Thousands of runners will lace up their shoes this weekend for Grandma's Marathon in Duluth

Grandma's Marathon weekend in Duluth is expected to have a $40 million economic impact.

"To have that be an economic impact on a weekend where, were it not for the marathon, there would be nothing happening," Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce president Matt Baumgartner says. "Because June in Duluth is either 40 degrees or it's 70 degrees. Like, there's no middle ground there."

Baumgartner says the marathon boosts everything from hotels, restaurants, transportation, and brings an additional 300 jobs to the area.

"To be able to have that is remarkable," Baumgartner adds.

The marathon concludes after months of work and preparation for the big weekend.

"You are hiring people for three months leading up to it," Baumgartner explains. "You are prepping food as soon as the health department allows you to start prepping food, you are ordering more beverages, alcohol and non-alcohol, then you will probably order the rest of the season combined."

Started by a local group of runners in 1977, Grandma’s Marathon has grown from just 150 participants its first year to now one of the largest and best-known marathons in the United States.

They also host the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, one of the most popular event on Grandma’s Marathon weekend. Named after the first-ever marathon champion and 1976 Olympian Garry Bjorklund, the race began in 1991 and is now one of the most popular 13.1-mile races in the nation.

The kickoff event to Grandma’s Marathon weekend since its start in 1994 is the William A. Irvin 5K. Th 3.1-mile race on Friday starts and finishes near the historic William A. Irvin ore boat in Duluth’s Canal Park.

See a full list of Grandma's Marathon events here.