The Heart of Grandma’s Marathon Weekend
There are race weekends… and then there is Grandma’s Marathon weekend.Every year, Grandma’s reminds me why this sport is so much bigger than pace
charts, finish times, and race day goals. It is about people. It is about courage. It is
about grit, joy, heartbreak, perseverance, and celebration… all wrapped into one
unforgettable weekend along the shores of Lake Superior. And this year, it reminded
me of something even deeper… that no one standing at a starting line or crossing a
finish line knows the story another runner carries with them.
Expo Experience and Community Connection
From the moment the weekend began, the energy was electric. The expo was
filled with hugs, laughter, and those “I can’t believe we’re finally here!” moments.
I got to meet up with old friends, connect with running clients I’ve spent months
coaching toward this day, and meet new runners who quickly felt like new
friends. That is the beauty of this running community… it welcomes you in, no
matter your pace, your story, or your season of life. There is something incredibly
special about being surrounded by people who understand what it means to show
up, to work hard, to dream big, and to keep moving forward even when the road
gets tough.
5K Experience: A Personal Comeback
One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend came during the 5K, when I had the chance to run with a dear friend. This was my first race back after surgery, and I carried a lot of emotion to that start line. It was not about a finish time. It was not about performance. It was about being there. It was about taking in the atmosphere, soaking up the joy, and reminding myself what it feels like to pin on a bib again and be part of something so much bigger than myself. I kept coming back to one simple thought: run the mile you are in. That phrase has carried me through so many hard things in running and in life, and on this day, it felt especially fitting. One step at a time. One mile at a time. One moment at a time. Crossing that finish line, hugging my friend, and celebrating all that moment represented was one I will not soon forget. It wasn’t just a 5K finish. It was gratitude. It was healing. It was hope.
Race Day at the Finish Line
And then came race day… a full day spent at the finish line as a
Grambassador, cheering my heart out and handing out heat sheets to
runners who had just given everything they had to the course. From the
elites flying in with strength and precision, to the sub-3 runners chasing
big goals, to the steady, determined mid-pack runners, to those battling
the rising sun and escalating heat hour after hour… every single finisher
brought their own story, their own fight, and their own reason for being
there. And I had the privilege of witnessing it all.
Celebrating Every Finisher
But perhaps the most powerful part of the day came later… after the crowds had thinned, after the heat had worn runners down, after the course had officially closed and even the timing mats had been removed. We stayed. We waited. We cheered for the back-of-the-pack runners and the final finishers with the exact same enthusiasm, pride, and celebration as the first across the line. Because at Grandma’s,
every runner matters. Every runner is seen. Every runner is celebrated. And that is one of the things that makes this race such an absolute gem.
A Reminder of What Truly Matters
It is easy in the running world to get caught up in pace, placement, and
performance. But Grandma’s Marathon has a way of pulling us back to what matters most. It reminds us that the finish line belongs to all of us. To the runners who are chasing a Boston Qualifier. To the runners chasing a personal best. To the first-time marathoners. To the runners run-walking their way to 26.2. To the runners who had to dig deeper than ever before just to keep moving in the heat. To the runners who crossed that line long after the clock stopped mattering. Their finish is no less worthy. Their effort is no less inspiring. Their story is no less important.
Final Reflections on Community and Connection
That is what I will carry with me from this weekend… the reminder that running is
one of the rare places where complete strangers can become instant encouragers,
where clients become friends, where old friends feel like family, and where
everyone understands, in some way, what it means to fight for a finish line. We may
not know the story of the person beside us on the course, at the expo, or crossing
the finish line… what they’ve overcome, what they’ve sacrificed, what they’re
carrying, or how hard they fought just to get there. But weekends like this remind us that we don’t need to know every detail of someone’s story to celebrate it fully.
Grandma’s Marathon weekend was a celebration of comeback, connection, courage, and community. It was a reminder of why I love this sport so deeply. And it was proof, once again, that Grandma’s is more than a race… it is a place where runners are welcomed, lifted up, and celebrated from the front of the pack to the very last finisher.
And truly… what a gift it is to be part of a running community like that.
Until next year, Grandma’s… thank you for the memories, the magic, and for reminding all of us that every
mile and every finish line matters.
Laura Pierce
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: My favorite Grandma’s Marathon memory is from my second marathon—Grandma’s Marathon 2022. My first marathon was Grandma’s back in 2019, where I finished in just under 5 hours. Fast forward three years, and as I ran along the shores of Lake Superior for the second time, everything felt different. As I wound around the DECC and spotted the finish line, I realized I was about to break 4 hours. Crossing that line was already unforgettable—but at that very moment, my dad called via FaceTime to congratulate me. Through happy tears, I shared with him that not only had I finished strong (my A goal) and broken 4:00:00 (my B goal), but I had also achieved my C goal: earning a Boston Qualifier!
Before running Grandma’s in 2022, I didn’t even know what “BQ” meant. Like so many of the nearly 10,000 runners who take part in this incredible race each year, I was still learning the ropes. Since then, I’ve run 14 marathons (with 3 more planned before Grandma’s 2026!), and 11 of them have been Boston Qualifiers. Grandma’s will always hold a special place in my heart—it’s where I started, where I grew, and where I discovered what was possible.
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “She Believed She Could, So She Did.” This quote has guided me through both running and life. My parents inspired me to be strong and to believe that anything is possible, especially as a female. At first, I wore this phrase on arm sleeves during cooler races as a reminder of that strength. After many summers with warm races, I decided to make it permanent—tattooed the quote on my left forearm. Now, with every arm swing during a training run or race, I’m reminded that when I believe, anything is possible. And you can too!
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: Nothing! I absolutely love running outside year round! Living in the Midwest—and through Minnesota winters—I train in it all: heat, humidity, snow, rain, and wind. Race day can bring any weather, so I believe it’s best to be prepared for everything.
Favorite pre-race meal: Follow and chat with me about fueling and low fiber foods! Yep, if you’ve had GI issues when running I’m your person. When starting to run I quickly learned runners talk about ANYTHING…even their mid run dash to the woods and coming out with one less sock! My favorite pre race breakfast is either pancakes or French toast with syrup and banana.
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Earned, never given! And, live and run joyfully!