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☰
Grandma's Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Grandma's Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 4.4
Number of comments: 298 [displaying comments 231 to 241]
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B. T. from Carrollton, TX
(7/12/2004)
 "Rude Race Officials" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Grandma's Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 The course was excellent, flat with a couple of rollers. The weather was ideal, but the race officials were VERY RUDE. Bus transport to the start was running late, and I got on the wrong bus. As I was trying to get to the marathon start, race officials at the 1/2 marathon kept pulling my number and making uncalled for comments. Sent an email to race officials the day after the race and still haven't received anything back. | |
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William Wittenauer from St. Charles, Missouri
(7/7/2004)
 "One of the best!" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This being my fourth marathon in 8 months and still considering myself a beginner in the grand process called marathoning, Grandma's is 'One Of The Best' around the USA. Everything about the event was superb and done in the most professional manner. The crowds keep you going when the going gets rough! I had another PR, cutting 9 more minutes off of my time for a chip time of 4:13:50. The only comment I have is, it looks like there were just over 6 thousand people in the marathon and registration was closed in 12 days. Where does the 9 thousand count come from, were there that many no-shows? Again the best organized event around, I completed Vegas in January and it does not compare to this one! Thanks for the event! | |
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M. P. from Cleveland
(6/29/2004)
 "Best organized race ever" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Grandma's Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Duluth has this race down pat. The shuttle system worked out great. I never had to wait more than 5 minutes to catch a shuttle. The water stops were awesome. Plenty of chances to get water or Ultima or both. The course is gently rolling hills, nothing that difficult, but I was hoping for more flat streches. This year there was a headwind that slowed most people down, but nothing you can do about that. The fans were few in the beginning, but plentiful the last couple of miles when you really need them. The finishing area was set up perfect. Plenty of food, plenty of people to help you, I was able to retrieve my drop bag right away. My only complaint was that the dorm room cost over $160.00 for 2 nights. I felt that was a little expensive for what you got. | |
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M. N. from Toledo Ohio
(6/28/2004)
"Good experience, but not as advertised" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Grandma's Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I would like to say thank you to all the volunteers for this race. The organization is second to none and the people in the community were very pleasant and helpful all weekend. We really enjoyed the Duluth experience. I was however a little disappointed in the course. I thought that the first half of the race was harder than advertised because it seemed like it was uphill most of the way. The hills are gentle and rolling but combine that with the constant headwind and I was worn out by the halfway point. I was very happy with the all the water stops and the length of the water stops really helped prevent any problems getting water. I really do not like Ultima and would prefer Gatorade. Another disappointment was the finishing medals. We had 3 people in our party that ran the half marathon and only got patches - what is up with that? They deserve similar treatment as the marathoners. I thought that the marathon medals were nothing special, they are kind of plain. I have seen much better (Cincinnati) and some worse. Still my expectations were high and I was disappointed. Finally getting a hotel room is next to impossible. We made our reservations in what we thought would be plenty of time (Jan) and found that the closest we could get was Hayward Wisc. This forced us to be on the road for the marathon by 3:00 am. I think that is another reason why we ran out of gas. I love the area and will consider running the marathon again. Over all I would say that the weekend was a great experience but the race it self was somewhat disappointing. | |
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Daniel Clapper from Charleston, SC
(6/28/2004)
"Put this one on your 'Must Run' list" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Grandma's Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 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. | |
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L. H. from Pittsburgh, Pa.
(6/27/2004)
"Wonderful marathon experience" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Grandma's Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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. | |
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D. G. from Kansas
(6/25/2004)
 "A Great Experience" (about: 2004)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 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! | |
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L. k. from Canada
(6/24/2004)
"I had the best time the whole weekend" (about: 2004)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 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. | |
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J. H. from Denver, CO
(6/23/2004)
"A good time!" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Grandma's Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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. | |
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T. W. from SW Wisconsin
(6/23/2004)
"The best marathon" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Grandma's Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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! |
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