I was excited to run this race as I thought I would enjoy running along Lake Superior. However, as the 18-mile trek along the river went on I found myself longing a bit for a change in direction and scenery. I like to run through different neighborhoods and city areas as well as along waterfront areas. Grandma's Marathon provides these things, only you get 18 miles of trees with some lake views and then 8 miles of the City of Duluth. There are few twists and turns in this course. It is pretty much a straight line with some rolling hills. DO NOT go by the course map given out by the race directors as far as elevation goes.

The expo leaves a bit to be desired as well. There are too many vendors in a small space. Go early or don't go at all.

Having said that, the water stops were FANTASTIC - the best ones I have can remember seeing in 16 marathons. They were all exactly at the mile markers as they said they would be. They were well marked as far as what drinks were where and they even had sponges for the runners. The volunteers were great and plentiful. I cannot thank them enough for their support.

When we finally did get to Duluth, the supporters were also awesome. Lots of excited cheering and rooting for us. I can tell the whole area gets up for this event.

The hotel rates do go up for the weekend, but I suggest staying at one of the lakeside cabin areas along the course. We stayed at the Lake Breeze Motel where we had a two-room kitchen suite with a lake view for $164 a night. There is a playground, pool, grill area, and it's great if you have a family. I reserved my room before Christmas and had my pick of rooms. We enjoyed it so much that we spent 2 extra days there. You are on the course and you can drive to the start. I have no comments on the buses or trains, as I did not use them.

Overall, a pretty good experience; just be prepared for a mental challenge for the first 18 miles. After that, the crowds can help carry you home.

This was my 19th marathon and definitely one of the best race experiences overall. VERY friendly people, scenic race with many views of Lake Superior, well organized, ideal weather conditions (low 60's F; 15-18 C), relatively flat (yes, a few grades and gradual hills) with enjoyable after-race activities on the Duluth waterfront. The Duluth MN-Superior WI community really gets behind this race, and having traveled to many parts of North America, Minnesotans are amongst the friendliest and most conscientious people anywhere. "Minnesota nice," and a great race overall.

I had such a great time at this marathon. I wasn't sure what to expect, having done Boston 8 weeks before. It was like a breath of fresh air. Really laid back, no stress, busses were easy to get to, tons of porta-potties at the start, and the water/PowerAde stations were huge. They had ice and sponges at almost every water station, and the stations were so long that they never got bottlenecked. The course comprised rolling hills the entire time (not too steep or long), until the famous Lemondrop Hill. I think just the fact that it was at mile 21 was what made it difficult. The only problem is that it's so hard to get to Duluth from Florida. If I lived closer I would definitely do it again.

Registration: Very smooth. I had my packet mailed to me.

Expo: I never made it.

Race T-shirt: Subpar - all marathon shirts should be technical at this point. Post-race opportunities were also fewer than expected.

Pre-race support/setup: Excellent. Hotel rooms can be pricey on race weekend. Best to double up with a buddy.

Weather for 2007: Cool, cloudy, and perfect for 26.2.

Course: A couple of rolling hills. The biggest hill is at mile 22 (it's called Lemon Drop). Intermittent views of Lake Superior. Mostly wooded; I thought the lake views would be a bit more fun. Finish area in Duluth is enthusiastic. Spectator density is on the low side, but I never felt alone. They are very friendly. Water/Gatorade/sponges were plentiful.

Post-race support: Plentiful and un-congested.

Medal: Nice size and colors.

Location: The upper Midwest is gorgeous in the early summer.

I am a back-of-the-packer. As such, there was little food left (un-peeled oranges are not easy on my stomach!) and since I don't drink, I gave away the free tickets. The shirt was cheap but the medal was GREAT! The expo was WONDERFUL! The goody bag had no schwag. :( The spectators were, however, WONDERFUL. There were bands and fans everywhere - even signs on folks' houses. The views were fantastic. Still, I would not do this race again. The local hotels raise their prices by two or three times. NOT impressed. I felt scalped.

Those of us who live in Duluth know this for sure: the first two weeks of June are rainy, depressing, foggy, cold and downright miserable. Then Grandma's Marathon day comes and it's usually sunny and warm (sometimes hot). With that, my nerves were relaxed, and my mind was on celebrating fitness, friends, fun and looking back at how far I've come.

Still, I did see a couple of things that, for whatever reason, bothered me. I see a trend in agenda-pushing groups showing up at marathons (the anti-abortion crowds with their fear-based paranoia and "repent" signs). Yes, you have the right to say what you want and I understand that, but this is a marathon. Whether it's your political or social agenda (ANY agenda) - keep it for your own display rather than use it to promote anger, fear and negativity during OUR DAY. Most of us are trying hard to keep our thoughts positive and focused on our marathon. I was angry that these people, without fail, think it's up to them to be the morality police and we're all supposed to stop, get down on our knees and bow our heads to the ground.

I ran my first Grandma's this year. This race easily had the most organized water stops of any race I have done. Each stop is set up exactly the same and has signs so you can easily find the water, PowerAde, sponges or ice. They had plenty of volunteers and it was easy to get what I needed. The race definitely had rolling hills, although nothing drastic. I read some different posts, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It was definitely rolling. Dont worry about the hill at mile 21-22. It isn't even worth mentioning except the fact that other people had commented on it.

I signed up for the race back in January but didn't book my travel arrangements until 2-3 weeks before the race. I had no problem finding a hotel. Most everywhere had space, so my challenge was finding one without a 2-night minimum. It was a little expensive and out near the airport, but they did shuttle me to the mall for the starting line bus and opened breakfast at 4 a.m. on race day. I was on one of the first buses to the starting line and probably got there an hour early. I was worried since there weren't corrals at the start, but I had no problems lining up by my finish time. I also had plenty of time to make 2 bathroom stops and drop off my bag. I had more time than I needed.

The first 19 miles are a little lonely because there aren't many spectators. I was happy finally to get to town to see some people. I only wish I hadn't been so tired so that I could have enjoyed those last 6 miles a little more! Finish line entertainment was great. My family and friends really enjoyed the beer tent and we stayed for a few hours to listen to the band. Food and drinks were really affordable. We left town to go visit friends in northern Minnesota but I'm sure it would have been a great night to stay around to hear more bands and drink more beer. I wish other races did something similar.

Grandma's lived up to all expectations. I really enjoyed Duluth. There was great run support. If there was GU available, they were out by the time I got there... (I ran a 4:40:33) but no big deal. I would prefer something other than a cotton T-shirt, but it is a very nice-looking shirt. I just appreciated the friendly atmosphere. THANKS, DULUTH!

This was my second marathon, having done my first last month. Well, doing 2 that close together proved to be quite a mistake because I injured my knee and was barely able to limp across the finish line! But the organization was unmatched. I took a bus from the convention center to the start line and it got us there an hour early. The jets that flew over the start line were AWESOME! The fans were great; I was clearly in a ton of pain but they kept cheering me on even though I was limping and tearful. The water stations were well stocked, and thanks to the medic at mile 21 who wrapped my knee. Also, thanks to the guy and the chicken who were passing out Jolly Ranchers. That was the best piece of candy I have ever had in that moment! Ps. I agree - it's not as flat as advertised. A lot of very gradual uphill. Seeing the lake through much of the course was pretty.

This was my second marathon and first Grandma's. I'm a native of the Twin Cities and I've grown up hearing about Grandma's my entire life, so I was excited to actually participate in it. What a treat! The course was not as flat as I anticipated, but the hills were all small and gently rolling... nothing serious at all. The organization was outstanding, and the literal army of volunteers at every water station made it a delight. I especially enjoyed the loud speakers blaring music at every station, and when I got to mile 13 and heard, "Half-way there... oh yea! Living on a prayer!" I almost cried. The energy at the starting line was fantastic, and the F16 fly-over from the Duluth 148th Fighter Wing just at the end of the national anthem was awe-inspiring. The last few miles through downtown on the brick road would have been more fun if I hadn't been so tired by that time, but it was a nice break from the miles and miles of trees during the first part.

If I could offer some suggestions: At the finish line, maybe put the packet pick up a little closer? Also, I don't drink, so the drink ticket was useless to me, but oh man, would I have loved some free apples or bananas or granola bars. Also, I'm a big fan of finishing t-shirts that I can wear while training for the next race, and not just a plain cotton t-shirt. Glad to hear that they are planning to upgrade, and to offer water bottles and carry bags as well.

Thanks for an awesome race!