This race has been on my bucket list, seeing reviews from other’s who have run it in the past. This year, I decided to sign up in honor of my own Grandma when she passed in January, and I’m glad I did! Participated in Great Grandmas Challenge, 5k Friday and Marathon Saturday. The throw a spin on things and make the 5k at 6pm instead of in the morning the day before. Race mourning was very easy logistically. I had a 1/4 mile walk to the buses. Within 10 minute, I was on a bus headed to the start. The basically bus you 26 miles north and you run back along the lake. The start area was well equipped with “Biffys” (port-o-potties) and heard them announcing they were testing out open air urinals for the guys, though I didn’t try that. The only thing I would suggest is looking into waved starts as the race grows. It was a bit congested the first few miles.

The course was beautiful, running mostly along Lake Superior. One thing that makes this race unique is that you can start seeing the finish line by mile 4. It’s cool seeing it get closer and closer as the miles go by. We lucked out with the weather (glad it wasn’t the days before or after)! Temps in the high 50s- low 60s and a slight tailwind!

The finish line was great with their “Rock Under the Big Top” festival. With my hotel so close, I was able to go back and freshen up then head back to celebrate. Met some great people from others who were in town for their first Grandma’s to Jim, a native who was one of the two guys who have run all 43!

The town was great. Good food and drinks. Friendly people.

All-in-all was a great weekend and recommend it to anyone looking for a destination race!