If you are looking for a destination race with other great attractions, the Garry Bjorklund 13.1 is the race to run!

Having ran the 2016 Grandma's 26.2 with a sub par 1st 26.2 experience due to injury and weather conditions, I was determined to come back and conquer the course. I was not sure what year this would be that I could return to Duluth for the exhilarating experience. After running a successful marathon in the fall of '17, I decided it was time to go back to Duluth. I was mentally prepared for the excitement and energy that comes from a mid to large sized destination race.

My journey started the Thursday before the Garry Bjorklund 13.1, by checking into the host hotel for Grandma's Marathon Weekend: The Harbor View Holiday Inn. Each year they have a hospitality room, not just for the elite athletes, but all who are staying at the hotel! This race series is the only series in the United States to offer this amenity to the elite and to the general starters for their race. The people who run the hospitality room are often locals who have been serving for years. These people are so friendly and helpful. Some even talk about times when they have raced. The 2018 hospitality experience was a perfect 5 star score! I am sure in upcoming years, the experience will be the same.

That Thursday evening, I was able to attend the expo for Grandma's Marathon weekend. It was considerably less crowded than Friday making the experience more enjoyable. I was able to take my time and speak with each vendor as I pleased. This was pleasing because you can learn a great deal from the vendors about how to take care of yourself and stay healthy for the long run literally. This expo has a wide variety of vendors, rang from food to technology. Be warned that if you attend this expo on Friday, the crowds can get un bearable. It will take you 25 minutes to get from one end to another without stopping at the vendor booths. Vendors will also be busy selling merchandise rather than be more willing to educate in their product.

After you have picked up your bib there are several options for pre race entertainment. There is the all you can eat spaghetti dinner and the Rock the Big Top concert. I have not attended either event, so I cannot attest to the quality of these events.

Upon waking race morning, depending which hotel you are staying in, you can walk from your hotel to the DECC using the well marked skywalk! This is great, as the cool airs of Lake Superior can chill the morning. Once you have arrived to the DECC, you can board a specially marked bus fro the 13.1. Your bus will take you near the start line. From the drop off area you have a quarter mile walk through a neighborhood to the start line.

The start line has a beautiful outlook over Lake Superior. In 2018, there was a dens fog that was starting to lift. Seeing the large pine trees and choppy lake under the rising fog was a memorable scene. Additionally there are many porta potties so do not fret if you were wondering about bathroom options!

While waiting for the start, the volunteers and staff are very friendly and informative. They spread joy and excitement from the moment you arrive to when the gun goes off. If you have a question, they will joyfully assist you in your quest for knowledge and or help. They direct you to gear check and provide directions to your specific bag drop. FYI: be sure to follow the directions for your sticker and bib tag if your want to ensure your gear check bag makes it to the right place at the finish line.

As you are waiting at the start line there is music playing to hype up the energy. Everybody is happy and excited to race. Between the music and positive volunteers, if you are not excited to race, you may have some pre race jitters taking over. As the start grows closer, race management plays the Star Spangled Banner, and thank those who have come out to race today. It is then that they start highlighting the minutes left to the start.

Once the start gun goes off, you start moving. If you are new to racing, do start further back than normal. It is easy to get caught up with a pace that is too fast for your current condition. The energy and excitement carries you through the first 5k. Sometimes you are shoulder to shoulder with other runners. Since this a mid-large race, crowding should be expected. Then at about mile five, other racers start dropping to their normal paces and the crowds thin out.

Miles are marked by different color balloons. If you are anything like me, I look for the next mile marker to help keep the pace strong and consistent. Seeing the balloons in the distance helps preserve the fast pace!

As you move closer to town, the crowds grow larger adding to the already high energy. People set up medicine cabinets and other helps along the way for runners. This is in addition to the generous nutrition and water stops the Grandma's crew already provides. It is like nothing I have ever seen before. The people of Duluth are so hospitable. It is a beautiful sight. This lasts all the way until the final 1.5 miles where there is fencing to keep spectators controlled. On extremely hot or humid days, these additional resources are helpful! Personally, I have only accepted a bottle of water, but that was back in 2016 when there was extreme heat.

Apart from the high energy and plenty of hydration and nutritional resources to propel you to the finish line, the course itself helps you to the finish as it is flat and curving. There few hills, so the course is not mentally or physically taxing. The only hill of concern is at mile 9, Lemon Drop Hill as they call it. Lemon Drop is not really that bad, unless you did not do hill work at all during your training.

As you come to the finish line, the crowds are still roaring with energy. Upon finishing at the world class caliber finish line, you are greeted by volunteers to provide you with finisher medal and shirt. To celebrate your accomplishment, photographers offer to take your picture with a branded backdrop. Then comes bag pick up. The lines are long, but well worth the wait as the Grandma's management has a successful and effective plan.

It is my advice to claim your gear bag before you get your food. This way you can carry sealed products back to the car or hotel room in the bag. The food section is also great! Very tasty and refreshing. Again the hospitality of those working the booths is just wonderful.

Overall, the Garry Bjorklund 13.1 in association with Grandma's Marathon weekend is a stellar experience! The race is well managed and run. Volunteers and the community as a whole are there to support you the runner! I do not have a single complaint about the event. My only piece of advice would be to be prepared for any type of weather. In 2016, I ran the marathon and it was red and black flag conditions from the heat an humidity. In 2018, I ran and the conditions were green. The finish line had a final temperature reading of 47 degrees in mid June. With Lake Superior's shore being the race course, you can never be too sure of possible weather conditions. Knowing the potential for extreme temperatures, I came to this race mentally prepared for anything. That exciting day on 2018, I closed with a 3 minute PR in the 13.1. Thanks Grandma's team for making this a great race day!