Grandma’s Marathon History Exhibit

GET PSYCHED FOR SUMMER ROAD RACE SEASON AT THE ST. LOUIS COUNTY DEPOT 

Grandma’s Marathon history exhibit pairs with local Veterans Memorial Hall 5K to kick off Duluth's running festivities. 

In anticipation of the historic 50th annual Grandma’s Marathon this June, race organizers have officially opened a celebratory historical museum exhibit inside the St. Louis County Depot. Free and open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the exhibit chronicles five decades of Northland racing history, community milestones, and memorabilia running from Monday, May 11 through race day on June 20.  

But local community members don't have to wait for the big marathon weekend to make some racing history of their own.  

To kick off the summer road race season, Veteran’s Memorial Hall invites the public to explore the Grandma's Marathon exhibit and then lace up their sneakers for a great local cause: the annual CSM John S. Werner Memorial 5K Run-Walk.  

Scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026—exactly one week before the marathon—this family-friendly 5K is the perfect warm-up for the big weekend. The event honors the life, patriotism, and selfless community leadership of Command Sergeant Major John S. Werner, who worked steadfastly to preserve the storied lineage of Northland veterans.  

The CSM John S. Werner Memorial 5K welcomes runners and walkers of all paces. A short opening ceremony will begin at 8:45 a.m., with the chip-timed race officially kicking off at 9:00 a.m. The race will start and finish at The Other Place Bar & Grill (3930 E. Calvary Rd, Duluth, MN), with convenient parking provided across the street by Voyageur Bus Company.

Whether you are looking back at 50 years of local marathon excellence at the Depot or hitting the pavement to support our Northland veterans, June is the ultimate month to celebrate community spirit in Duluth.  

Registration for the 5K is $35 ($27.75 for youth ages 15 and under) if completed before prices increase on June 11. To sign up or learn more, visit the official registration page at runsignup.com/Race/MN/Duluth/CSMJohnWernerMemorial5kRunWalk.