Race: Grandma’s Marathon 2023
Runner: Eddie Grier
Race Date: 06/17/2023
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Results: BQ***3:02:48 (close to my marathon PR)
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- The crowd support is definitely off the charts in a good way
- The other runners around me in the HUGE pack in the 3 hr group that I was apart of throughout the race were good to speak with at least for a couple minutes
- I have to put the weather here. Very nice & cool temperatures to start
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
*The 3 hour pacer dropped out after Mile 19
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
*See previous answer
The 3 hour pacer dropped out after mile 19. I was very confused by that move. I told my friends about this as well & they thought that it was very strange too. I honestly never seen that before
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
The last 3/4 mile I pass some 10 to 12 runners bring it home!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Just go out there & have fun enjoy what Duluth has to offer
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Maybe if I waited another mile or so early in the 2nd half of the race I would have been solid as far as under 3 hr goes. But I continue to trend in the right direction, exciting!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Not major but you better do some hill training. Lot of rollers for sure. Mile 22 & I think 25ish you need to have some energy saved
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
The people who ran this race before me they were telling me the truth! Very pretty course running along Lake Superior & into town
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
However, don’t sleep on those rolling hills. Especially in the 1st half of the race
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Grandma’s Marathon is definitely a well-oiled machine! This race is like ranked #12 in the US as far as marathons go. I personally think it doesn’t get talked about enough.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
This was a SOLD OUT field across the field 5k, Half, & Full Marathons. Good competition I like that
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Lucky for me and some of the other runners, hotels were a big issue because the event was sold out the university dorms opened up. If y’all do sign up be sure to booked in advance
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Aid stations where well managed! Something there for every runner
Weather and typical race conditions
Cooler temps early in the race…did actually get a little humid late in the race.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nothing special.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Crowd: Brings the noise 10/10, course friends indeed!!
How’s the Swag?
Swag was awesome. Got another sweet GMA’s Marathon hoodie along with the jacket
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
9/10. Great Experience