Grandma's Marathon

Grandma's Marathon

Grandma's Marathon

( 86 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Duluth,
    Minnesota,
    United States
  • June
  • 3 miles/5K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon, Virtual Race
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Tia Hedenland

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
19 12
2019
"An amazing view the entire 26.2!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Tia Hedenland's thoughts:

2019 was my first year running the full marathon. It was actually my first time taking on the Great Grandma's Challenge (5K + Marathon). What started out as a sudden change to doing the entire 26.2 vs. the half, ended up being "well lets just run it all!". And it was the best decision.
Lodging can be a bit tricky, and expensive. So book early. The closer you stay to downtown the pricier it will be, and many places require a two-night stay. Like last year I stayed at Black Bear Casino, and while I stayed the entire weekend, you do have the option to stay just one night if preferred. While its a 25 min drive into Duluth, it was a much lower hotel cost!
The 5K start line/finish is right outside the expo, which makes it easy to go from parking lot to packet pick-up to start line in just a matter of minutes. Nothing too difficult about the 5K course. Great race to get the legs moving before the Marathon the next morning.
The expo is exactly what I remember it from last year. Wide variety of vendors. signs easily pointing you towards the Spaghetti dinner, guest speakers and information desk if so needed. If there is anything to note, when picking up packet, you will need your bib number. They do not have a place to look it up for you, nor are they listed by name. Bib number is a must to have on hand. Cell service inside the exhibit hall can be pretty poor. So either taking a screen shot of the email sent to you with all bib numbers or just printing it out can be very helpful, and will save time for everyone.
Parking around the DECC that weekend will be quite a hassle. Even driving in from Minneapolis you come to a stop on I-35. Plan for plenty of time to travel into downtown Duluth both Friday and Saturday (Parking at the DECC is $5/day).
This year with running the Great Grandma's Challenge I got a bit of extra swag. The shirt you receive for the 5K is given out at packet pick-up. But the finisher shirt for the Marathon and Half Marathon are given out after you cross the finish line. I did not sign up in time to receive the nice blue jacket that was given to full marathoners for free this year, but I did receive a very nice navy/bright yellow jacket for running the Challenge. The short sleeve shirts are nice quality and this years shirt was purple! Grandma's also offered an additional opportunity to showcase your big finish with a long sleeve shirt you could purchase after the race online. Limited quantities were available. But just another way to show off the fantastic weekend with a bit of a warmer shirt.
Now onto the Marathon. Starting line transportation is provided via school bus or train. A short walk after you arrive in Two Harbors and you are at the start line, where a plethora of porta potties await, as well as a DJ ready to pump everyone up for a fantastic race. The entire race runs along Lake Superior and this year, with the sun shining, the clear blue skies gave stunning views of the lake. It really was amazing. The course has very little elevation change. The only significant hill is towards the end at around mile 22 and coined "Lemon Drop HIll". While on a normal day this hill may not seem like such a challenge. 22 miles in it does make you work a bit to get up it. But truly the course is fairly flat. The best part of Grandma's Marathon is the amazing community support. Many of the streets are lined with people cheering you on, handing out additional water/fuel options and some pretty great high-fives. And the volunteers are phenomenal! From start to finish they are with you all the way. Always smiling and so helpful!

If you are looking for a fun weekend packed and big races with a small town feel, this is the race for you! It gives you a taste of the beauty the North Shore has to offer and a small town charm you cant find anywhere else but MN.

Yes I would recommend it! And yes I will be back in 2020!!

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