Overall: 7/10, I recommend this race.
"World class race, small town vibe", that's the slogan of Grandma's Marathon and I agree based on my experience. There are *a lot* of fast runners, accommodations are hard and expensive to secure, but you do get an intimate vibe around town during the race weekend.

Course

Despite being net downhill, this is not a truly fast course. There are a lot of fast runners at Grandma's so the race results look fast, but the course itself isn't.
- The first 5 miles are the net downhill part of the race, with about 100 ft drop. The rest of the race has constant though gentle rolling hills with little net elevation change. Total elevation gain is 484 ft according to my Garmin.
- Mile 20 to Mile 22 is a gradual climb with a visible hill at mile 22.5 (the Lemon Drop).
- This is a point to point course with minimal turns.
- Race day condition: 14°C to 16°C, partly cloudy, cool breeze.

Logistics

- The Marathon starts at 7:45am, Half Marathon at 6am from halfway point. There is minimal overlap.
- No mandatory corrals, with the fastest full pace group at 3:00.
- The start line is way out and only accessible by race shuttles. Buses drop off runners 30+ min before the start so dress warmly. There are many porta-potties at the start line but the lines are still long.
- The finish area is in Downtown Duluth.
- Crowd support is sporadic outside Duluth city center and only gets solid in the last 3 miles.
- Aid stations are plenty.
- Full road closure along the course.

* One big logistic challenge for Grandma's marathon is accommodation.
All hotels in the city and surrounding areas blacked out race weekend availability online and you can only inquire and book by phone. Huge hassle, no transparency, and they are expensive too ($300+/night).
UMD dorms and apartments are the cheaper option ($130/night) but you need to watch out and be quick when they open for reservations.

Expo & Swag

The expo, held at Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, is pretty big. However the venue is a bit old and most exhibitors are small local vendors, no national brands or fun activities.
- No race shirt, finisher shirt is a short-sleeve tech shirt.
- There is a pasta party at the Expo on Saturday 11a-9p. Great running community atmosphere but lines can be long during dinner time.
- Medal is nice, classic look.