How to get into the Grandma's Marathon 2027.

All 4 ways into the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, with the ballot dates.

Ways in

There are 4 ways into the Grandma's Marathon, each with what it involves and, where we have it, the organizer's own detail.

  1. 01

    First come, first served

    Entry opens on a set date and closes when the field is full.

    At this race: In-person race registration for the Whipper Snapper Races is offered on race day, 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

  2. 02

    Ballot

    Apply while the ballot is open. Places are then drawn at random from everyone who applied, and those drawn are invited to pay the entry fee.

    At this race: Entries are drawn at random from everyone who applies.

  3. 03

    Charity place

    Take a place from a partner charity and commit to raising a minimum amount for it. Charities usually ask you to apply and choose their runners.

    At this race: Early Sign Up – YAF Charity

  4. 04

    Other

    Another route the organizer offers.

    At this race: Registration

Ballot dates

The ballot for the 2027 race, as the organizer announced it.

Next: ballot closes

Fri, 14 May 2027

  1. Ballot opens

    15 Sep 2026

  2. Ballot closes

    14 May 2027

  3. Draw

    TBA

  4. Results

    TBA

Charity places and tours

Both are guaranteed places. A charity place asks you to raise a minimum amount; a tour package bundles entry with travel and a hotel.

Charity places

  • Animal Allies Humane Society

    Fundraising target on request

  • Chicago Area Runners Association

    Fundraising target on request

  • Foster Hope Scholarship Fund

    Fundraising target on request

  • Great Lakes Aquarium

    Fundraising target on request

  • Head of the Lakes United Way

    Fundraising target on request

  • March of Dimes

    Fundraising target on request

  • Members Cooperative Credit Union Foundation

    Fundraising target on request

  • Mentor North

    Fundraising target on request

  • Mission 22

    Fundraising target on request

  • PAVSA

    Fundraising target on request

  • Racing for Sustainability

    Fundraising target on request

  • Road Runners Club of America, Inc.

    Fundraising target on request

  • Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center

    Fundraising target on request

  • Young Athletes Foundation

    Fundraising target on request

    Apply
  • Young Athletes Foundation (YAF)

    Fundraising target on request

FAQ

When does the Grandma's Marathon ballot open?
The ballot for the 2027 race is open now and closes on 14 May 2027.
Can I get into the Grandma's Marathon without the ballot?
Yes. Besides the ballot there are 3 other ways in. First come, first served: In-person race registration for the Whipper Snapper Races is offered on race day, 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Charity place: Early Sign Up – YAF Charity. Other: Registration.

Looking for other ballots? See every ballot opening soon.

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