Jun 30, 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 281 to 291]
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A Runner from New York, New York
(5/6/2002)
 "No real spectators until mile 18...." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 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!!!) | |
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A Runner from Concord, OH
(4/12/2002)
 "Fantastic Memories of a Must Run Marathon" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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. | |
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A Runner from Oakland, Calif.
(10/19/2001)
 "Fan support was awesome!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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. | |
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A Runner from Central Minnesota
(9/26/2001)
"Great race, but it's not flat!!!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!! | |
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A Runner from Iowa
(9/1/2001)
 "Didn't live up to the hype" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 A vey well organized marathon, treated runners very well. I was let down by the course though. It was straight and boring, the only thing that kept me going was looking for the yellow balloon mile markers. I am glad I ran the race, but I wouldn't run it again. Duluth is awesome as is Lake Superior, but you don't see much of any in the course. | |
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A Runner from Naperville, Illinois
(7/13/2001)
"You gotta run this race!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my fourth marathon and by far my most favorite. I have run Chicago twice and Marine Corp in Washington D.C. Duluth is lovely and the course is great. I CANNOT say enough good things about the overall organization. The miles are marked with large (like really big) balloons so you can see them as you approach that next mile. Mentally it played a big part in my race. It is quiet when you need quiet and there are FANS when you need them. These fans are 'race savvy' and really knew how to cheer you along. Each water stop had every thing you would need. 3 hours into the race the water stops were as clean as though you were the first one to go through. Once again, another mental image that helped. Run this race and enjoy Lake Superior!! Beth from Naperville | |
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A Runner from Chicago, IL
(6/25/2001)
"Great marathon that you should do at least once" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my third marathon and it was an enjoyable experience. This was the 25th running of the marathon and they sure know how to put on one. They have worked out the kinks!! Yes, there were hills which were more intimidating to me when I drove the course the night before than when I was running it. They were basically rolling and I didn't do too bad considering I didn't have much hill training. What was great about the event is they are so well organized. The pasta party was excellent and run very efficiently as well as the post race party. I stayed at the UMD dorms b/c that was the only housing available (so if you decide to do this one, BOOK HOTELS EARLY) Although, I must admit the dorms were not that bad and they had a hospitality room for all the runners that was wonderfully stocked with water, soda, fruit, bagels, etc. Plus they bus you to and from the packet pick up, pasta party, race start, and post race party. That was a great treat not having to worry about getting to and from. For me, the part I liked the best was that they had huge yellow baloons floating in the air at each mile marker. I know it sounds simple, but it was great for me to have that focal point pulling me to each mile. The view of Lake Superior was spectacular, you couldn't help but look over at it and go 'aahhh'. Plus, due to the fact that their seasons are later, there were lilacs in bloom that were just gorgeous and provided a beautiful scent around mile 20-21. As for the spectators, the ones I saw were great but I don't remember a huge mass of them. But, be advised, I am from Chicago so I've been spoiled by a course that is lined with about a million spectators. Also, I ran this race with my headphones on so I probably wasn't very focused on the spectators. But as I said, the ones I remembered were very enthusiastic and supportive. The volunteers at the water stops were 2nd to none!! Highly recommend the race, would do it again, but I am focusing my attention on other states. | |
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A Runner from St. Paul, Minnesota
(6/20/2001)
"It's not as flat as they tell you!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I run hills all the time and was told this was a flat course. There aren't any hills that are steep and long, but there are a couple steep ones (right at the end--- ugh!) and some long ones, too. The headwind this year was ugly, and it seemed to kick in during the worst time. Overall, it was fun and I'd do it again. | |
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A Runner from Fort lauderdale
(6/19/2001)
"The course kicked my rear" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was not prepared for the hills or the headwind. I had been told it was pretty flat. It is a different perspective when you are from Florida. Next time I will be better prepared. | |
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A Runner from Atlantic Beach, Florida
(6/19/2001)
"First-class event" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The 25th Anniversary edition of Grandma's Marathon was not only a great race, but also an outstanding event. It offered perfect weather; a course that blends nature and the city; and volunteers that were second to none - a great race for both the experienced runner and the first time marathoner. The only negatives were the selection of Ultima for the sports drink (most everyone I talked with also found it virtually undrinkable) and the fact that they ran out of so much race merchandise so early. Excellent medals and finisher's shirts combined with terrific bars and restaurants made the post-race portion very worthwhile as well. It's a must to do at least once! |
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