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

Gina Hanzel

Minnesota, United States
54 24
2016
"This race is a MUST-DO!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Gina Hanzel's thoughts:

Grandma's Marathon is one that most people have heard about. It's often described as a "bucket-list" marathon and usually does sell out. If you're considering this race - register early!

The race starts in Two Harbors and finishes at the historic Canal Park in Duluth, MN. It's a point to point course and is generally flat. There are a few hills scattered t/o with the famous "Lemon-Drop" hill at mile 22. The hill itself is not crazy steep, it's the fact that it falls at mile 22 of your race. If you can get to mile 22 you will be happy to see the downhill the rest of the race and through downtown Duluth.

Race management really has the organization of this race locked-up. Shuttles take runners to the race start from multiple locations and they will shuttle you back to you cars as well. Just make sure to read the marathon guide as all of that information is included!

Grandma's is known for spoiling their race participants. All of the aide stations were well managed and they were LONG. No shortage of Gatorade and water. I loved the icy-cold wet sponges and cups of ice! It was HOT, very HOT for the race this year and grandma's was prepared. Usually, the temps are much much cooler.

For the first 18 miles, the spectators are few - with the exception of the water stops. You do get a few nice views of the lake but if you're not looking you could miss some of it. The long stretch of road before you get to town has private homes. Most of whom are out supporting runners with their own aide stations. Many had garden hoses out and sprinklers.

The post race party is fantastic with many food options ( although I was too delerious to eat any of it ). Beer at the finish line with a live band.

The medal this year was amazing! It was the 40th year and the medal was the lift bridge - how iconic! I have heard word that there is a new art director - so the upcoming medals for years to come should be fantastic!

My one negative, and it's a fairly big negative is the lodging. You may have to auction off a small child - (OF COURSE I'M KIDDING!) - to afford the lodging. ALL of the hotels in and around Duluth REQUIRE a two night stay. This gets very spendy - reaching upwards of 500-600 dollars just for lodging. There are a few areas where you can find one night stays but they require you to drive into the city on race morning. I did this and it's not too bad - I just couldn't bring myself to spend the money on the hotels. Another option is to stay on campus in the dorms - less expensive but a two night stay is required and you have community bathrooms and showers. If you want to run Duluth - book your hotel early - some hotels book one year in advance!

Would I recommend this race! Absolutely! Spectators are EVERYWHERE from mile 20-26. Lots of fun to look at on the course and amazing encouragement from total strangers!

I will be running this race again in 2017. A little redemption is needed for my finish time. Let's hope for a tad cooler temperatures!

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