19, 2027


  4.5 Stars from 26 Reviews
Top 50 Best Boston Qualifying Marathon for 2026

Course Description

Grandma’s Marathon features a fast, scenic, point-to-point course that is favored by runners chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time or PR in a late spring race. The route is known for its fast, net downhill profile, presenting a gentle overall descent of approximately 130 feet from start to finish. Despite its reputation for speed, the course is not entirely flat, throwing a mix of gentle rolls and late race inclines at participants.

The entire 26.2 mile race is run on paved road surfaces, primarily following the asphalt of Scenic Highway 61. The course begins in the small lakeside town of Two Harbors and traces the North Shore south directly into Duluth, keeping Lake Superior visible on the runner's left for the parts of the race. Because it is a point-to-point course along the coastline, runners rely on a morning shuttle bus to reach the start line, and the route is heavily exposed to changing lakeside weather, including varying winds and rising mid-June temperatures.

The opening eight miles provide a gradual descent that can deceptively tempt runners into a pace that is too fast. The middle section, from miles 9 to 16, shifts inland through small lakeside communities where the terrain transitions into a series of undulating, rolling hills. The defining challenge of the course arrives late at mile 22 with Lemon Drop Hill - a short but demanding climb of about 30 vertical feet that tests fatigued legs. Aid stations are heavily supported and spaced every two miles early on, becoming even more frequent past the midpoint. While the early rural miles offer quiet pockets, the final leg features dense, enthusiastic crowd support as runners enter the city of Duluth, finishing in Canal Park near the historic Aerial Lift Bridge.

A successful pacing strategy requires strict discipline over the first half of the race, consciously holding back on the early downhills to protect the quadriceps from cumulative fatigue. Runners who overextend early often find their goals falling apart when confronting the mid-course rollers or the incline at Lemon Drop Hill.

Learn more about the perfect pacing strategy for the Grandma's Marathon - Grandma's Marathon: Course Analysis and Pacing Strategy Guide


June Other Marathons in June Other Marathons in Minnesota Marathons near Duluth, MN



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Saturday, June 19, 2027
2026: Saturday, June 20, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 61°F (16°C)
Average High: 72°F (22°C)
Average Low: 49° F (9°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.00
Course Score: 99.12

Race Size

2026: 9,602 Finishers
2025: 7,542 Finishers
2024: 7,456 Finishers
2023: 6,686 Finishers
2022: 5,954 Finishers
2021: 2,774 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 10%
2025: 11.5%
2024: 16.4%
2023: 19.8%
2022: 17.3%
2021: 17.7%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 16 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 67°F  (19°C)
Low: 51°F  (11°C)

Race Start Conditions

58°F  (14°C)
Humidity: 84%

Clear
E 8 mph

PR Score

97.53

Course Score

99.28






Grandmas Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Grandmas Marathon was the 11th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 10th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 10% of Grandmas Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 11.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Grandmas Marathon ranked 113th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 81st so far in 2026. In Minnesota, it ranked 3rd in 2025 and 3rd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Grandmas Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Grandmas Marathon has a Course Score of 99.12, ranking it as the 198th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Minnesota.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Grandmas Marathon a PR Score of 98.00. The PR Score ranks the Grandmas Marathon as the 284th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 7th best marathon for a PR in Minnesota.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Grandmas Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Minnesota for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Grandmas Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed198th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Minnesota
Top 43% Nationally#4 of 7 in Minnesota
PR Potential284th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 7th best marathon for a PR in Minnesota
Top 62% Nationally#7 of 7 in Minnesota
Boston Qualifier Rate113th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd highest BQ percentage in Minnesota
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 24% Nationally#3 of 8 in Minnesota
Race Size11th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 1st largest marathon in Minnesota
Based on 2025 results
Top 2% Nationally#1 of 9 in Minnesota

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 737 feet (224m)
Min Elevation: 605 feet (184m)

Elevation Gain: 557 feet (169m)
Elevation Loss: 685 feet (208m)


Grandmas

Course updated 05/13/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Grandmas Marathon

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Race Reviews


4.5
Based on 26 reviews
Write Your Own Review

They've been around 50 years for a reason.

Full Review:

From registration to the expo to the shuttles to the race itself - Grandma's knows how to put on a marathon!

Race Tips:

Be ready to commit and register on the day registration opens. Weekly emails full of information starting about 5 weeks out help a lot, but only if you read them. On race day, arrive at your shuttle pickup location 30 minutes earlier than suggested to eliminate race morning stress. Porta pottie lines are long, but there are plenty of them, so it moves fairly quickly. On the course itself, there are large helium balloons marking each mile that can be seen from a distance. Use those to set your next short goal - I've just got to make it to that next balloon!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I stayed at the Hampton Inn at Miller Hill Mall and caught the race morning shuttle there. There is initially a 3 night minimum stay requirement, but eventually they lowered it to 2 nights. It was worth the exorbitant price they charged. Race morning meant only a quick one mile hop to the shuttle pickup. I've previously stayed about 50 miles north, and it was okay when I ran the half marathon, but if you're running the full, I'd stay in the Duluth area somewhere. Online registration will say the hotels are sold out. You'll need to call them directly.
Reviewed by B Lat About 2026

Hotel class

Full Review:

I liked everything about the organization of Grandma's marathon. It was a great race. My only complaint is the price gouging by local hotels. The one I stayed at charged 3 times their normal amount.

I believe they should be looked at for price gouging.

Race Tips:

Start.
As far back as possible clock doesn't start till you crossed the start line

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Really research your hotel and how much they are gouging. You the day before and race day
Reviewed by Dominic Piacentini About 2025

Breathtaking scenery, 2025

Full Review:

This is a well organized marathon, the community, volunteers are all so friendly and helpful. Although hotels are pricey the course, crowds and scenery are so worth it!

Race Tips:

First 16 are rolling hills, Mile 22 hill is going up an over pass.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Staying by Miller Mall was the best for me and my family.
Reviewed by Olivia About 2025

Great crowd support

Full Review:

It's flat and fast, but humidity can be an issue. The finish had a number of false summits, and should be moved to improve the sightline. They used an ungodly number of paper cups, but offered no gu, which meant bring your own. I paid $400 for one of the few Motel 6 rooms available so I could be near the event - which is extortion. I'm one and done for this race. Minneapolis/Medtronic was way better.
Reviewed by mk About 2025

The best views ever!

Full Review:

What can I say about Grandma's that hasn't been said? It's iconic. Small city feel with big city experience. I've run 45 marathons. Grandma's was my first marathon (lucky me!) and is still is my favorite. Highlights: the Air Force flyover, the views all along Lake Superior, the entertainment that comes back year after year, the finish in Canal Park. It is so well organized with details that aren't seen in many other marathons: the baloons that mark the miles, sponges and ice at the aid stations (important in Climate Change heat), and the best volunteers ever. I have always felt taken care of. The finish line in Canal Park is a party! As a back-of-the-pack runner, the all-day crowd at the finish line gives us slower runners the boost we so need. As long as I can run marathons, I will run Grandma's.

Race Tips:

The start line waiting area is a car dealership. Seating is the parking lot or on wet grass. Bring something to sit on. This is northern Minnesota, it can be cold (although not as cold as it used to be twenty years ago), so have some throw-away clothes. Porta potty lines are long (when aren't they?) but there are plenty and several along the route, especially at the halfway point where the half marathon is staged. No waiting at all!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hotels start booking the day after the marathon for the next year and very expensive during marathon weekend. There is lodging at local campuses. There are bus pickups (and returns) in several locations the morning of the marathon.
Reviewed by C. Lee Deuser About 2025

The organizers might be overwhelmed

Full Review:

Just did the 2024 one. The marathon is nice as expected. But the logistics is pretty bad. I arrived at bus pick up site 5:45, it is a 45 minutes wait in the rain, arrived at starting line 2 minutes before the race. And only can start at the last corral. Another thing is Gear check pick up. Long line in the wind and rain. The worst part of the race is all my gear checked cloth is wet…

Race Tips:

Book hotel early.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

More bus and planning well for gear check
Reviewed by Han Zhang About 2024

Very Disappointing - did not live up to its hype

Full Review:

The course was nice. The locals enthusiastically supported the marathon. However, the logistics were very bad. Waiting for the busses to take you to the start was a 40-minute wait. Gear check was horrible. My entire bag was wet, they had the bags sitting in puddles of water and did not even adjust them, so the opening was out of the water. The hotels are insanely expensive. I spent 3 afternoons in October calling hotels only to find the requirement was for 3-night minimum stay at a cost of $579 (not including taxes) per night. It appeared that they spent more time thinking about how to be "green" then they spent thinking about the runners.

Race Tips:

Find another marathon.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Find a friend who has a summer home/ cottage in the area.
Reviewed by Craig About 2024

Great marathon with a couple drawbacks

Full Review:

It was a great course with lots of crowd support.Weather was great in 2023.Volunteers and after marathon was nice.A bit of walking to get to the celebration area.Two things prevent me from giving 5 stars.Serious lack of porta potty for such a large marathon.Please be aware of the hotel price gouging for marathon weekend.Your paying incredibly high prices for basic accommodations if you can find them

Race Tips:

Slightly downhill or flat.One slight hill at 22 barely noticed.Slight hill just created a fast gradual incline to finish.Negative splits for me

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hotel and motel sale out quickly and they are charging twice what they are worth.If your traveling solo consider staying at Two Harbours but still very pricey
Reviewed by HB About 2023

Amazing views ands support

Full Review:

Great race organization, beautiful course with mix of lake views and running in town. Mostly flat and just enough elevation to keep it interesting. Nice medal and finisher shirt. Good after party.

Race Tips:

The lemon drop hill isn't bad at all! Although known to be somewhat warm and humid 2022 ended up with great weather. Bus ride takes about 30 minutes to start line. Rolling start.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book hotel as soon as registering or even before. Hotels are expensive, Dorm room options open up around February, which is cheaper.
Reviewed by KB About 2022

Well organized and great crowd support

Full Review:

Very well organized race. Great crowd support from the small towns on the way into Duluth. Weather was great, cloudy and cool. Lemon Drop Hill at Mile 22 can be challenging, only if you don't prepare for it.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book hotels very early, they fill up fast!
Reviewed by DF About 2018

Well organized race with great support

Full Review:

Well organized race with great support. With favorable weather this is fast.

Race Tips:

The train ride up to the start was nice. Long wait for portapotties.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Get hotel reservations early.
Reviewed by TEM About 2018

Well organized, coordinated marathon

Full Review:

This is just about the most well organized, coordinated marathon I have ever had the pleasure to run. Loved the easy packet pick up, great pre-race dinner, easy transportation to the start, beautiful scenery along Lake Superior and one of the most fabulous finish line parties. Not only was Grandmas team of volunteers organized, they were the most welcoming helpful and friendly group that wanted nothing more than everyone to have fun and be happy. Well done!

Race Tips:

This course is rolling - some slight graded, long inclines, but nothing too steep or intimidating. A "hill" at mile 22 seems bigger than it is by the simple fact that it comes at the end. Even pacing would work well here. Expect any kind of weather for Duluth. It was supposed to be 65 and rain and the sun arrived full force on mile 9 and temperatures hovered in mid-70's. It had been 90's the previous days and I've read that it has been close to freezing on other years.This is a course with little to no shade if there is full sun.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We stayed at a hotel near the finish line, but if you drive in for your packet pick up, there were lines of cars the afternoon before the race to get to the convention center.

There are several hotels near the finish line and all are very walkable. Book early, it all fills up! The spaghetti dinner hosted by Grandmas was delicious.
Reviewed by SBC About 2017

The course is flat and very fast

Full Review:

It runs along beautiful Lake Superior. The course is flat and very fast. It's in mid-June which is a beautiful time of year for Duluth, MN. Also it's on a Saturday which makes for great post-race parties!

Race Tips:

2017 was mostly 70 and sunny, which is kind of warm for a marathon. 2016 was HOT: 90s and humid. Tip: train in warmer conditions and mentally prepare for the worst.
Reviewed by JDN About 2017

You can't beat the views

Full Review:

Loved the marathon! Coming from South Florida I found the hills a little challenging but that was my problem. The weather and the people were amazing. You can't beat the views on the course of Lake Superior.

Race Tips:

Take the train to the start. There are plenty of seats and bathrooms on the train. Worth getting up early to catch.
Reviewed by JB About 2017

Beautiful course, well organized.

Full Review:

Rolling hills, not "flat" as advertised. The starting area doesn't have much cover, so you want to make sure to bring enough to keep warm prior to the start. The bag drop is well placed very near the start corral, so it's easy to strip down just before you enter.

Race Tips:

It is a point-to-point, so have to get up early to catch the shuttle. Highly recommend staying a one of the hotels a shuttle picks up from.
Reviewed by JJ About 2017

Full Review:

The race course is just beautiful! How can you beat the view of Lake Superior!

Race Tips:

Get hotel and race bib early! Race fills up fast.
Reviewed by HW About 2016

Full Review:

Reviewed by SC About 2016

Full Review:

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2016

Full Review:

Lake Superior view during all of the race!!!

Race Tips:

Great Community Support! !!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hotels are booked 1 year in advance.
Reviewed by Mark Snell About 2016

Full Review:

Reviewed by SW About 2016

Save energy for Lemon Drop Hill

Full Review:

The course is very scenic, mostly flat. The race is extremely well organized. Friendly people line the course to cheer on the runners, many providing water, coffee, snacks, and stay until the last runners cross the finish.

Race Tips:

Save energy for Lemon Drop Hill (mile 22). Many runners hit a wall at that point of the race.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book hotel very early, even before registration opens. It is difficult to get rooms marathon weekend. Look for cabins in Two Harbors if you want to be close to the start.
Reviewed by Callie About 2016

Full Review:

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2014

Full Review:

Loved the small town feel, the setting is second to none running along Lake Superior. Cool temps, sunny, great crowds. Best marathon I've ever run.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2014

Full Review:

Best medical and support for its size town.

Race Tips:

At your pace-refresh frequently and enjoy the scenery.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Reserve early-canal park congested so make specific hook up plans post race-
Reviewed by Herb Dillon About 2014

Full Review:

Very well organized. Loved how they had the mile markers very visible with super high balloons. Beautiful course! It's not a flat course, but it is a fast course.

Race Tips:

It's not a flat course, but it is a fast course. Several inclines but the declines that follow make up for it.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book your hotel early!!! It's very expensive to fly into Duluth and stay there, so plan ahead or consider flying into Minneapolis.
Reviewed by tp About 2014

North Shore

Full Review:

Great location, great support, beautiful course, flat and fast, great finish line

Race Tips:

Pretty flat

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Make your lodging accommodations well in advance. Stay in Two Harbors at the start
Reviewed by MHT About 2011