Grandma’s Marathon weekend is the culmination of months of rigorous training and for many this includes a disciplined nutrition plan. What should not be overlooked in your plan is celebratory treats after (and sometimes before) the race. And Duluth is home to some of my favorite sweet treats!
Before even getting to Duluth a stop at Tobies in Hinckley for some baked goods is a yearly race weekend tradition. Although I can easily make the trip from the Twin Cities to Duluth in one stop, stopping to charge my car is a plausible enough excuse to sneak to Tobies. A caramel pecan roll is my go-to treat which I usually save for after I finish the race. Tobies on Friday before the race weekend is really exciting as most patrons are on their way to the race so you wander the parking lot marveling at all the marathon related bumper stickers. Once I even met a family with Grandma’s Marathon themed vanity plates!
On race day I have only one thing on my mind after finishing the race: ice cream. My favorite post-race treat is a malt at the Portland Malt Shoppe. This seasonal spot is great for traditional soda fountain treats. I had a malt here after my first Garry Bjorkland in 2016 and have been coming back ever since.
There’s no rule you can only have one ice cream on race day and I’ve been known to have another treat later in the day. Crank and Dasher at Fitger’s has the best scenic view to enjoy your cone overlooking the lake. I’ve yet to try Love Creamery in Canal Park but that’s on my to-do list this June 2025.
The grand circle tour of sweets comes to a close back at Tobies on the drive home. Not only do I pick up a few more rolls for myself but my parents always appreciate a few in exchange for dog sitting their granddogs. Every successful Grandma’s Marathon training plan isn’t complete without a few sweets!
Norris Anderson
Follow Him on: Instagram
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory:Running the Garry Bjorklund Half with my partner, Noah. I’ve run Grandma’s Marathon and Gary Bjorklund Half with a variety of friends over the years. Every year is memorable but the last three years Noah and I have run the half together and it’s become a fun tradition.
Favorite post-race beverage: Hot fudge and banana malt at The PortLand Malt Shoppe!
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: I like to run year-round and enjoy the winter. I only don’t run outside if it is a safety concern like windchill and ice.
Songs that must be on your running playlist: ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’ (Sister Sledge). When I’m training I prefer podcasts. Deep dives of Disney theme park trivia podcasts like “Retro WDW” are in heavy rotation.
Favorite pre-race meal: All-you-can-eat spaghetti. One year at Grandma’s weekend I overindulged and worried I would still be full at the start line. I have learned my limit.