Grandma's 2024 Weekend
3 Night / 4 Day Stay and Play VIP package at the race host hotel
Check in Thursday, June 20th
Check out Sunday, June 23rd
Race Date: Saturday, June 22nd
Additional Nights: Contact us at hello@destination-marathons.com
Share this trip
Grandma's 2024
- Details
World Class Event, Small Town Charm
Run along the quiet, scenic shores of Lake Superior into Duluth in what has become one of the largest and most well-known races in the US!
What's included in the Stay & Play VIP?
- 3 night stay at The Holiday Inn and Suites Duluth-Downtown
- Access to VIP Marathon bib packages at promo rates
- Access to SOLD-OUT half marathon bibs
- Welcome reception with refreshments and snacks
- Meet your hosts and grab your swag bags
- Sign-making station
- Guided shakeout run
- Coffee gathering with breakfast snacks lead by guest speaker (including course tips and Q&A)
- Friday Pre-race pasta dinner with guest speaker
- Access to purchase training program from Dakotah Lindwurm (see below for details)
- Grab & go runners’ breakfast bag race morning
- Private tent at start for full marathon with access to bathrooms
- Private tent at finish with complimentary post-race massages (NEW TO 2024)
- Spectator cheer plan
- Bleacher access passes at finish line for spectators
- Post-race celebration
- Awards ceremony
- Relaxation Station (NEW TO 2024)
- Private Facebook group to build community
- DM hosts on-site all weekend
- Private race-weekend communication app for timely notes and reminders
- DM Itinerary outlining our events and key race happenings so you're in-the-know the entire weekend
- Access to free hotel airport shuttle
Not included
- Taxes and fees
- Meals outside of those listed (including daily breakfast)
- Fee for race registration
- Additional excursions
- Training program
- Transportation around Duluth (We suggest walking, public transportation, or rideshare)
VIP Experience
Guests have access to hosts on-site all weekend to ensure a stress-free, fun-filled trip.
Ideal Location
The Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth -Downtown is just 0.7 mi. from the finish line and 0.5 mi to shuttle, train, and DECC Expo (covered walkway connected).
Pre-Race Dinner
We’ve got you covered for the pre-race dinner. Enjoy local Italian fare without having to leave the hotel.
Spectators
Enjoy our detailed cheer plan and bleacher access passes at finish! Plus enjoy all our exclusive events.
TRAINING WITH DAKOTAH LINDWURM
DM Guests Have Access to Dakotah Lindwurm’s Training Program (additional fees apply). Dakatoh is a two-time winner of Grandma’s Marathon. DM runners will receive 50% off the first month of training by using her code 50%lindwurm.
“As someone who likes to dream big, I’d love to help you achieve your wildest running dreams! As my athlete you would receive completely individualized training to fit your needs and goals.”
ITINERARY
Welcome to Duluth!
4:00pm Hotel check-in
Destination Marathons Welcome Reception – light refreshments, get swag bag and name badge, and meet hosts
Sign-Making Station for Spectators
4:00pm – 8:00pm Expo Open & Packet Pick-Up
Friday, June 21st
8:00am Join us during our shakeout run along Lake Superior and coffee gathering with Grandma’s Marathon Legend Dick Beardsley!
9:00am Coffee gathering with breakfast snacks lead by Dick Beardsley. Hear about course tips, have a chance for some Q&A, and time for photos.
10:00am-8:00pm Expo Open, packet pickup available until 11:00pm
Enjoy your time in Duluth! Maybe be inspired to call your Grandma!
5:30-8:00pm pre-race dinner with guest speaker Dakotah Lindwurm. Note, speaker begins at 5:30pm, dinner begins at 6:30pm. At the end of dinner we will discuss spectator plans and hand out bleacher passes. Grab & Go Breakfast bags will be available for runners to take after dinner.
6:30pm – 7:00pm
Join us for pre-race dinner for a chat with two-time Grandma’s Marathon Champion, Dakotah Lindwurm. *Tentatively planned, Subject to her standing at the Olympic trials. Schedule may change.
Saturday, June 22nd
4:00am Grab & Go Breakfast Bags and coffee available for runners in host room
4:45-5:30am Shuttles for 1/2 Marathon from DECC. DM hosts will meet you in lobby at 4:45 to guide you to your shuttles.
5:30am Load Northshore Scenic Railroad to Marathon Start (6:10am departure). DM hosts will meet you in lobby at 5:40 and guide you to your transportation.
6:00am 1/2 Marathon Start
6:30-7:15am Shuttles for Marathon from DECC
7:45am Marathon Start
7:00am-12:00pm Spectators follow spectator plan to see their favorite runners
11:30am-2:30pm Post-race party. Note: If you’re a 5+ hour marathoner, let us know. We want to make sure to cheer for you!
5:00pm-6:00pm Awards ceremony
Sunday, June 23rd
11:00am Check out of hotel
5:00pm Safe travels home. We hope you had a wonderful time this weekend!
*Times are based on 2023 race itinerary and are subject to change. Final itinerary will be available for DM-VIP guests prior to trip.
Dakota Lindwurm
In 2022 she made history. Now she’s building a legacy. From ice hockey goalie to elite marathoner, Dakotah Lindwurm is a talent to be watched! She was a 2020 Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier, and placed as the 3rd American at the 2021 Boston Marathon.
She won the Grandma’s women’s titles 2021-2022 back to back with a personal-best time of 2:25:01, the second-best ever at Grandma’s! Dakota is a hometown fan favorite in Duluth, not only as a top distance runner in Minnesota history, but also as a current leader on the national stage.
Dick Beardsley
At the very first London Marathon In 1981, he and Norwegian Inge Simonsen intentionally crossed the finish line together holding hands in a time of 2:11:48. According to Beardsley, “It was a big deal for both of us because neither one of us had won a marathon before.”
His finish time of 2:09:37 at the 1981 Grandma’s Marathon stood as a course record for 33 years until it was broken in 2014. Beardsley placed second (2:08:53) on the heels of Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon, breaking the Boston Marathon course record and the American record.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth – Downtown is the Official Lodging Sponsor for Grandma’s Marathon! Centrally located, it’s just 0.7 mi. from the finish line and 0.5 mi to the shuttle, train, and DECC Expo -connected to the hotel via a covered walkway. Contact the hotel for details on the airport shuttle.
2 Indoor pools & hot-tub
On-site restaurant, bar, and café
Access to free hotel airport shuttle
Covered walkway connecting to DECC Expo and fitness center
Close to start and finish
Free high-speed internet
PRICING
-
Non-refundable deposit to reserve your trip $300
Then choose to pay your trip in full, or enroll in auto-payments.
-
King bed for one person $1,579
Option to add up to one additional guest. *Excludes taxes and fees
-
Two Queen beds for one person $1,634
Option to add up to three additional guests. *Excludes taxes and fees
-
Add a guest for the entire weekend $323
Pay for your additional guest when you pay for your remaining balance. *Guest pricing is not subject to fees.
3 Night Package (Thursday, June 20 – Sunday, June 23, 2024)
Please Note
*DM reserves the right to increase pricing to reflect current market conditions.
*Children age ten (10) and younger may stay free with a paying adult.
*Guests receive all the same VIP perks as the payor. All guests (including children) must be registered at checkout to ensure DM has knowledge of who is in the room in case of emergency and so all paid guests have access to the package perks. The additional guest rate is for the entire stay.
*Running is a sport that may cause injury during training. Injuries do not exempt you from the cancellation policy. We strongly encourage guests to consider travel insurance. Please see our Travel Insurance information at the bottom.
YOUR HOSTS
Mark Janik
Founder
Jamie Frazier
Team Leader
Mike Benz
Ambassador Extraordinaire
RACE SPECIFIC FAQ'S
How do I hold my reservation?
Guests are required to pay a $300 non-refundable deposit upon signing up for the trip. Read our payment policy at the bottom of this page for details.
Do I have to register my guests even if they’re not running?
Yes! DM guests have access to all the great VIP perks as our runners. For everyone’s safety, we need to know who is traveling and staying with our group in case of emergency. Adherence to our security policy is strictly enforced. You can ready more details in our Terms and Conditions.
Can I bring my kids?
Sure! Kids 10 and under are welcome on any of our packages for free, provided they stay in your room (same room as the payor). Some hotels/packages may have restrictions on the number of guests per guestroom so please check with us as you make your reservation. Please note, children must be supervised at all times by a guardian age 18 or older.
Can we add additional nights onto our stay?
Sure! Please reach out if you would like to add nights prior to or after our package dates. Our email is hello@destination-marathons.com Of course, guests are free of charge for those additional nights.
If I only wanted to stay 2 nights, can I alter the package?
Since the rooms are sold as a package, we require a minimum of 3 nights. If you don’t use the additional night, that is your choice.
What if I have food allergies?
Please notify us of any dietary restrictions you have so we can do our best to accommodate you.
How do I make my final payment?
You will receive payment reminders prior to the payment deadline, but you can log into your account at any time to make your final payment.
How will spectators find their runners at the end of the race?
Pick a landmark in Canal Park or meet at the post-race party.
How do we get back to the hotel after the race?
With our hotel’s central location, it’s an easy walk back.
Reviews
I traveled solo out to Grandma’s Marathon using Destination Marathons. It was great to be able to have a group to meet up with and have all the details taken care of. They had organized groups dinners, pre-race goodie bags for us, and had an organized shake out run with Dakotah Lindwurm (2021 and 2022 winner!) who was so nice!!! I really appreciated getting to meet other runners and have a group to hang with. Everyone from the company itself was also so nice and friendly. At Grandma’s starting area we had access to a club area with other clubs with private ports potties which was critical as the lines for the others were massive!! The company had reps cheering on the course and even took some race photos of me running which they sent to me after the race! Post race they had other planned meets up and a bar crawl which I didn’t attend as I had other plans- but looked like a lot of fun from the pics. Highly Recommend using this company and will use them again in the future for sure if they match up with a race I’m planning.
Erin Genova, Grandma’s Marathon 2022
Destination Marathons is amazing! Mark and his crew not only took care of the runners but they also made sure our family members had a great time. The hotel we stayed at was convenient and I really appreciate the private coach to the start line in Hopkinton. Thank you for making this Boston experience so positive for my family and me!
Amy Hall
Destination Marathons did an excellent job!!! It was my first time booking a trip through them and I am 100% pleased!! I’m already planning another!! The whole process was easy, the communication was clear, the accommodations were perfect, the gatherings (parties) were really fun!!! Everything was on point. Thank you DM!!!!
Sarah Karnezis Morris
Have you ever wondered how the Elite Runners are treated? Run with Destination Marathons and you'll find out! I ran the Wilmington Marathon in 2022 with DM and from Hotel Check-In to Check-Out they were there for me. The night before the race we had a great pasta dinner as a group, runners and family, and it was nice to catch up with people from all over. Race morning we boarded a private shuttle to the start where we also had a warm private area to get ready. Of course the crew along with family and friends were on the route for a nice friendly cheer zone. Post race they were ready for us, tons of snacks, drinks (adult and other) and a masseuse! It is great to get a solid massage right after the race. That afternoon they led us on a pub crawl to several different locations around Downtown Wilmington. When traveling for a race I would highly recommend Destination Marathons so you can worry less and focus on your race!
Justin King
Amazing time!! Highly recommend! Mark and his team take the race logistics stress away! Had an incredible weekend in Boston! The dinner before race night took the stress of finding dinner in a town where all the restaurants were full. The shuttle gave us an extra hour of sleep and no stress fighting the crowds. Access to our own bathrooms was worth the price alone, when I got to athlete's village the bathroom lines were insane, so glad we had our own! You can tell they are committed to giving you the most stress free weekend allowing you to focus on what you came there to do, race!
Stephen Durley
A $300 non-refundable deposit will hold your spot, or pay in full.
March 20, 2024 ~ 90 days prior to trip
- Package must be paid in full. Last day to request a 50% partial refund of the amount paid minus non-refundable deposit.
April 20, 2024 ~ 60 days prior to trip
- Last day to request a partial credit of the amount paid minus non-refundable deposit (25% applied toward a future event booked within 12 months and traveled within 24 months of cancellation).
May 20, 2024 ~ 30 days prior to trip
- Refund requests made after this date will not be refunded or credited. We strongly encourage you acquire travel insurance. Please refer to our Travel Insurance Tab for additional information.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
These are the terms and conditions under which Destination Marathons, LLC. (hereinafter “DM”) offers and operates its running trips/tours. By registering and paying your deposit for a trip, you confirm that you have read, understand and agree to these Terms & Conditions, which you acknowledge constitute a legally binding obligation. Accordingly, please read these terms carefully before making a deposit or payment for a trip.
Participants acknowledge they must be in good health and able to endure the physical demands commensurate the activity they are registering for. Please consult your physician if there is any question of physical fitness. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the trip based on your own circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
If you participate in activities during your itinerary, including road racing and pre and post runs, certain risks and dangers may arise, including, but not limited to, personal injury and death. BY AGREEING TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, YOU hereby expressly assume all of these risks and dangers, and you hereby expressly agree to forever release, discharge and hold DM and our agents, employees, officers and directors, harmless against any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, claims and demands of any and every kind and nature whatsoever which you now have or which may hereafter arise out of or in connection with your booking or participation in any activities in which you participate.
You consent and grant full permission and royalty-free license to DM to use your likeness in all media including photographs, pictures, recordings, or other record of this event for any legitimate purpose.
You consent and grant full permission for DM to email you with specific information relating to this trip package. You will also be enrolled in communications regarding other DM packages and releases, and have the option to opt out of those specific messages by contacting DM directly.
While we will endeavor to operate all trips as advertised or quoted, reasonable changes in your itinerary may be made by DM where it is deemed necessary or advisable by us. If DM is prevented (directly or indirectly) from performing any of its obligations under this agreement by reason of force majeure (which shall include, an Act of God, weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, trade disputes, fire, breakdowns, weather conditions, acts of omissions of a third party, or any other cause whatsoever outside DM’s reasonable control), then DM may, in its sole and absolute discretion, cancel all or part of any trip. In any situation of force majeure, DM shall not be deemed to be in breach of their duties or otherwise liable to you, whether for reason of delay in performance or non-performance. I understand that if a case of force majeure arises that no refund of my travel expenses, including, but not limited to non-refundable airfare, or entry fees will be reimbursed. Based on the above, DM strongly recommends trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance for all participants. Residents from outside the U.S. must check within your country for insurance coverage.
The price of the DM package does not include personal travel insurance. DM highly advises you to consider obtaining travel insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage for the entire duration of the trip, including incidents such as illness, injury, death, loss of baggage and personal belongings, trip cancellation or interruption, and any activities you plan to participate in. If you have any inquiries regarding travel insurance and its coverage, please contact a travel insurance company directly. You bear full responsibility for any financial losses related to your travel arrangements. DM is not accountable for any travel expenses or other costs incurred by you or any other individuals associated with your travel.
DM contracts with a network of companies and individuals to assist in the running of our trips, including, but not limited to hotel and transportation services. Because DM does not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers, we assume no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful, or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the tour suppliers, or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, instrument owned, operated or otherwise by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful, or negligent act or omissions on any part of any other party not under the supervision or control of DM.
Airfare is not included in any DM travel packages. It is your responsibility to book your own transit to the destination city. Transit to the hotel is not included in any DM travel packages, unless otherwise specified in the package description.
DM accepts credit card transactions including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. For some packages, DM will also accept ACH electronic transfer, or money order, made payable to Destination Marathons, LLC. If you select to pay for your package in full, you will receive an invoice with a zero ($0) balance and invoice number reference. Please keep this invoice number for reference as we may require you to confirm your booking details, login to obtain your race bib, or other details relating to your trip. If you select to pay a deposit for your package only, you will receive an invoice with information to make additional payments on your reservation. It is your responsibility to manage your manual payments before payment deadlines, or enroll in auto-payments when available, to ensure you complete payments before a payment deadline. Package payments not completed by the deadline are subject to cancellation.
DM contracts with hotels for a block of rooms including types of rooms (single beds such as king or queen; and double beds, such as two twins or two queens). We make note of your requested room type during your reservation booking. However, room availability is based on hotel inventory at time of check in. DM may need to adjust your room type to accommodate rooms available. If we must change your room type, we will provide a complimentary change, or refund the difference for a reduced room type.
All guests traveling with DM are registered with our hotel room block. If a registered DM guest attempts to accommodate an unregistered individual in their hotel room or extend an invitation for them to partake in any DM organized events, the registered DM guest shall relinquish their tour package privileges, and both parties may be refused entry to subsequent tours.
DM package pricing is offered at current rates, taxes, tariffs, and conditions by our contracts and other service providers. All pricing is subject to currency exchange fluctuations. DM may change package pricing at any time until packages are sold out. All pricing is quoted and transacted in United States dollars.
For guests traveling internationally with DM, it is mandatory to possess a valid passport. Some countries require that the passport remains valid for a minimum of six (6) months beyond the date of return to the United States. Additionally, certain destinations may impose visa requirements that must be fulfilled before traveling. We advise you to consult the website of the U.S. Department of State to stay updated on the most recent passport and visa regulations. It is your responsibility to ensure that all essential travel documents are up-to-date and valid, and to arrange any necessary documentation for entry into your travel destination(s). This includes acquiring any required vaccinations, travel visas, or fulfilling any other prerequisites.
DM reserves the right to decline a guest reservation request for any reason. Should your reservation request be declined, the full registration fee (including the non-refundable initial deposit) will be refunded to you.
DM, and the service providers it contracts with, reserve the right to refuse service to guests at their sole discretion including, and without limitation, if the guest: (i) lacks proper documentation for the country or destination, (ii) has a contagious disease, (iii) is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics, and/or (iv) manifests disruptive and/or unruly behavior. DM assumes no liability for the acts of the service providers in refusing service to guests. DM reserves the right to refuse service to guests and/or cease continuation of services to guests for the remainder of the trip without providing any refund.
By using our services, you acknowledge and agree that you will not engage in any attempts to evade, avoid, or bypass any refund restrictions associated with your purchased travel booking. This includes refraining from contacting our company directly in an effort to obtain a refund, or seeking a “chargeback” from your credit card company. Once initial travel is booked, we will refrain from altering payment methods or generating different invoices, as doing so could potentially modify the information required by travel insurance companies.
The right is reserved to cancel the tour for any reason anytime. If we cancel a tour, our liability is limited to a full refund of your payments to us and we will not be liable for any other costs, damages or refunds of any kind for any loss, delay, inconvenience, incidental, consequential, disappointment or expense whatsoever in such circumstances.
If the event is cancelled by race officials, runners can*:
- Request a full refund of the amount paid in writing to hello@destination-marathons.com
- Transfer payments made to a future Destination Marathons race package, including the non-refundable deposit. The new package must be reserved within 12 months and traveled within 24 months of cancellation date.
If the event is postponed by race officials to a later date, runners can*:
- Transfer your reservation (at the same package rate) to the new race date
- Transfer payments made to a future Destination Marathons race package, including the non-refundable deposit. The new package must be reserved within 12 months and traveled within 24 months of cancellation date.
If the event is turned into a virtual event by race officials, our package will be considered null and void. Runners can*:
- Transfer payments made to a future Destination Marathons race package, including the non-refundable deposit. The new package must be reserved within 12 months and traveled within 24 months of cancellation date.
*We kindly ask that you notify Destination Marathons of your decision within 10 days of the race official announcement.
*Running is a sport that may cause injury during training. Injuries do not exempt you from the cancellation policy. We strongly encourage guests to consider travel insurance.
Please visit the payment policy tab for deadlines.
1. By purchasing this package, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I may be exposed to or infected by COVID -19 by participation; and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I understand the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 may result from actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to Destination-Marathons employees, volunteers, participants and their families.
2. I voluntarily agree to assume all the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to myself, illness, damage, loss, claim, liability or expense, of any kind, that I may experience or incur in connection with my participation in the Destination-Marathons trip and associated event. On my behalf I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge and hold harmless Destination- Marathons, its employees, agents, representatives from claims, liabilities, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to Destination-Marathons. I understand and agree this Release includes any claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of Destination-Marathons, its employees, agents and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during or after participation at the Destination Marathons trip and related event.
Running is a sport that may cause injury during training. Injuries do not exempt you from the cancellation policy. We strongly encourage guests to consider travel insurance.
Destination Marathons does not endorse any companies. Below are some resources to help you during your research. We receive no endorsements or compensation for listing the links below. Please review all options and see what best fits your needs.
Trawick International->
Trawick was listed by Forbes as one of the best pandemic travel insurance companies on the market. They offer both high and low coverage for foreign and domestic travel.
Travel Insurance.com->
Travel Insurance.com compare rates and coverage from multiple insurance providers to give you all the information you need to to find the options that meet your needs.
Cat 70->
Cat 70 made the top of Forbes’ list for “best pandemic insurance” and “best family insurance”. Their intuitive website makes comparing plans a positive experience.
Travel Insured ->
Travel Insured made the top of Forbes’ list for “best options for custom insurance”. This website allows you to search and compare a variety of plans.
Forbes Advisor – Best Travel Insurance, September 2023 ->
This is a list of Forbes “Best Of” including categories, links, and ratings.
The Points Guy – Best Travel Insurance ->
Most of us know “The Points Guy” as a great resource for comparing travel credit cards. This link shares his comparison of travel insurance. His quick reference visuals and tips are a go-to for many travelers.