Whipper Snapper Races for Kids 2026

Whipper Snapper kids’ races are held each year in Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park on Grandma’s Marathon weekend. These races are free and open to children ages 14 and under. All participants receive a ribbon at the completion of the race.

The free short-distance races are a way to introduce kids to running or keep the fire burning bright for future marathon finishers.

A festival sponsored by the Young Athletes Foundation features activities for the kids, including a bounce house, climbing wall, face painting and balance bikes.

Schedule
2 to 5 p.m. – YAF Festival for Kids
2 to 3:30 p.m. – In-Person Registration
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Whipper Snapper Races

Starting Times and Race Groups
3:30 p.m. – Mascot races
3:45 p.m. – Ages 4 and younger
4:15 p.m. – Ages 5-6
4:40 p.m. – Ages 7-8
4:50 p.m. – Ages 9-14

Pre-registration information is at grandmasmarathon.com.