As a runner you register for a race, you train for a race, you attend an expo, you participate in the race and then you go home. Have you ever thought about what goes on behind the scenes at Grandma’s Marathon to make race day happen?
When:
What date should you circle on the calendar? Determining the date to host the event can be critical to participation. Grandma’s is in June and future dates are posted on the website. The weather and other area events can be a factor in determining the best time. The Duluth weather in June can be ideal running conditions.
Where:
Sure, Grandma’s Marathon has been around since the 1970’s, but the race course is something you want to make certain is available on race day.
There are certifications, permits, road closures and any possible construction issues to take into account.
Grandma’s is a Boston Qualifier and also a US Olympic qualifier (in that Olympic cycle.). It is necessary to have the course measured to maintain these certifications.
However, in the midwest summer time is also referred to as road construction season. The race course could need maintenance, so noting where those issues are in Duluth can be crucial to the race course. These things can change the distance or running surfaces.
Road closures are also critical for the safety of runners.
Who:
There are many people involved to make race day a possibility. There are sooooooo many volunteers involved in Grandma’s Marathon. At the expo alone you can find people answering questions at an information table, handing out bibs, checking the timing chips on bibs, and taking photos.
Then there is the pre-race dinner, I feel this event has more people involved than my local 5k. From taking the entrance tickets to cleaning up your plate when you’re done.
Race day is also no exception. All three races during the weekend are jam packed with people working aid stations, handing out medals, and course marshaling. Everywhere you look during the weekend you can easily spot someone in a t-shirt with “volunteer” on the back.
Next, let’s not forget the race officials and the group of people that work to make sure the event can happen. These are the people you might see with a radio or phone to their ear at all times.
Then you might notice another group of people, Law Enforcement and Medical Professionals. These people are there for your safety, from making sure roads are closed and safe to cross to helping you apply some lube on those chaffing spots.
How about the bus drivers and train conductors that make sure everyone arrives to the start line on time? Grandma’s Marathon is a point to point event and organizing a way to get to the starting line is a task. There are various locations around the city to catch a shuttle or you can take a train.
With so many groups of people that make race day possible, I can not forget the spectators. These are people that embrace race day and go all out when they learn the race course will close access to their home for a short period of time. These are people that provide fun signs, a water sprinkler or even a treat in the form of coffee or candy.
What, How:
I lumped these together as I feel the marketing of this race answers these questions.
As a Grambassador I am part of this group that helps spread the love of the event. If you follow the group of ambassadors socially you can see all these questions in action.
There is of course the other traditional aspects of marketing like print and media. I visited Duluth in late summer and banners still hang on light posts for the event. You can always spot the spot on the sidewalk for the starting line. If you are in Duluth, you know a marathon happens there.
Why:
Why is it important to know what happens behind the scenes? Understanding the ins and outs of race day are important to me as I know what I am supporting. I think the hard work of this event can go unnoticed because there are so many things a participant never sees. It is one thing to want to challenge yourself to run a marathon, but when there is an event that can allow you to do that, I feel it deserves some praise.
There are so many moving parts to hosting Grandma’s Marathon. There are a lot of people working all year long to make sure every participant has a fun and safe time getting across the finish line. Make sure to give thanks to those who make race day possible.
I have been running for over 14 years and have been running in a Grandma’s Marathon event since 2014. I have also volunteered, worked as an expo vendor, and been involved as a Grambassador. It is one of my favorite races around. Due to all the work that goes into the planning of this event, I always get that big city race feeling, but with the small town charm. I am looking forward to the Great Grandma’s half challenge this June.
Angie Maske-Berka
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: Pacing my friend to complete her second-ever half marathon in 2023, the look in her eyes when I told her there was watermelon ahead. The spectator support of the race is excellent.
A quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: Forward is a pace. No matter what you are doing, if you just keep moving forward you are accomplishing something.
The reason you absolutely won’t run outside: Well since I do not have a treadmill and a run streak, I will run outside every day, unless there is lightning, ice, and new to the lineup poor air quality. Thankfully my gym has an indoor track.
Favorite pre-race meal: Pasta with no sauce, all the noodles!!!!
Favorite post-race beverage: cold beer, bonus if it is a craft selection from the area.