There’s something powerful about seeing thousands of people willingly line up to do something hard. Simply because somewhere along the way, they decided they needed this challenge. As Grandma’s Marathon celebrates its 50th anniversary, I keep thinking about how this event has become part of so many people’s stories. And not just running stories. Life stories. For some people, this race comes after loss. For others, after divorce, illness, addiction, depression, burnout, or years of doubting themselves. Some people show up chasing a personal record. Others show up just trying to prove to themselves they can finish. And I genuinely think both are equally beautiful.
That’s what makes Grandma’s feel different for me. You see elite athletes and first timers sharing the same road. You see families cheering for hours just to catch a glimpse of someone they love for ten seconds. You see complete strangers encouraging each other like they’ve known one another forever. For one weekend, people put down a lot of the noise life carries and lock into something simple and human: movement, struggle, perseverance, community. There’s something grounding about that.
As someone who has lived through a lot of highs and lows, marathons have taught me things that extend far beyond fitness. Running has a way of forcing honesty out of you. At some point during training or during the race itself, the physical challenge becomes mental and emotional. The marathon does not care about your title, your income, your background, your politics, or how polished your life looks on social media. It strips everything down to the basics. Discipline. Patience. Heart. The willingness to keep moving when things get uncomfortable. Life feels a lot like that sometimes. And maybe that’s why races like Grandma’s continue to matter fifty years later. Because people need spaces that reconnect them to themselves.
People need goals. People need community. People need reminders that they are capable of more than they think. And communities need events that bring people together in healthy, meaningful ways.
The impact stretches far beyond the course itself. Local businesses benefit. Families create traditions. Kids grow up watching perseverance in real time. Someone sitting in the crowd this year may decide to start walking tomorrow, running next year, and eventually change the entire trajectory of their health and confidence because of one moment of inspiration. That ripple effect matters. Especially now. In a world where stress, division, anxiety, and isolation seem to follow people everywhere, there’s something refreshing about watching humanity come together around growth, encouragement, and collective energy.
No matter your pace, everybody out there is carrying something. And for many, crossing that finish line represents much more than completing 26.2 miles. It represents survival. Healing. Growth. Closure. A new beginning. Or just keeping a promise to yourself. Fifty years later, Grandma’s Marathon continues to remind people that there is still beauty in showing up, putting one foot in front of the other, and continuing forward even when the road gets hard. Pa’lante, siempre! (onwards!)
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.
