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Duluth, Minnesota·Marathon & Half· Third Saturday of June

Grandma's Marathon Weather & What to Wear

Point-to-point along Lake Superior into Duluth. The lake keeps it cool most years and occasionally fogs the whole course in.

By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.

The quick answer

Plan for about 59°F (15°C) at the 08:00 start, feeling like 58°F (14°C), with 83% humidity and 5 mph wind, warming to roughly 66°F (19°C) by the finish. It rained on 5 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Short Sleeve Tech Shirt, Running Shorts, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket.

Average start

59°F (15°C)

Average finish

66°F (19°C)

Rain days

5 of 10 years

Start range

50° to 65°F

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Race-day weather, 2016 to 2025

Conditions at the 08:00 start on the race's usual date each year (third Saturday of June). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.

YearStart tempFeels likeFinishHumidityWindRainSky
202562°F (17°C)65°F79°F100%3 mph0.95 inOvercast
202455°F (13°C)53°F64°F85%5 mph0.24 inOvercast
202359°F (15°C)59°F68°F80%2 mph–Clear
202255°F (13°C)50°F60°F67%9 mph0.09 inMostly clear
202162°F (17°C)60°F64°F72%6 mph–Clear
202060°F (16°C)58°F65°F71%5 mph–Mostly clear
201950°F (10°C)45°F54°F81%9 mph–Clear
201856°F (13°C)55°F64°F97%6 mph0.65 inDrizzle
201765°F (18°C)66°F72°F77%3 mph0.28 inMostly clear
201664°F (18°C)67°F69°F97%3 mph–Overcast

Coldest start: 50°F (10°C) in 2019. Warmest: 65°F (18°C) in 2017. Wettest: 0.95 in in 2025.

What to wear for a typical Grandma's

Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.

Upper body

  • essential

    Short Sleeve Tech Shirt

    Breathable running tee

  • essential

    Waterproof Jacket

    Breathable rain protection

Lower body

  • essential

    Running Shorts

    Lightweight with built-in brief

Accessories

  • essential

    Running Cap

    Keep rain out of eyes

Footwear

  • recommended

    Trail or Waterproof Shoes

    Better grip and water resistance

Race-day tips for the Grandma's

  • •This is near-ideal racing weather. Dress as if it were 15°F warmer than the start temperature and resist the urge to add a layer.
  • •Humidity here is high. Sweat will not evaporate well, so wear the lightest, most open fabric you own and apply anti-chafe balm generously.
  • •It has rained on 5 of the last 10 race days. Pack a brimmed cap and a disposable poncho for the start, and consider a second pair of socks for the drop bag.
  • •Nothing new on race day: run your long runs in exactly what you plan to race in, including the socks.

Race-day gear picks

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather usually like for the Grandma's Marathon?

Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 59°F (15°C) (feels like 58°F (14°C)) with 83% humidity and 5 mph wind, warming to about 66°F (19°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 5 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 50°F (10°C) in 2019; the warmest was 65°F (18°C) in 2017.

What should I wear for the Grandma's?

For a typical 59°F (15°C) start: Short Sleeve Tech Shirt, Running Shorts, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.

When is the next Grandma's?

The Grandma's Marathon is usually held on third Saturday of June. The next expected date is Saturday, June 19, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.

How accurate is the race-day forecast?

The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.

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