This was my first marathon, and it turned out to be fantastic! I was worried about the weather, it was 90 degrees in Minneapolis when I left for Duluth. In Duluth, it was 58 degrees! It rained for about 10 minutes, then got humid and warm during the 2nd mile of the course, then when we dropped down by the lake, it was in the low 50's. Perfect for a marathon!

The aid stations were perfectly positioned, when I needed water or food, they were there. The spectators were wonderful, and even called the runners by name or number (wear your name on your shirt!). You get a 1/2 marathon time and a full marathon time - and it took me about 4 minutes to make it to the starting line. The finish (last 3/4 of a mile) is tough because there are several 90 degree turns through canal park. You think you are almost there, and it's really a 1/2 mile more! Still, the finish line was well designed, the crowds very supportive, and there were numerous porta-potties along the route. (And LOTS of wooded areas for those that don't care about being seen.)

Some of the mile marker balloons were popped by the time most of us marathon runners arrived, but at least 1/2 were still floating, marking the miles. Different colored balloons are used for the 1/2 marathon markers.

Since everything books up a year in advance, go and rent a room at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. The prices are cheaper than hotels, and you get to stay with other runners. A bus will also pick you up at your door and take you to the starting line. Plus, the food service is great for cheap meals! Here's a hint, most runners stay overnight Friday and Saturday nights, not Thursday and Friday nights. The town is still empty until late Friday afternoon.

You will enjoy this marathon, I certainly did!

What a great marathoning experience. A very well organized, runner friendly event. The course is fairly flat and conducive to fast times. The first 18 miles are in a rural setting, so the majority of the fans (and they are enthusiastic) are from mile 18 to the finish. This is a highly recommended marathon.

This was my 9th mara and 1st Grandma's. Duluth is friendly, and the organization and expo were good. The pasta dinner was well run and the pasta was better than most - very tasty. Seconds were encouraged.

The course is a point-to-point straight shot south into Canal Park. It's slightly rolling with no turns until you get into town. There is no lake view until somewhere after the halfway point, then it's beautiful.

The volunteers were great and the spectators were enthusiastic. Food after the race was abundant. The weather was cool and humid. The rain hold was confusing, but no problem. Bring a long garbage bag and throw-away clothes to wear while you stand around after being bussed in. The bussing was very organized with no long waits.

Some issues - the aid stations seemed irregularly scattered and served Ultima Replenisher sports drink, which to me tastes like Flintstone's chewable vitamins crushed up in water. We chose to wear bottle belts filled with Gatorade and carry film cans of extra powder. I tried training with Ultima and found it didn't sustain energy for me.

Grandma's should bring Gatorade onboard, or PowerAde, but not Ultima or Sobe. People have to run while drinking this stuff, it's important.

Much of the first 18 miles is pretty solitary, with clumps of spectators here and there. Once in town, the spectators were more evenly spaced.

The finish has more turns than you'd guess - the balloon arches aren't it. Go another half-mile. The actual finish was anticlimatic.

One note about the hotels - we stayed at the Superior Inn and requested a non-smoking room. When we arrived, our room stank. The ladies at the desk said, 'You runners always complain about that.' The hair dryer cord was brown from old smoke and we had no option but to make do. Get a faxed commitment when you book your non-smoking room, and book early.

All in all, a fun race - better than Green Bay, not as colorful as Cincinnati. Of course, Chicago is the best in the region, but is in another league entirely and really shouldn't be compared.

The Great Lakes/Ore boat/port city flavor of this race is what makes it unique.

This was my 17th marathon, and by far the most enjoyable in so many respects. They have taken care of everything; all you do is show up and take it all in. The pasta feed is friendly and efficient. The buses to the start are lined up ready to go. The race start area has sufficient portajohns, water, first aid, etc. The course is very gentle and rolling; easily a course to PR on and it is very scenic. The spectators are warm and friendly and cheer you on with enthusiasm. The water stops are completely stocked with everything; enough water, Ultima, sponges, Vaseline, first aid, etc. and scores of volunteers to hand it all out. The miles are well marked with giant balloons and the aid stations are numerous especially in the last 6 miles. The finish area has loads of food; bagels, yogurt, cookies, water, juice, ice cream, and of course beer. It's a really festive area at the finish line and your runner bags are right there to retrieve. There are tents for post-race food, music, and massage, too. The entire town knows what's going on; the local paper and all of the TV stations cover the events like it is the Olympics. Souvenirs are handled by Target and they're well-designed and price-friendly. All of the Grandma's Restaurants help in the celebration, too as do the hotels. One note: Book your accomodations EARLY; rooms fill a year out. The downtown fans come out to cheer you on; absolutely a hometown event. I'd recommend this race especially to first-timers, but also to veterans who are looking to re-energize their marathoning experience. You've heard all the hype; believe it--Grandma's delivers that and so much more and they do it (very modestly, too) with that Midwest hospitality that you always hear about.

I recently completed my first marathon and the experience was fantastic. The course is basically flat and because it runs one direction, the tailwind certainly helped. The views of Lake Superior were great and the organization was perfect. All of the people of Duluth are 100% behind this race. Although the fan support at some spots on the course was sparce, the enthusiasm of those supporting us more than made up for a lack of numbers. And after mile 18 or so the support was huge. This race is a real winner, all the way from the people, to the course, from the pasta dinner to the expo. I can not imagine a nicer and more friendly marathon experience. And the water and aid stations were clean and had more than enough people working them. There was also plenty of entertainment on the couse, including free beer at mile 20 or so. (not an official stop) Go to Grandma's and enjoy.

I have run Grandma's twice and in my opinion it is the best. The course is beautiful and fairly fast, definately a PR course. The organizers do a great job making you feel special, ample aid stations with fluids, food, first aid, etc... The entire city (approx 80,000) is active in supporting this event. There is no doubt this is more than a marathon to the people of Duluth. Every marathoner should consider running Grandma's at least once. If you do, you will be back. Great job Grandma's, I'll be back again next year.

The race course itself is not bad... It has some rolling hills, but nothing too horrific... The real problem is the lack of fan support... There are hardly any fans for the first 18 miles of the race, which, in my opinion, is critical to a runner's success... I am glad I ran it, but I wouldn't do it again... For first time marathoners, stick to Chicago or New York... For more experienced runners, Chicago, New York, or Boston... (the scream tunnel is awesome!!!)

Grandma's may be my best overall marathon experience even though I have run other large runs in Chicago, Nashville, San Diego, and others. Grandma's in my mind had the best start of all with the flyby of the fighter jets to the music of Top Gun and then Chariots of Fire. What an adrenaline boost! The course with its dozen rolling hills slowed me a bit, but nice weather and scenery were terrific. The only downside was the lack of hotel rooms, so some book a year in advance if they plan to return.

This was my first marathon and though it took me just over five hours, I enjoyed nearly every minute. The race is extremely well organized -- I couldn't get over how many people they had handing out water and my favorite sports drink. And the fan support is beyond comparison. The words of one woman who looked me in the eyes and said, 'You're gonna make it,' stayed with me to the finish. My only suggestion to race organizers is to make sure there's enough food for those of us coming through at the end. I was so hungry during the last few miles and all I saw on the road around me were orange peels -- but no oranges were left! All in all, a fantastic run.

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!!