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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
Ballot opens
15 Sep 2026
Ballot closes
14 May 2027
Draw
TBA
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
Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation
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
Fundraising target on request
Road Runners Club of America, Inc.
Fundraising target on request
Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center
Fundraising target on request
- Apply
Young Athletes Foundation
Fundraising target on request
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.