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Latest reviews by Missee
Missee recommends this race
(2018)
"Top notch race"
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I have run both the full and half marathons at Grandma's many times. This year, I did the half and was especially pleased with the 6:15am start time as my normal running time is 5:00am. The race begins at the halfway point of the marathon and continues on to the finish near the Arial Lift Bridge in Duluth. It begins an hour and fifteen minutes ahead so that the slower runners do not get pushed aside by the elite marathoners.
Since it is a point to point course, runners are bussed to the start. I'd highly recommend trying to catch one of the first busses as the start corrals are very crowded. My son was aiming for an Elite time and did manage to get to the front of the corral by taking the ditch. The race offers a good level of competition and fun for those like my son who ran 1:11, me at 1:56 and people barely making the 3:03 cut-off. The finish area is well organized and the volunteers are always friendly and knowledgeable. If you decide to try this race, be sure to get lodging early as much of it is probably already full for next year except the dorms at the local colleges that won't be taking reservations for a while yet. We have a lot of family in the area, so we are really lucky not to arrange lodging.
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Missee recommends this race
(2017)
"Holiday Fun for Everyone!"
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The Snowflake Shuffle is a fundraiser for the College of Saint Benedict cross-country and track teams. So right off, it's a great running-related cause...and I'm both an alum and a track parent. In addition, the race is just plain fun. Almost everyone wears something holiday related like a Santa hat or even Christmas socks. Others go all out in full costumes. Some friends and I have gingerbread family outfits we wear complete with "Run, Run, Fast as you can!" on the backs and we got a gift certificate prizes for our efforts. The race itself is fairly competitive for citizen runners and walkers are both welcome and encouraged. Everyone gets hot chocolate at the awards which are useful items like gift certificates, water bottles or T-shirts. There are always a ton of door prizes including a pair of shoes at a local running shop. All the workers are CSB Track Athletes, so lovely enthusiastic ladies at every corner. We will be back in 2018!
Missee recommends this race
(2017)
"Best Turkey Trot EVER!"
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We have done the Gobble Gallop for a number of years as it is near my in-law's home and we generally do Thanksgiving with them. It's always on Thanksgiving morning and one of the most fun features is that age group winners receive pies instead of ribbons. It's also a fundraiser for the local foodshelf. This year, there was a mix-up with the shirts and they did not arrive on time. The manager of the race is the local running store, Duluth Running Company. To keep all the runners happy, they had DRC tech shirts printed up locally and everyone got one of those in the size they'd signed up for and then they mailed the other shirts when they arrived. I like my DRC shirt better actually! The weather is extremely variable in MN in November so we've seen everything from shorts to double layers of fleecy tights. They have the same emcee year after year who makes the event even more fun. Do this one with your whole family and even wear costumes if you like (we have not...yet.)