I ran Grandma's Marathon in 2009 as my first marathon. Since 2009, I've been back 8 times, only breaking from the race due to injury and two pregnancies. It is a staple for me!

I swore off this race after the extremely hot year in 2016, but there I was, two short years later, coming bak for redemption. Spoiler alert: I got it. I ran a PR in 3:42:57!

The Expo:
The DECC, where the expo is held, is always very congested both inside and out. However, every year I am pleasantly surprised at how slick the process is given the sheer volume of people who are at one place at the same time. There are over 17,000 runners picking up their packets for either the marathon or half marathon, plus the William A. Irvin 5k and the Michelina's spaghetti dinner are held in this location on Friday evening. So, it is busy, but the logistics are really smooth and we are always able to get in and out without a problem.

Race Day Logistics:
There is no parking allowed at the staring line, so you either have to take a bus or train to the starting line. The buses leave at various times from many different pickup locations (mostly hotels), but for the most part will depart between 5:45-6:15am. I have never had an issue with having to wait for buses, or not getting to the start on time. They have the race day logistics down to a science!

The Course:
I personally love the course. There are typically not very many spectators before you enter Duluth, around mile 20. However, this year there was a surprising and impressive amount of spectators along many different points in the course. So fun! This race is billed as "flat", however, there are rollers along the course. I somehow black the hills out year after year, and for some reason find myself a little surprised at the number of hills. However, they aren't anything to really worry about. The course runs along Lake Superior, and if it is a clear day, the views are just wonderful. Plus, you run through the wooded tree lines, so the air just smells like fresh pine. Running through Duluth is amazing. Once you get to mile 20, you will get a welcomed change of scenery with lots of spectators, busy pubs, and college kids handing out beer. Once you run up Lemondrop Hill at mile 22, the rest is basically flat or downhill. Once you run past the Edgewater Hotel after Lemondrop Hill, breathe a sigh of releif, as it is the beginning of the end! =)

The biggest drawback of Grandma's Marathon, in my opinion, is the weather. You never know what you are going to get with a mid-summer race. Don't let the fact that it is in northern Minnesota fool you...it still gets hot and humid up there! I've run this race in the pouring rain, extreme heat and cold sleet. You really never know what you're going to get, so come prepared with multiple race day clothing options! The forecast might change on you race morning!