Grandma's Marathon is on, but only for half of racers

DULUTH – Grandma's Marathon organizers are gearing up for races this June, but the event will be capped at 10,000 participants — half of its capacity.

"Current state guidelines don't allow for even close to our current half-capacity limit, so we are operating in a gray area in which we don't know what June 2021 holds for us," said Shane Bauer, Grandma's Marathon's executive director.

"Because of that, we feel it's important to narrow our focus now on a defined participant number that allows us to fine tune our modified plan, giving Grandma's Marathon the best chance of holding an in-person event as safely as possible," he said.

The country's 12th-largest marathon typically brings 20,000 participants and thousands of other visitors to Duluth each year. It was canceled for the first time in the race's 44-year history last year because of COVID-19.

Registration for Grandma's Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and the William A. Irvin 5K have filled up, but race organizers suggest those seeking a spot at the June 17-19 event contact one of their charity partners, who may have limited in-person entries remaining. Those registered can also transfer their entry to another runner for a fee using an online portal.

Runners can also sign up for virtual races with the option to race in competitive, recreational and incremental divisions.

Katie Galioto • 612-673-4478