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Only one more week until my favorite race weekend of the year! Grandma’s Marathon weekend is my favorite race weekend. I get to spend three kid free days with family and friends. We will pack the car full and head to Duluth Friday to stay in Canal Park, which is the finish line for both Grandma’s Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. This year two of my sisters and I will be running the half marathon while my niece cheers us on.
The energy in Duluth is high all weekend with the beauty of Lake Superior as the backdrop. We like to arrive early in the afternoon to pick up our bibs, explore the expo and cheer on the 5k runners before heading to bed at a reasonable time. Okay we go to bed early but lay there tossing and turning, taking turns tripping over our gear as we run to the bathroom from drinking too much water. Our alarms will go off around 3:30 because we need to be at the buses to ride to the start around 4:45, with a 6:00 a.m. start. Yes this is fun!
Here are the Four Elements of Grandma's Weekend that Make it my Favorite:
#1 The Start!
As the Star Spangled Banner finishes playing, fighter jets fly overhead, while simultaneously Danger Zone from Top Gun booms from the speakers. This gives me goosebumps every year and has even brought me to tears. How can you not start this race pumped up!
#2 The Course
The course runs along Lake Superior for both the full and half. You can also see Canal Park (finish line) in the distance for most of the course. There are spectators in boats, at times large ships, which are interesting to watch and a nice distraction. The course is relatively flat with some nice downhills during the first half. It does have one hill with a reputation, Lemon Drop hill, but really it’s not too steep.
#3 The Fans
With about 6 miles left you enter the city limits of Duluth and the fan support cranks up! The streets are LINED with people cheering, dancing, playing music, holding hilarious signs! Seven years ago I ran the half marathon while pregnant and took time to interact with the fans. They hand out food, water, beverages, and Vaseline.
#4 Post Race
Post race my crew has been known to take a jump in Lake Superior. It’s always on the cold side and only for the brave. We have to eat at Grandma's Saloon and Grill because it is after all Grandma’s Marathon. The post race music is at Bayfront Festival Park with several bands, food and beverages. We find a spot on the grass, enjoy the music. It’s a large enough space that you can mingle with people or find a separate area for your own group to relax.
I am looking forward to time with family, friends, some cool weather, with a fast race and fun atmosphere. Ready or not Duluth, here we come!
