Beautiful Lake & Superior Views at Grandma’s Half

Tonisia Billups(HF10011, DA1998, MM12110) –MedalMonday… Grandmas (Gary Bjorklund) Half Marathon

Minnesota ✅
𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁/𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Direct (Sun Country) flight from MCO (Orlando) / MSP (Minneapolis) then a 2 1/2 hr drive to Duluth, Minnesota
𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥:… be careful! MSP has 2 Terminals separated by the Metro line (light rail train) don’t accidentally ride the train outside the airport, into the city 🙄
𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹/𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: College of St Scholastica Dorms which were very accommodating 2 bedroom apartment style rooms with shuttle access for race morning.
🚨 Price gouging is REAL!
𝗣𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼: 24K runners= big expo with lots of vendors! All you need and more… Plus a pre pay All-you-can-eat Spaghetti Dinner available from 11:00AM-9PM😋
𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲: 6:00 AM start (7:45AM start Full)
This point-to-point race required shuttles to the start line for both the Half and Full! The logistics were a little hectic, but they made it work herding 24K runners on buses between 4AM-6AM! 🚌
As for the course, the Lake Superior views along the route were BEAUTIFUL! I can’t put my finger on it, but their water looks like it’s so calm. It doesn’t appear to be moving at all, even though it is. #beStillandKnow 🤲🏽
Elevation was fairly flat with subtle downhills and a couple of climbs at mile 9 and 12
Good running weather in the mid 50°s
Good fuel stations throughout…
Oh of interesting note as well, you only receive your race (finisher) shirt post race at the finish line, NOT during packet pick up.
That said, by the time I finished, the size I ordered was all gone 😏

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞: the post race food was limited but there was beer 🍻 and entertainment until 11:45PM along the riverfront at the DECC for those that would like to make a full day out of a race experience.
I would definitely recommend this race, WITH CAUTION! ⚠️ Plan EARLY, including registration.
State #42 ✅

Photo and post credit Tonisia Billups