New Race, Same Love for Duluth
This was the first time in thirteen years that I didn’t run the half marathon at Grandma’s—well, except for that one time I ran the full, and the year I sat out due to a high-risk pregnancy. But this was the first time a nagging injury kept me on the sidelines. I even ran it one year after hip labrum repair. I’ve been dealing with stubborn knee pain for over a year—the kind that doesn’t just mess with your training, but starts to mess with how you see yourself. Slowly, I’m getting to the other side of it. Healing has been frustrating, messy, and unpredictable. There have been missed races, shortened runs, and way more rest than I ever thought I’d be okay with. Still, I knew I wanted to be part of Grandma’s weekend—even if I wasn’t lining up for the half.
A New Kind of Finish Line
This year’s race looked a little different—I ran the 5K with my seven-year-old son instead of doing the half. We did our own version of run-walk, with few pep talks along the way to keep him going. His favorite part of the whole experience was the spectators. He absolutely lit up giving high fives and soaking in the cheers like he was in first place. I’ve spent years chasing PRs and cheering on the back of the pack—always believing that any pace and any distance is worth celebrating. Running the 5K with my son reminded me just how true that is. At one point, he looked up and said, “Mom, I’m the baby of the family and here I am with you.” It just hit me. This wasn’t about speed or distance—it was about sharing the moment, moving forward together, and watching him feel so proud of what he’d done. And honestly, I felt proud too. Proud that I’m still out there, still showing up, even as a sore, slower back-of-the-pack runner.
In the Heart of the Action
Like the past few years, my family camped at the DECC, and I stayed just a short walk away in a Canal Park hotel. It’s hard to beat being that close to the finish line, the lake, the food trucks, and all the race-weekend buzz. The weather, true to Duluth style, was all over the place—pretty much three Minnesota seasons in one weekend. We had winter hats and sunscreen, sometimes at the same time. But that’s part of the fun. There’s something about being surrounded by thousands of runners and spectators that just fills your cup, no matter what the thermometer says.
Cheering from the Sidelines
This year, my aunt and I volunteered at a crosswalk near the William A. Irvin on Saturday morning, and it really felt like the best spot to be. Watching the winners of the half, full, and wheelchair races fly by in real time was absolutely incredible. But just as amazing was seeing the steady stream of runners that followed—every pace, every age, every ability. The determination, the grit, the costumes… it was all there. It’s one thing to be in the race, but standing on the sidelines cheering everyone on gave me a whole new appreciation for what this weekend really means.
Until Next Time
This year was just as amazing as it always has been—different in some ways, but no less meaningful. I kept reminding myself that just because I can do something doesn’t always mean I should. I probably could have powered through the half, but sometimes the right choice is stepping back so you can stay in the game for the long run. I want to keep showing up for Grandma’s year after year, and that means listening to my body, honoring where I’m at, and finding joy in every version of race weekend.
This year, that joy came from slowing down, soaking it all in, and sharing the course with my son. Having my family and my best friend nearby made it even better—surrounded by the people I love in a place that’s meant so much to me for so many years. I’ve crossed a lot of finish lines in Duluth and this one was just as special.. I may be a sore, back-of-the-pack runner, but I’m still a runner. Still showing up. Still moving forward. I’ll keep doing that as long as I can. I’m already looking forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary next year. See you in Duluth in June 2026!
Carrie Alajoki
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: I have so many favorites which I why I love sharing “all things Grandma’s” in my role as Grambassador but my most recent favorite memory was reaching a personal course record in 2024.
A quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: I always tell my kids to “make smart choices”. This training season I want to live by that advice by being a smart runner. I need to be sure to make smart choices and hydrate, stretch, and foam roll.
Songs that must be on your running playlist: The Maverick Soundtrack, The Greatest Showman Soundtrack, Sia’s Unstoppable, Volbeat’s A Warriors Call, and Pitbull along with a wide range of country, 80’s rock, and current music.
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: I actually have no reason NOT to run outside except unsafe lightening conditions. I run in all kinds of weather. When we had record snow in the winter of 2022, I have photos of me running 2.62 miles on Marathon Monday to celebrate the Boston Marathon. We had just received another several inches of snow on top of the massive amount we already have. I have a great photo of me covered in snow! Heat doesn’t bother me either – in fact, I often run between 1:00 and 2:00 pm because it simply works for my schedule and that is often the hottest time of the day. I have lots of photos with me running in 80-90 degree weather. I wouldn’t recommend that during long distance training season but I love short afternoon runs in the heat!
Favorite Post Race Beverage:Diet coke and of course, ice cream for a snack!
2025 Running Goal: I have participated in Grandma’s for over 10 years. I am starting a new decade with Grandma’s marathon and have always been a back of the packer runner. In 2025, I really want to work on finishing stronger. In previous podcasts and social media posts, I have always said I am not in this for time – I am in this to just keep moving and having fun. This is still true but for decade number two with Grandma’s, I want to focus on strength training so that even if I am still at the back – I am stronger than even back there!