If you had told me a few years ago that one of my favorite marathon memories would involve a tent, the winds off Lake Superior, and a very generous stranger’s backyard, I probably would have laughed and then still showed up with my running shoes. As I head into my second year as a Grandma’s Marathon Grambassador, I have found myself reflecting on how this journey began and how it has unfolded in ways I never could have planned.
My first experience running Grandma’s Marathon in 2023 came with a lesson I will never forget. Lodging in Duluth fills up fast. By the time I realized just how fast, most hotels were either completely booked or priced in a way that made me question my life choices. That is how I ended up booking a tent in a kind Duluth resident’s backyard right along the shore of Lake Superior. The view was incredible and the hosts were welcoming, but the temperature made it very clear that the lake does not care about race day nerves or early morning start times.
Despite the cold, I managed to sleep surprisingly well. Not luxury sleep, but the kind of rest that calms your nerves and prepares your mind. I woke up cold but confident, made my way to the start line, and somehow finished my first Grandma’s Marathon. That night in a tent became part of the story I now smile about.
The second year brought a small upgrade in the form of a cabin in the middle of nowhere. There was no electricity and no running water, but it felt peaceful and grounding. It was quiet in a way that allowed me to focus and reflect. By then I had learned that comfort is not always about amenities. Sometimes it is about creating space for yourself and trusting the process.
This year I finally took all those lessons and applied them early. I booked an Airbnb with multiple rooms, electricity, running water, and all the comforts that come with planning ahead. It is about thirty minutes away from the race, but the tradeoff is worth it. Even better, I was able to form a run group, so a few of us will be heading up together, spending time before and after the marathon, and turning race weekend into something more than just a single morning.
Running may be an individual sport, but it is so much better when shared. Having people to laugh with, calm nerves with, and celebrate with adds a whole new layer to the experience. Each year has taught me something different. Plan early. Be flexible. Trust yourself. Community makes the miles lighter. And yes, you can run a marathon after sleeping in a tent next to Lake Superior.
As race day approaches, I feel excited and grateful. From a backyard tent to a cabin and now to a shared Airbnb, this journey has been about adapting, growing, and enjoying every part of the experience. I am ready to toe the line once again, soak it all in, and cross the finish line with another story to tell.
Here is to Grandma’s Marathon, to the lessons along the way, and to moving forward one mile at a time. And, of course, to the 50th anniversary!
Elvis Rivera
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: I ran Grandma’s Marathon for the first time in 2022, having tackled my first two marathons in 2020 and 2021. I’d heard of Grandma’s before, but as someone still pretty new to long-distance running, I had no idea it was such a big deal. Thinking I had plenty of time, I put off booking a hotel until three weeks before the race—rookie mistake! By then, everything was booked solid. Desperate, I turned to Airbnb and found…a tent. Yes, a literal tent in some generous stranger’s backyard. It wasn’t the Four Seasons, but hey, it had a zipper, and that’s all I needed, right? Fast forward to the night before the race—it was not exactly balmy, and I spent most of it tossing, turning, and regretting every life decision that led me to this moment. But, despite barely sleeping, I got up, laced up my shoes, and ran that marathon. It was an incredible experience and, let me tell you, a very valuable lesson learned: book early, or you’ll be “glamping” the night before 26.2 miles!
And here’s the update: it’s still my favorite Grandma’s memory…but apparently, I didn’t quite learn my lesson. In 2025, I found myself in a similar situation. This time it wasn’t a tent, but a tiny cabin smack in the middle of a huge open field. Sounds quaint, right? Well—here’s the kicker: no electricity. And the even bigger kicker? The night before the race, it poured like crazy. Great for sleeping, sure, but pitch-black conditions meant I stubbed my toes more times than I’d like to admit. And since the cabin had no restroom, I had the joy of trekking to a porta-potty in the middle of the night…through the rain…with thunder and lightning providing the soundtrack. So yes, lesson reinforced: don’t be like me—book early! Haha.
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “Pa’lante, Siempre!” — Spanish for “Forward, Always!” This phrase embodies how I approach both running and life. Whether as a father, professional, volunteer, or friend, it reminds me that challenges are temporary, but resilience endures. Every step and every mile—metaphorically in life and literally on the course—is about moving forward with heart, no matter what.
Advice to other runners: Trust your training—your body knows more than your mind gives it credit for.
Favorite post-race beverage: An ice-cold beer—but honestly, the “pre–post-race” warm-ish sip in the last couple of miles is my favorite, thanks to the amazing spectators along the course. Grabbing a cup and sharing a playful cheers always gives me the extra oomph to finish strong!
Song that must be on your running playlist: Pachanga by JaySi, PLYBCK, DJ Laz.