37 running, walking, fun run, and other events in Duluth, Minnesota

Distance + Style

Race distance varies week to week. Usually 4k to 6k distance. Race technique will vary between Classic and Skate from week to week, depending on snow conditions and weather.

​This year, DXC will again offer two classes at each race: Recreational and Competitive. The Recreational class will generally be a bit shorter (usually 3 to 4 kilometers instead of 4 to 6 kilometers), but will otherwise be the same format. Racers may switch between categories throughout the season, and may earn points in either or both.

​When

Wednesday 6:30PM

Racing will begin as soon as we have snow, and will continue each Wednesday until February 21, 2024, dependent on snow conditions. Later Wednesdays in March may be used as “make-up” days for races canceled due to snow conditions, cold weather, etc.

​Where

Race venues will rotate each week, with Spirit Mountain Nordic Center, Lester Park and Snowflake being the primary locations. Will will update this list as the schedule grows!

Nordic North Stars - Winter 2026

Developing young athletes through fitness and fun. This is our 13th season of Nordic North Stars. Monday Winter 2026 sessions start January 12th and goes until the snow is gone, usually around mid-March. Wednesday sessions start on January 14th. Mondays - Ages 7 to 14 years old and Wednesdays - Ages 10 to 14 years old. More information and minimum requirements can be found on our website: www.nordicnorthstars.com

If you have a question about age and ability, please contact us.

Dates

Friday, February 20, 2026 - KORTE BUS DETAILS

• We have chartered a 29-passenger coach to depart from the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) at roughly 6:30 AM (arriving at the start at OO at roughly 8:00 AM) and return to the DECC around 6:00 PM in the afternoon (leaving Hayward at roughly 4:30 PM).​

• NOTE: the departure time in Hayward is somewhat flexible – if you have concerns or would like to see that time shifted, please let us know and we may be able to adjust things.

• ​The Korte bus has permission to park very close to the start, so skiers can wait on the bus, if they want to, until their designated wave time. After the race, the bus will pick skiers up near where the other buses shuttle people to the parking lots.

Saturday, February 21, 2026 - BIRKIE BUS DETAILS

• We have chartered TWO 55-passenger buses to depart from the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC).

• Busses will depart at roughly 4:45 AM and 6:00 AM (arriving at the start in Cable at roughly 6:30 AM and 7:45 AM) and return to the DECC in the afternoon around 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM (leaving Hayward at roughly 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM – this time can be adjusted if all riders agree, so please make sure to answer the "expected finish time" question during the registration process).​

• The Birkie Bus has permission to park in a lot that's located 400m (according to the Birkie folks!) from the start, so skiers may wait on board the nice warm bus until their designated wave start time. There's a bathroom on board the bus (PRICELESS BIFFY LINE ALTERNATIVE). After the race, the bus will pick skiers up in Hayward near where the other buses shuttle people to the parking lots.

Pick up/ Drop-off

• The Buses will pick skiers up at the DECC; $10 all-day DECC parking will be available. Specific info will be emailed to you before the race, after registration.

Cost

• Registration is open to all DXC members, at a cost of $45, use code DXCMEMBER26. Folks who are not yet DXC members can register for the bus for $70, OR you can just get your DXC membership first (You control the membership level/cost), and then complete your Bus to the Birkie registration. Your choice! The discount code at checkout is DXCMEMBER26 for DXC Members.

• Both skiers and those cheering are welcome to register – we just want to fill the buses. First come, first served!

Additional Info

• If you make arrangements to take someone else’s place on the bus who won’t be using it, no problem – just let us know so we can update our list to reflect who will be riding with us. If you don’t think you will finish the race in time to catch the bus home, you are free to register and take advantage of the bus ride to the start, but will need to make other arrangements for your trip home. Again, please keep us posted if this is your plan.

• Money will be returned if the race or bus must be cancelled due to weather. Otherwise, we are unable to offer refunds if you choose not to ride.

Are you signed up for your first 1/2 marathon and don't know where to start? Or are you just getting back into running and need some additional guidance? Or just looking for a group and coach to help keep you accountable? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this training program is for you!

Tortoise & Hare Footwear's RRCA Level 1 Certified Coach Sarah Koehn will lead a 16-week training program starting March 1st with an end date of the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon on June 20th. Note: while the Gary Bjorklund race is the end goal for this training group, Coach Sarah can help scale your plan for different spring races.

Here is what to expect:

Runs:

• 4 runs per week: shorter runs Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; long run on Saturdays.

• Saturday long runs are encouraged in-person. The location of the run is TBD. We will decide a meet-up spot on during our first informational meeting on Sunday, March 1st. Runs will be led by Coach Sarah.

Communications:

• You'll have access to an exclusive training program group chat on the messaging platform Heylo. You will have direct access to Coach Sarah via this messaging platform.

• You will receive a minimum of two-to-three weekly messages from Coach Sarah.

Initial Kick-Off Party:

• The March 1st kick-off will be a meeting with an optional run. We will meet at Tortoise & Hare Footwear at 9 am.

• Coffee, tea, snacks, and giveaways on hand!

Foot Analysis & Discount:

• Take advantage of Tortoise & Hare's advanced foot measuring technology to learn about the best footwear for your feet.

• Receive 20% off one pair of retail priced shoes.

• Receive 10% off on apparel, nutrition, and other running supplies.

Optional Training Shirt:

• Add an exclusive Storm Creek training shirt for this program for just $25 (Retail normally $45-$50).

• Note: This training shirt is pre-order only and not available once the training program begins on March 1st.

• Training shirts will be available for pick-up near the end of March.

Cost:

• $95 (no-shirt option)

• $120 (with training shirt)

Financial Hardship:

• We would like to acknowledge that, while $95/$120 is a slightly lower cost than other training programs, it is still a lot of money. We believe anyone that wants to run should be able to and cost should not be a barrier.

• We are offering scholarship for reduced cost for those who need it. If you would like to participate in this program and do not have the funds to pay, please email [email protected] and we will assess your situation and see if and how we can help you participate! Note: Coach Sarah and the team will carefully assess your situation and may ask additional questions to make sure scholarship funds are being properly allocated.

Registration Deadline and More:

• Registration for this program ends on February 28th at 11:59 pm.

• All questions can be directed to the Events Coordinator Sun Chouanard-Nguyen at [email protected].

Join Duluth Running Co. for four long runs (and four parties!) as we build towards Duluth’s premier running event: Grandmas Marathon!

All are welcome to join - whether you’re training for a spring race, doing your first ever long run, or just wanting to get out and stay active!

We'll offer race specific distances for both the full and half marathon on scenic courses throughout Duluth, with coffee, food, and a post-run party after each long run! Hope to see you there.

The 1st Annual Autism Walk Northland MN is a community-centered event created to celebrate, support, and uplift the autism and neurodivergent community. Taking place Sunday, April 26th at the DECC, this walk brings together families, friends, educators, caregivers, and advocates in a space built on acceptance, connection, and understanding.

This event is about more than fundraising. It is about visibility, belonging, and creating a place where every individual feels seen and valued. Participation is free and open to everyone, with opportunities to form teams, raise funds, and directly support programs and resources that stay right here in our local community.

The Autism Walk Northland MN is designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and meaningful. It is a chance to listen, learn, and grow together while celebrating the strength, diversity, and resilience of the families and individuals who make this community so special.

Get ready for the ultimate summer running experience at the Pike Lake Races presented by Cirrus—where the miles are epic, the party is electric, and the lakeside vibes are totally worth it. Whether you’re lining up for your first 5K, gunning for a PR, or getting a solid tune-up for your marathon goals, this event has it all.

Just minutes from Duluth, Pike Lake delivers rolling hills, unbeatable views, and a finish line celebration straight out of your favorite summer memories. Think sunshine, lake breeze, high-fives all around, and a beachfront bash with food, music, and fun to keep the good times rolling.

The Northland 5K for Food Allergy is back for our 4th year for family-friendly, food allergy fun at Endion Station in Duluth, Minnesota!

This 3.1 mile out and back, chip-timed, run/walk will begin and end at Endion Station in Canal Park, Duluth, MN. There will be awards and prize packs for the top male and female finishers!

The Kids' Fun Run (for anyone 12 and under) will begin immediately following the 5K, expected start time will be between 10-10:30am.

There will also be door prizes! After you finish the race, enter your bib number for a chance to win a door prize of your choosing. That’s right—you pick the prize you want to win!

Whether you’re eyeing that gift card, cool gear, or something fun for the family, just drop your number next to the prize you want most. One entry per runner. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony—must be present to win!

Allergy-conscious food/beverages will be enjoyed after the event. Additionally, there will be lawn games, kids activities, allergy-aware business/product info and samples to take home, as well as representation from the Duluth Fire Fighters and EMT staff.

Online registration will be open until the start of the 5K at 9 AM on 5/16/26. This year your registration will include a 5K shirt, embroidered stocking hat OR embroidered baseball cap!

You may also choose the 'No Swag' option during registration which means you will NOT receive a shirt or hat.

Registrations after 5/1/26 will not include any race-day swag.

Registration price will increase to $40 on May 1st, 2026. Register Early!!

DATE: May 16, 2026

START/END LOCATION: Endion Station, 200 Lake Place Drive, Duluth, MN

PACKET PICK-UP: May 15, 2026 at TBD.

Same day registration and packet-pickup begins at 8:00 AM.

RUN/WALK START TIMES: 5K - 9:00AM KIDS' RUN - immediately following 5K (approx. 10AM)

REGISTRATION: $35 - February 1-April 30 $40 - May 1-16**

COURSE DETAILS: 3.1 mile course starting and ending at Endion Station, going northeast on the Lakewalk toward Beacon Pointe and back.

Link to course map: 2026 Northland 5K for Food Allergy Map

*packets may be picked up on race morning, however we encourage picking up the night before if possible.

**registrations received after May 1st are not eligible for shirt or hat.

Please note: The Lakewalk will NOT be closed to the public on race morning. There is potential for congestion to occur on the trail at times. Please keep this in mind as you prepare for race morning. We ask that you please share the trail by being courteous and respectful to those using the trail for non-5K associated activities.

PARKING: The 5K will start and finish at Endion Station in Canal Park. There are many paid parking options available in Canal Park, including:

• N Lake Ave Parking

• Parking between Canal Park Lodge and Canal Park Brewing Company: Parking Lot

• Metered parking along Canal Park Drive

• Northwest Iron Lot

Options for parking and directions to the start/finish area can be found on this map.

The Going Bananas Run is the first-of-its-kind fun run where your speed can raise money for charity. Each racer receives their very own banana suit to run in as you make your way through an exciting Duluth course. You’d better split though, because after 2 minutes we release “The Gorilla.” “The Gorilla” is our inside man; boy, does he love chasing bananas. Those who beat the gorilla to the finish receive a special prize, and money will be donated to a local food shelf. Do you have what it takes to beat “The Gorilla”?

In year 1 we had over 430 bananas, in year 2 we are going for over 1,000!

Please join us as we honor the life and legacy of CSM John S. Werner. A devoted steward of our nation, state, and region, John was deeply committed to the Society’s mission and the well-being of Northland veterans. He worked steadfastly to preserve the storied lineage of our local service members, ensuring their sacrifices remain woven into the fabric of this community. In every endeavor, CSM Werner exemplified the highest ideals of leadership, patriotism, and selfless public service.

LOCATION: The Other Place Bar and Grill Parking lot, 3930 E Calvary Rd

PARKING: Parking is available courtesy of the Voyageur Bus Company located across the street and to the west of the Other Place Bar and Grill

Ceremony: The event will commence with a short ceremony commemorating the legacy of CSM John Werner approximately 8:45 a.m.

Timing: The race will be chip timed by Duluth Timing and Events

Awards/Age Groups: Awards will be presented to the top 3 males and females in the following age groups

• 16 and Under

• 17-30

• 31-45

• 46-60

• 61+

The Whipper Snapper Races are FREE and open to all children 14 years old and under.

All participants receive a finisher medal and a goodie bag after their race.

Date: June 19, 2026

Location: Bayfront Festival Park | Duluth, MN

Age Limit: 14 & Under

Entry Fee: FREE

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

YAF Festival for Kids: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In-Person Race Registration: 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Whipper Snapper Races for Kids:

3:30 p.m. Mascot Races

3:45 p.m. 4 and Under

4:15 p.m. 5-6 year olds

4:40 p.m. 7-8 year olds

4:50 p.m. 9-10 year olds

4:55 p.m. 11-14 year olds

IMPORTANT: Our Whipper Snapper Races for Kids are accessible to our wheelchair and adaptive participants. Families in need of special accommodations can call our office ahead of time at (218) 727-0947 or speak with a race official upon arrival.

Grambassador Application

Calling all Grandma's Marathon Enthusiasts to share their passion for Grandma's Marathon and Duluth! Whether you have run one Grandma's or all 50, we want you to help share your experiences with the running community. Ideal ambassadors are involved in their local running community, are engaged on social media, and are excited to share their love of Grandma's Marathon.

A complete overview of the role can be found here.

Start/Finish Location

The start and finish line of the 2026 Midnight Sun Midnight Run will be at the Sister City park located next to the Endion Station in Canal Park. The Endion Station is next to Canal Park Lodge.

Race starts at MIDNIGHT (Friday, June 26th at 11:59PM)

Bib Pick -Up and Late Registration

Bibs can be picked up at the start line Friday night, June 26th, between 9:30PM to 11:45PM.

Registration is open online and at race start until race limit has been reached - 350 participants. At race start, check, credit card or cash payment is accepted. If you know you are coming down to race, sign up at home then come down and collect your bib.

2026 T-shirt

Our t-shirts are the best! Unisex sizing.

Parking

Parking is available in Canal Park lots, next to the Irvin, Fitger's Complex and street parking in Downtown Duluth.