Training

Gearing Up for Grandma's

We want to see our participants at the finish line, not in the medical tent.

To help in that effort, our major sponsor Essentia Health offers our participants year-round support. Led by our Medical Liaison Cristina Nistler, Essentia Health has a team of experts to provide you with advice on proper training habits, rest and recovery, nutrition, strength training, and much more.

Each year in Duluth, Essentia Health hosts a “Gearing Up for Grandma’s” event aimed at helping our participants physically, mentally, and emotionally prepare for their race weekend in June.

Check out the full 2023 “Gearing Up for Grandma’s” program, or click HERE for a video library of more helpful tips and tricks from Essentia Health.

Gearing Up for Grandma's

DATE: January 9, 2022
LOCATION: The Garden Event Center (425 S. Lake Avenue, MN 55802)
TIME: 5:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
COST: Free

As training starts to kick into high gear ahead of June, our “Gearing Up for Grandma’s” event is a chance for our participants to get questions answered, learn new things about training and nutrition, and meet like-minded people with the same goals and challenges for the coming months.

Sponsored by Essentia Health, our “Gearing Up for Grandma’s” event is intended to provide help and resources to participants of all ages and abilities ahead of the big race in June. We want all of you to stay healthy during your race and to cross that finish line – there truly is no better feeling in the world!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

5:15 p.m. – Doors Open & Sale Starts
5:30 p.m. – Happy Hour (appetizers & cash bar)
6:15 p.m. – Welcome
6:20 p.m. – Presentations

  • Essentia Health (Cristina Nistler)
  • Tortoise & Hare Footwear (Jim & Mary Stukel)
  • Keynote Speaker (Dick Beardsley)

7:15 p.m. – Raffle for (5) 2023 Free Entries
7:15 p.m. – Individual Q&A Opens

  • Dick Beardsley, Keynote Speaker
  • Cristina Nistler, Essentia Health
  • Joe DeVlieger, Essentia Health
  • Jim & Mary Stukel, Tortoise & Hare
  • Grandma’s Marathon, Race Information

8:00 p.m. – Last Call
8:15 p.m. – Event Ends

A two-time Grandma’s Marathon champion, Dick Beardsley will be available after the formal presentation portion of the event for photos and to sign autographs. He will also be selling copies of his book, Staying the Course: A Runner’s Toughest Race.

We will also be holding our annual Grandma’s Marathon blowout apparel sale on site, and each purchase made on the day comes with a FREE shirt.

A video library of helpful tips and tricks from Essentia Health physicians, nutritionists, and physical therapists can be viewed HERE.

ASICS Runkeeper Go

Are you signed up to run, but not sure of where to start for training?

Our Runkeeper Go training app, powered by ASICS, is here to offer the support you need ahead of race day.

As part of your registration, ASICS will provide free access to the Runkeeper Go premium experience. The app features premium training plans and guided workouts led by ASICS running coaches. Additionally, users can easily set goals, train, and, track their progress in the build up to the event.

Put the worries of training aside, and focus instead on the fun part of reaching your finish line in June!

runkeeper logo

For pre-race training and coaching programs along with apparel and other useful tips and tricks are available through our partners, please see below.

Fitger's 5K History

The Fitger’s 5K began in 1990 and over more than three decades has now become Duluth’s premier spring running event.

The 3.1-mile race traditionally starts and finishes in front of the historic Fitger’s building. The scenic race course takes participants through downtown Duluth and Canal Park.

Below are the all-time Fitger’s 5K race records and winners from each year. NOTE: Some early records are incomplete and our staff is working to retrieve those dating back to 1990.

2022 Fitger's 5K Parking Info

The Fitger’s 5K course starts and finishes just outside the historic Fitger’s Lakefront Hotel in downtown Duluth. They travel eastward toward 23rd Avenue East on Superior Street, London Road, and South Street.

2022 Fitger's 5K Parking Info

The Fitger’s 5K course starts and finishes just outside the historic Fitger’s Lakefront Hotel in downtown Duluth. They travel eastward toward 23rd Avenue East on Superior Street, London Road, and South Street.

2022 Fitger's 5K Parking Info

Free parking for the event is available in the parking ramp located next to Fitger’s.

Fitger’s Complex
600 E. Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802

2022 Fitger's 5K Race Packet Pickup Info

The Fitger’s 5K course starts and finishes just outside the historic Fitger’s Lakefront Hotel in downtown Duluth. They travel eastward toward 23rd Avenue East on Superior Street, London Road, and South Street.

2022 Fitger's 5K Swag Items

The Fitger’s 5K course starts and finishes just outside the historic Fitger’s Lakefront Hotel in downtown Duluth. They travel eastward toward 23rd Avenue East on Superior Street, London Road, and South Street.