This was the first Grandma’s without our dad, Huck Andresen, a long-time Grandma’s runner, volunteer, and the patriarch of our “Team Andresen.” He passed away in September from glioblastoma.
We knew it would be different in a lot of ways, but there were some things that stayed the same, including showing up on Thursday to help set up the Elite Runner Hospitality Room (which our dad helped coordinate for many years). I arrived that afternoon to help get the room at the DECC prepared and greet some of the early arriving elite athletes.
Once the expo opened, I made my way over to pick up my packet, check out the great merch and find my name on the Toyota for the Half Marathon. I couldn’t believe how many people were already there! I love marathon expos in general, but the Grandma’s Expo always has such an incredible energy.
That night, I attended the “Nobody Asked Us” live event at the Norshor Theater with family and friends. A highlight was running into fellow Grambassadors after the show. It was a perfect way to kick off Marathon weekend!
The next day, I was back volunteering at the Hospitality Room, where it was busy with elite athletes — picking up their bibs and dropping off water bottles all morning.
At midday, it was time to head outside the DECC to watch the first members of Team Andresen compete in the 5k. Then, I had my annual reservation at Va Bene for an early dinner. This year, I was solo since my husband, Randy, stayed back in the Twin Cities with our senior dog (who needs a little extra care).
As I was being seated, the host asked if it was for two and I explained it was just me. “Do you want to join us?” A group of three women were at the next table and invited me to join their group for dinner. I did! They were all running the half and were part of the Brave Like Gabe team. I was so touched by their kind offer to join them and loved hearing their stories about why they run with Brave Like Gabe. It reminded me that there’s so much we don’t know about the people we are sharing the course with. Everyone has a story, challenges and reasons they’re out there. What a gift to get to know a few of these stories! (And, thank you Shawn, Kylee and Jen!)
After helping to close down the Hospitality Room, it was back to lay out “flat Angie” and get to bed early! And that alarm was early! We walked to the bus pick up at Duluth East High School, and made it to the start with plenty of time to warm up, hit the porta-potty before we were off down highway 61. Before we started, I texted with Randy, who was running his 13.1 at home. I went into this race knowing that it wasn’t going to be my fastest so i really wasn’t stressed about my time. I went nice and easy, saw friends and family along the way and mostly just enjoyed myself. Every year, I’m always amazed at the number of volunteers and spectators who give their time to make this race and this day so special! Thank you! Two of those volunteers were my daughter, Maggie and her friend, Sarah. They were handing out heat sheets at the finish, so I was welcomed at the finish line by those friendly faces.
After finishing, I met up with my sister and we cheered on my son’s girlfriend, who completed her first ever half marathon.
The one thing our family is as passionate about as running is CHEERING for runners. Following our races, we made our way to mile 24 of the marathon, where we gave it our all cheering for marathoners with 2.2 miles to go.
While we didn’t have our dad with us this year, we soaked all of Grandma’s weekend in — volunteering, running, cheering — just like he always did.
Angie Andresen
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: Every Grandma’s Marathon weekend brings special memories. One of my favorite things is when friends or family members run a Grandma’s race for the first time.
Favorite pre-race meal: Va Bene pasta
Favorite post-race beverage: Milk shake from Portland Malt Shoppe
Running superstition: I never wear a race shirt until after I’ve finished
2026 running goal: Build strength, have fun
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Community, Commitment, Joy
Advice to other runners: Take time to soak in all the marathon weekend activities and as much of Duluth as you can. Trust your training and have fun!