May 9, 2024
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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 251 to 261]
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B. A. from Minneapolis, MN
(9/17/2003)
 "Great marathon for first-timers!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. I am now hooked and cannot wait to do another one! I have driven the course and know it is really scenic, yet I don't remember it while I was running. Maybe it was the excitement of all the runners and volunteers that distracted me? The crowds were very enthusiastic and get even better once you hit mile 20, when you need them the most. The race is large enough to find others running your pace, yet small enough for friends watching to find you. The aid stations were plentiful and well stocked. The volunteers at each one were unbelievable. I only have two small complaints (nothing is perfect right?). I did not like being forced to walk through the expo to get my race packet and the Clif Shot pace teams were really annoying. It is hard to pass a group of 20-50 all bunched around a pace-setter. As far as lodging goes, I was pleasantly surprised with my stay at the UMD dorms. | |
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Patti Bell from Kentucky
(9/1/2003)
 "Highly recommended!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Fun, great course, perfect weather, beautiful scenery, good entertainment on the course. Well organized. The only reason that I didn't rate spectators as highly as they probably deserve (the spectator support at Grandma's is legendary) is that for us 5-hour+ marathoners, most spectators had given up by the time we got to them. There was still a decent crowd near the finish, however. | |
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C. D. from Chicago IL
(8/9/2003)
 "Did not seem very organized" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 The bus ride to the start was long, and then after the race, it was difficult to find my shuttle back to the room, and the transportation was not organized very well. Also, it was kind of a drag in the end as the streets wound around - did not know where the finish line was. | |
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E. C. from Minnesota
(7/9/2003)
"AWESOME!!!!!!!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon - I had high expectations because I'd always heard such positive things about Grandma's. Every expectation was met, and then some! Even though it was a little hot and my legs felt like rubber for the last 3 miles, the thousands of spectators kept me going. It wasn't even too crowded at the start. What a feeling at the end!! Great food and drinks provided to help recover. Everyone in the area comes to party and celebrate the runners! I would do it again in a heartbeat! | |
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T. L. from Duluth, MN
(6/28/2003)
"Unbelievable" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. I live in Duluth and have always enjoyed the spectator part of the race. I was amazed at the crowd support. People would actually pick you out and yell your number and shout wonderful, encouraging comments. While running along Superior Street, I actually felt like a celebrity. It was so empowering to have that many people cheering and clapping. I have nothing negative to say except: lose the Ultima - yuck. | |
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e. j. from Northwest Ohio
(6/26/2003)
"A 'MUST DO' MARATHON!!!!!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I agree with the numerous comments about the organization of this event. They do a great job of taking care of the runners there. A beautiful course, with great support at all fluid stops, and plenty of medical attention on course. This is a must do for all marathoners who want to be pampered. Running along the lake the entire time was awesome. What a great reminder of God's handiwork! I have only 2 things that could be considered negative: 1) Ultima is gross... warm Ultima, even grosser 2) the 2-night stay requirement at the hotels and dorms is not necessary. You have plenty of runner revenue coming into your beautiful city without diggng into our pockets for a two-night stay. These 2 items should not, however, keep anyone from heading up north to a great marathon!! After I get all 50 states, I'll be back! | |
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J. K. from Columbus Ohio
(6/25/2003)
"Beautiful course... tough for spectators" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is an amazing point-to-point course, which runs along the Lake Superior shoreline. The level of organization is absolutely amazing. The race organizers have thought of everything. From race number pickup, to water stations, to the finish line, Grandma's Marathon makes sure you are well taken care of. Spectators line about 60% of the course, and are friendly, numerous, and very enthusiastic. If you have family and friends wishing to see you on the course, be aware that their best bet is at the end of the course in downtown Duluth. | |
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S. F. from New York, NY
(6/24/2003)
"Best overall I've run" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I echo all the other comments. AMAZING organization, and the other three I've run were very good (NYC, Big Sur, Philly). The entire town turned out a great effort for the entire weekend. Course was pretty, but not as scenic as Big Sur (a very tough standard). Also was flat, although not as flat as Philly (a pancake). However, Grandma's was able to put it all together - wonderful support, pretty course, and BQ finish time. And I've never seen such great finish food - strawberries the size of your fist, ice cream, and all the standards. Well done - Duluth should be proud. | |
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Kirk Walztoni from Minneapolis, MN
(6/24/2003)
 "Best organized race ever I've run. Period." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I've run Chicago, Boston, Twin Cities, Dallas, and a few others - none compare to Grandma's from an organizational or volunteer standpoint. More porta-potties than Boston or Chicago at the start, with significantly less runners. The water stations were 1st rate - both sides of the road with water first, sports drink second, and water again. Then ice and sponges. WOW. The finish area was also great, with many smiling volunteers, and many smiling finishers. Thanks to all the volunteers and other runners! | |
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Ralph Firehouse Grill Marathon Racing from Whittier,CA
(6/24/2003)
"Great little-town feel" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Duluth is definitely a small town with a big heart for marathoners! The entire town comes out for the Saturday night party under the tent, and if you enjoy a rest first, it can be great! The hotel rates change after the marathon, so I would recommend staying a few days after to enjoy the local scene. The course does seem longer that other marathons, due to the long streches of open area on route. Still, a lot of fun! I would recommend calling the local hotels in May, as that is when the cancellations come in. ($140 per night for a Best Western). Great time, but really a small town feel. Complete with the local paper printing press breaking down, delaying the Sunday paper until around 7 am! Talk about Mayberry RFD!! |
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