Grandma's Marathon

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ttownrunner

16 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Nov 5, 2005 10:03 AM

Hi,has anyone ran the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth Minnesota? I am interested in running my first marathon and would like advice. Is this a good first time marathon, is it hilly, weather conditions, any advice would be helpful. I live in Iowa and I am checking this marathon out because it is close to me. Would a different marathon be better to run for a first timer?

lstall

2 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

1. Nov 6, 2005 7:38 AM

in response to: ttownrunner

Re: Grandma's Marathon

I did Grandma's in 2004. It is virtually flat, a few minor hills towards the end in Duluth. It is a well-run marathon, and fun.

The only downside is accomodations. If you want to stay in Duluth, anywhere near the start/finish, be prepared to pay $150+ per night with a three-night minumum. Most likely, these are already all booked up. They were handing out leaflets from the local hotels at the finish line, and reccommending reserving for the next year ASAP. I live in Wisconsin, we stayed about 30 miles south of Duluth in Solon Springs, WI, at a nice little lakeside lodge for $60-70 per night. The drive into Duluth was not a problem. But unfortunately we only had one car, so the family was forced to go with me to catch the 5:30 AM bus to the start, and they were stuck at the start/finish until I finished at around 11:30. There was almost nothing open for breakfast/coffee until after 8:00 AM. It was a long day for them!

cyberbeet

46 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

2. Dec 31, 2005 10:40 AM

in response to: ttownrunner

Re: Grandma's Marathon

I know Laughlin Nevada is not close to Minnesota, but it currently has registrants from 6 different states & one from Canada!
The course is a flat fire road, that runs along the Colorado River.
It is a half marathon & 5k.
It will be a 1st class race in a low key atmosphere.
Check out their website for further information & pictures of the course: www.laughlinhalfmarathon.com
The Avi Resort Hotel and Casino is the host hotel and the course is in walking distance!

hschulze

7 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Jan 10, 2006 2:23 PM

in response to: ttownrunner

Re: Grandma's Marathon

Hi! I have not run this race before, but I plan to this year. I have done three previous marathons and I am very excited to try out this one. Thanks for the advice on accomodations!

running_from_safety

2 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

4. Jan 11, 2006 1:00 PM

in response to: ttownrunner

Re: Grandma's Marathon

Grandma's is a great marathon for first timers. It's a very popular marathon for members of the Buffalo Chips Running Club (Sacramento) mainly because it is a fast (flat) course and is well supported by the local community.

jbecker5

15 posts since
Jul 12, 2007

5. Jan 8, 2008 12:56 PM

in response to: ttownrunner

Re: Grandma's Marathon

Study Looking For Runners Participating in a 2008 Marathon
Researchers at The University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business are conducting a study on the relationship between marathon performance and satisfaction. We are looking for anyone participating in the following 2008 marathons: Los Angeles, Boston, Rock 'n' Roll San Diego, or Grandma's (Duluth, MN).
Participants will complete 2-3 online surveys, each taking 10 minutes or less to complete. The first survey will take place approximately 5 to 2 weeks prior to the marathon, with the final survey taking place after the marathons.
All participants will be entered into a random drawing for prizes including an 8 GB iPod Nano, a Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS watch, and a Bose SoundDock Digital Sound System.
For more information and to register, please visit our website at: http://faculty.chicagogsb.edu/george.wu/marathon/
Please feel free to contact jbecker5@chicagogsb.edu if you have any questions.

Nov 5, 2005 10:03 AM

Grandma's Marathon

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