This was my 43rd marathon and 1st Grandma's. These people know how to put on a marathon. Good sized expo with festive atmosphere. The pasta party starts at 11 AM so you can have lunch at the expo and eat a more relaxed dinner at or near your hotel. Speaking of which, the folk at the Harborview Radisson went above and beyond taking care of the runners. The whole town seems to embrace this event and welcomes the influx of runners. My only complaint was the Ultima on the course - us old farts don't tolerate change very well - give me good old fashioned Gatorade!

All in all, this was definitely one of my favorites. A charming city with plenty to do, so allow a few extra days if you can. The walleye fish cake salad at Grandma's restaurant is a must. So is the bicycle burger and onion rings w/ blue cheese dressing. Be sure and have at least one meal on the 15th floor at the Radisson's revolving restaurant for a panoramic view of the city and harbor.

Very scenic course with lots of music, spectators and volunteers. Gentle hills & given the right weather conditions, would be a good Boston qualifier.

Duluth is right on top when it comes to putting on a marathon. I came to get a Boston qualifer, and just missed it due to the headwind and rising temps while on route. The course does roll a bit, but has sensational views of the lake, and I can't say enough about the crowd support, and the volunteers. This town goes all out for this event. Expo and spaghetti dinner were topnotch. I had a great time... can't wait to come back and do it again. Every marathoner should put this race on their have to run list.

This was my first marathon and I can't think of a better place I could have ran it. The cool air and beautiful surroundings made this an unforgettable experience. I would like to see a couple of changes for a 'back of the packer' like myself. One minor problem is the free massages promised for the end of this 6-hour time-limit race. However, the massage tent closed 5-hours and 15 minutes after the start. I was extremely disappointed as the thought of a massage at the end kept me going for the last 4 miles. Lol.

Also, all the spectators were great, however, many had left or were leaving by the time I made my way there. I joked with those that I saw leaving that I was here now and thanked them for staying until I got there.

Overall, the marathon provided everything I could have hoped for in a first marathon where my only goal was to finish under 6 hours, which I did. We got up there a couple of days before and my family had many areas to hike and explore especially north of Two Harbors, while I stayed in the hotel and rested. It was a great vacation for all of us. I plan to go back in a future year after I train a little harder and can finish under 5 hours so I get the massage!

I loved the whole weekend this was my first half marathon and I was skeptical about the whole thing. But it just turned out to be the best time ever. I can't wait to go again next year. I hope to do the full next year. The fans are great and it feels like the whole city is taking part in the marathon weekend. The view along the way is beautiful as you follow Lake Superior along the way.

This was my second marathon with Las Vegas being the first. I had family that I stayed with in Duluth, so I cannot add comments about hotels. I observed people taking the buses to the start of the race, but they also had a convenient drop-off point as well. The expo and spaghetti dinner were good. The expo was a good size, much bigger than Las Vegas. The race itself had cool weather for June, sunny and 69 degrees. Everyone was very friendly. The course was much hillier than I thought it would be. There never appeared to be any giant hills, but the course was no stop rolling hills for at least the first 20 miles. This took a toll on my quads, so prepare for hills. After the race the chute area was set up very good, with lots of food, a nice medal and a finisher T-shirt. This race is prepared very well, I would do it again, I would just run more hills in preparation.

I ran Grandma's this year, the first time since 1985. Although it was my worst time ever, it was my best marathon. Everything was fantastic. From the jet flyover and the marathon train at the start, to the hundreds of cheering spectators in downtown Duluth. The aid stations were well organized and spread out for almost a quarter mile at each one. The volunteers were helpful and supper in yelling support. The views of Lake Superior were awesome. Although I was really hurting the last 6 miles the crowd still made it enjoyable. The finish area was super. My only complaint was the hotel rates. But I have already reserved a room for next year. Grandma's gets two thumbs up. WAY up!

I did not do my PR like I had hoped due to warm weather and a strong headwind, but I can't blame the organizers for weather problems. This marathon is well organized and supported by the community. There is almost always someone along the course cheering you on. More volunteers helping than I have seen at other races. The town really does a great job. I look forward to going back and doing another one.

It amazes me that this race just gets better and better every year; if the race director had connections with Mother Nature (brutal headwinds this year) then I'd say he walks on water, too.

This marathon has every detail nailed down and it's pulled off with genuine warm hospitality. The army of 4,000 volunteers deliver from beginning to end. Packet pick-up is a breeze, the expo is perfect in scale, and the adjacent pasta dinner serves up a tasty, all-you-can-eat quality plate of food with all of the trimmings. Target stores handle the merchandise, and as usual, is priced right and designed well.

As for the course, it's a series of gentle rolling hills--nothing is too strenuous. The busses to the start are very efficient, and there are ample porta-johns at the start line (as well as along the way). There are 15 very well-stocked water stops along the way staffed by very friendly volunteers. There is water (in biblical proportions), ice, sponges, Ultima, first aid, and more water at every single stop. There are clusters of well-wishers along the rural parts of the race and they are genuinely enthusiastic. As you get into the downtown area, the crowds are thicker and louder--all the way to the end.

At the finish, the announcer tries to call out every single name; no small feat with 9,000 runners. Medals are hung around your neck (other races still just hand them to you) and you're given water immediately. Chip retrievel and Mylar wraps come next. Right after, you're handed your finisher's shirt (very cool design) and a ticket for an icy cold one (or soda). Then the feast begins. You can opt for a free massage or go directly to the abundant food tables. They are stocked with loads of fresh fruit, juices, yogurt, cookies, ice cream, ice cold water, bagels, pretzels, and on and on. The reunion area is adjacent to the finishers' area. Outside of there, you'll find a very efficient bag retrieval area and a board with current results. Next to that is the beer tent complete with live music and 9,000 of your favorite new friends and their fans and families. It's a true hometown event that eveyone comes out for.

Media coverage is widespread in both television and newspaper; everyone knows that the race is in town. The entire experience will set you back a very low $55 and there is where the irony is. I've run races larger and smaller and no one gives you anything near the value that you'll get here--not even close. Race registration opens in late January; do not hesitate--it fills very quickly year after year--usually in 12 days or less. Your challenge may be housing. Check availability 6-12 months out.

The X factor continues to be the weather. The upside is there's only a few races you can attempt in the summer months--this one is never hot--but it can be warm, it can be humid, and like this year, it can be windy. Other years have brought rain, cloudy days, or chilly starts. Bottom line though is you'll be in sub-80 degree weather no matter what.

This course (weather permitting) will usually get you to a PR; the field is fairly aggressive and you'll see a lot of repeaters here. The things you'll always notice here are the incredibly friendly volunteers at all venues, the low, low price, the scenic views, and the energy of the town. Make sure you allow enough time to enjoy the surrounding area.

My wish is that other races--big or small, old or new, storied or otherwise--would learn a thing or two from Grandma's. The pilgrimmage to Duluth is worth every cent; THANKS!

Grandma's definitely ranks among the very best marathons (I've run 9, including Boston). Duluth knows how to treat marathoners! This race is not too big nor too small - they have not 'sold out' or become too crowded - instead they offer a high quality experience for every runner. The course is absolutely beautiful! The race is very well organized; the bus system worked fine; plenty of aid stations, and most of all, terrific spectators and support. (My only comment is that I hope they'll switch from Ultima to some other drink in the future). I can think of few other communities that embrace the true marathon spirit the way Duluth does! Overall, a great event.

I love this race, the course is flat the support is usually great and the fans are excellent at the last 6 miles. I, however, was very disappointed about not getting a Clif Shot at mile 17! They ran out. I was on time to run a 4-hour race and trained to use this product and it was gone. This was mentally tough. What the hell happened to the Clif Shots? I ended up picking up a unused package off the ground at mile 20.