Why would anyone wait over 3 HOURS in a virtual waiting room to register for a half marathon? Simple: Because the Grandma’s Marathon team knows exactly how to put on an unforgettable race experience.
Essential Tips for First-Time Runners at Grandma’s Marathon
I’ve signed up and run over 80 races in my life—from local 5Ks to major marathons—and I can confidently say, I’ve never experienced anything quite like this.
Registration opened…and within minutes, I found myself in a virtual waiting room. Not for a concert, not for a rare sneaker drop—for a race. For Grandma’s Marathon. I sat there, refreshing my screen, and realized I wasn’t alone. Twitter threads, Instagram Stories, Facebook groups—all buzzing with people equally excited and invested.
With over 20,000 runners descending on Duluth for the 5K, Half, and Full Marathon, I knew the expo would be big. But what I walked into? It honestly felt like I had stepped into the setup for a World Marathon Major—not a small-town race on the shores of Lake Superior. Three main takeways:
- The Mystery Medal – In a world where races love to tease medal reveals months in advance, Grandma’s does the exact opposite. No previews. No leaks. Not even a mock-up at the expo. You don’t see the medal until it’s placed around your neck at the finish line. And honestly? That made it feel even more special.
- No Shirt Until You Earn It – Forget the standard “pick up your race shirt at bib pickup” routine. At Grandma’s, there’s no shirt in your swag bag. Why? Because, as the race team puts it: “You have to earn your t-shirt—and you do that by crossing the finish line.”
- Your Name on a CAR – I’ve seen a lot of expo gimmicks—but this? Next level. Every single runner’s name was printed on a car. Plural. Multiple cars, wrapped bumper-to-bumper with runner names. Walking around and finding your name on a vehicle? Absolutely surreal—and incredibly fun.
From Shipyard to Showstopper: The Charm of the William A. Irvin 5K
When my 70-something-year-old parents signed up for this 5K they were proving, once more, that age has absolutely nothing on heart. The 5K fell on Friday and the half and full marathons on Saturday.
I became a one-man hype crew—darting, clapping, shouting their names like they were breaking the tape at Boston. Sure, there were a couple hiccups—turns out life writes in loops not straight lines—but I got to see them shine. Not just at the finish, but all along the course—unstoppable, joyful, strong. They are living proof that resilience isn’t reserved for the young. It’s a lifelong practice, and they’ve mastered it with style.
Every Great Race Needs a Plot Twist
Knock on every piece of wood within reach, but I’ve somehow never experienced the dreaded “race canceled” scenario. You hear the stories—runners flying in from across the country (or the world!), months of training behind them, only to wake up on race morning to a storm warning and the gut punch of a cancellation notice. It’s heartbreaking, and honestly, hard to even imagine unless you’ve lived it.
This year at Grandma’s Marathon, it almost became reality.
Storms rolled in overnight, rumbling above Duluth like they had something to prove. And by morning, the forecast was full of question marks. But what could’ve easily spiraled into confusion or chaos never did—thanks to the incredible Grandma’s Marathon team. They communicated clearly, updated frequently, and never left runners in the dark. That kind of leadership? It’s no small feat when you’re managing the logistics and emotions of thousands of people.
In the end, the race wasn’t canceled—just delayed by 30 minutes. A minor detour in the grand scheme of things. Once we were off and running, the real surprise wasn’t the delay… it was the humidity.
Lake Superior: The Silent Spectator with a Front-Row View (Miles 1-4)
For those of you who may not know, Grandma’s is a point-to-point race—meaning it starts in one place and ends in another. Simple, right? But here’s the kicker: if you’re coming to support a runner, you better pick a location and commit, because bouncing around the course just isn’t an option.
And that’s where the locals come in.
These folks know the drill. They pick their spot early, they show up big, and they bring the energy like it’s their full-time job. We’re talking cowbells, signs, music, costumes—and vibes that hit you harder than the first mile marker.
Yes, the course is famously flat (hello, PR dreams), but I’ve got to admit—my mind was less on elevation and more on the celebration. Every time I thought about slowing down, there was another cheering crew that made me feel like an Olympian, or at least a local legend.
Honestly, words don’t do it justice. So instead, I’ll let the images and GIFs do the heavy lifting here. This race? It’s a vibe. A North Shore tradition…with many surprises along the way!
Pick Your Spot and Bring the Noise: The Ultimate Point-to-Point Party (Miles 5-10)
From beer tastings to pickle juice shots (yes, really), leis being draped around sweaty necks, and random-but-welcome strawberry stops and ibuprofen tables…where every block feels like a scene from a hometown parade and every face reminds you why people say Grandma’s is magic.
Honestly, you have to see it to believe it. Luckily, I brought receipts.
Between the bubble zones, “shortcuts,” and a gang of the friendliest dogs, runners had no shortage of wonderful distractions to keep things interesting. The next few miles were basically a carnival in running shoes.
Flyovers, Finish Lines and My Family Beside Me (Miles 10-13.1)
One of the things I definitely didn’t have on my race day bingo card? Multiple flyovers! Out of nowhere, two fighter jets tore across the sky in a scene straight out of Top Gun, slicing through the clouds with surreal grace and power. It felt like the universe dropped an action movie overhead just to give us an adrenaline boost. Runners around me looked up in awe, momentarily forgetting the burn in their calves. It was the kind of unexpected magic that makes a race unforgettable—and yes, a wild addition to an already surreal day.
As I made my way toward the Minnesota harbor, the energy around me started to shift—familiar, electric, and almost cinematic. I passed a few more hilarious race signs that gave my tired legs a second (ok ok), maybe a third wind.
I caught sight of the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge rising proudly in the distance like a beacon. Just beyond it, the legendary William A. Irvin ship loomed like a steel giant, watching silently as we runners streamed past. I felt a lump rise in my throat—not from exhaustion, but from the quiet knowledge that the finish line was near, and that my parents would be waiting there, cheering, phones in hand, probably emotional, but equally proud, as I made my way across the finish line of state #42!
Up next: Salem, MA — where cobblestone charm meets spellbinding history. Witches, legends, and lobster rolls await.
From the race course to the news desk
This just in: WDIO gave me more than a spotlight—they gave this story purpose. Their incredible team took the time to go deep, sharing my journey in a way that brought attention (and donations!) to dementia research right here in Duluth. Proud to be part of something bigger than the miles.
From Lakewalks to Lift Bridges: Duluth’s Best in a Day
Bridge, Please! Duluth’s Most Photogenic Landmark
Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge isn’t just a local icon—it’s a feat of engineering with serious style. Originally built in 1905 as a gondola-style transporter bridge and later converted in 1930 to its current lift design, it’s one of only a few of its kind in the world. Spanning the Duluth Ship Canal, the bridge lifts up (horizontally!) to 135 feet to let massive freighters glide beneath it, all while wowing onlookers with its graceful rise. Whether you’re on foot, by car, or just watching from the Lakewalk, it’s the kind of landmark that always steals the show.
From Garden to Griddle: Why The Duluth Grill Is a Morning Must
Literally farm to table—and honestly, I’m still dreaming about it, even though I almost never eat breakfast. Imagine crispy pork belly fried to golden perfection, drenched in a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze, topped with tangy pickled onions and fiery jalapeños, all crowned by two flawless eggs nestled on a grilled English muffin, finished off with a luscious, silky miso hollandaise. Breakfast goals, unlocked.
All Aboard! Discover the Magic of the North Shore Scenic Railroad
The Duluth Zephyr (book first class in the “Globe” section of the train) is a 75-minute round trip filled with spectacular views and local charm. This family-friendly excursion glides through Duluth’s vibrant downtown, along the breathtaking Lake Superior shore, and into the storied Congdon neighborhood. Plus, be sure to stop by the train museum—an unforgettable stop that’s perfect for history buffs and curious minds alike.
Enger Park is a tranquil escape with panoramic views and scenic trails. Perched atop Enger Hill, the park provides sweeping vistas of Lake Superior, the Twin Ports, and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can climb the 80-foot Enger Tower for a 360-degree perspective or explore the park’s serene gardens, including the Japanese Peace Bell Garden, a gift from Duluth’s sister city, Ohara-Isumi. The park features several hiking trails, such as the Enger Park Loop and the West Skyline Parkway Trail, which wind through lush forests and offer stunning vistas of the city and lake.