I have run this race three times, and have had a great experience each time. The fans are a plus, and you can't beat the water stops, and post-race goodies!! I would surely recommend it to others! The only concerns I would have would be the last 2 miles and the 'flat course' that is advertised. Be prepared for turns near the finish, because this race has plenty of them towards the end!! The last mile winds you around numerous turns, which makes it hard to keep stride when your legs are beat up. The course overall is flat, but be prepared for some challenging hills just when the legs want to give up!! Lemon Drop hill can really make you 'drop'. Otherwise a great race. Hope to run it again!!

A vey well organized marathon, treated runners very well. I was let down by the course though. It was straight and boring, the only thing that kept me going was looking for the yellow balloon mile markers. I am glad I ran the race, but I wouldn't run it again. Duluth is awesome as is Lake Superior, but you don't see much of any in the course.

This was my fourth marathon and by far my most favorite. I have run Chicago twice and Marine Corp in Washington D.C. Duluth is lovely and the course is great. I CANNOT say enough good things about the overall organization. The miles are marked with large (like really big) balloons so you can see them as you approach that next mile. Mentally it played a big part in my race. It is quiet when you need quiet and there are FANS when you need them. These fans are 'race savvy' and really knew how to cheer you along. Each water stop had every thing you would need. 3 hours into the race the water stops were as clean as though you were the first one to go through. Once again, another mental image that helped.
Run this race and enjoy Lake Superior!!
Beth from Naperville

This was my third marathon and it was an enjoyable experience. This was the 25th running of the marathon and they sure know how to put on one. They have worked out the kinks!! Yes, there were hills which were more intimidating to me when I drove the course the night before than when I was running it. They were basically rolling and I didn't do too bad considering I didn't have much hill training. What was great about the event is they are so well organized. The pasta party was excellent and run very efficiently as well as the post race party. I stayed at the UMD dorms b/c that was the only housing available (so if you decide to do this one, BOOK HOTELS EARLY) Although, I must admit the dorms were not that bad and they had a hospitality room for all the runners that was wonderfully stocked with water, soda, fruit, bagels, etc. Plus they bus you to and from the packet pick up, pasta party, race start, and post race party. That was a great treat not having to worry about getting to and from.

For me, the part I liked the best was that they had huge yellow baloons floating in the air at each mile marker. I know it sounds simple, but it was great for me to have that focal point pulling me to each mile. The view of Lake Superior was spectacular, you couldn't help but look over at it and go 'aahhh'. Plus, due to the fact that their seasons are later, there were lilacs in bloom that were just gorgeous and provided a beautiful scent around mile 20-21.

As for the spectators, the ones I saw were great but I don't remember a huge mass of them. But, be advised, I am from Chicago so I've been spoiled by a course that is lined with about a million spectators. Also, I ran this race with my headphones on so I probably wasn't very focused on the spectators. But as I said, the ones I remembered were very enthusiastic and supportive. The volunteers at the water stops were 2nd to none!!

Highly recommend the race, would do it again, but I am focusing my attention on other states.

I run hills all the time and was told this was a flat course. There aren't any hills that are steep and long, but there are a couple steep ones (right at the end--- ugh!) and some long ones, too. The headwind this year was ugly, and it seemed to kick in during the worst time. Overall, it was fun and I'd do it again.

I was not prepared for the hills or the headwind. I had been told it was pretty flat. It is a different perspective when you are from Florida. Next time I will be better prepared.

The 25th Anniversary edition of Grandma's Marathon was not only a great race, but also an outstanding event. It offered perfect weather; a course that blends nature and the city; and volunteers that were second to none - a great race for both the experienced runner and the first time marathoner.

The only negatives were the selection of Ultima for the sports drink (most everyone I talked with also found it virtually undrinkable) and the fact that they ran out of so much race merchandise so early.

Excellent medals and finisher's shirts combined with terrific bars and restaurants made the post-race portion very worthwhile as well.

It's a must to do at least once!

Grandma's is one of my favorite all-time races. Great race next to a great lake and a great post-race party. If you don't enjoy yourself at grandma's it is because you spent the whole time there in your hotel room watching reruns of the tv series, 'my mother the car'. Seriously, they know how to do it right at Grandma's. Great organization, top noch pre-race pasta dinner, neat expo and excellent Grandma's merchandise to buy. Be sure to take along some warm clothes because while the calendar may say June, it can still get cold in upper Minnesota.

I've run Grandma's eight times over the years and have always enjoyed running there. I'd be there again this year if it were not for achilles tendon surgery earlier this year.

The post-race party is excellent. G.B. Layton is an excellent band. Everyone is up and dancing, drinking beer and really enjoying the day.

The course is excellent, running down old highway 61 which for the Bobby Dylan fans out there is where he got his song, 'highway 61 revisited'. Great views out over Lake Superior along the way. Crowd support is terrific growing larger the closer one gets to
Duluth.

Be sure to take some time and visit Grandma's saloon and deli. Great food and drink to be had there.

This was my first marathon. The scenery and the spectators were 5 star. I was never bored because there was breathtaking scenery to my left the whole race. The course was perfect for my race weary legs. Only 1 major hill at mile 21 or so really helped finish ahead of my goal. Extremely well organized and very friendly people. I will run this marathon over and over again. It's absolutely wonderful.

I ran this four times. Each time the weather was different but always enjoyable. The North Shore has endless sights for family vacationing. Don't leave without a trip to Ely. Friendly, flat, fun, beautiful with plenty of viewing spots for the family. I've always prefered to stay near Two Harbors (start). Its a quiet friendly town with great restaurants. Try it if you love woods, waterfalls and the mystique of Lake Superior.