For the first time since 2016, Grandma's Marathon in Duluth is sold out for each event including the Grandma's Marathon, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, William A. Irvin 5K, and the Great Grandma's Challenge.
After being cancelled in 2020, and returning partially last year, the return of racers is a welcomed sign for Grandma's Marathon organizers.
"It's something to be proud of," said Zach Schneider, Marketing and PR director for Grandma's Marathon. "First time since 2016 that we can say all three races have reached their max capacity. Hopefully we see a lot of those runners at the start line and at the finish line. We're hoping to set another record as far as finishers go."
Those taking part in the 26.2 run on Saturday will see the course return to normal after construction forced the route to take a few detours in recent years. Still, the route takes racers from Two Harbors, along Lake Superior, all the way to the finish line located in the heart of Duluth’s Canal Park.
"The Superior Street project was only supposed to reroute us three years, but we extended it another year last year," Schneider said. "This year we're back to our traditional race course along Superior Street through the heart of downtown Duluth. It's a much more beautiful setting for the final miles of our race course."
Over 60 countries will be represented during the events, which date back to the inception of Grandma's Marathon in 1977. Schneider says the race continues to be a "can't miss" event and draws marathoners of all levels.
"The coolest thing about the marathon is everyone has their own measure of success. Everybody has their own story about why they are running. Some people want to win it, some are trying qualify for the Boston Marathon, or for the Olympic trial qualifier," he added. "Some are trying to set their own personal record and competing against themselves. There's also people who have gone through some health issues, or are just getting back into shape. We could have 20,000 success stories."
Also, Grandma's Marathon is an important staple for the City of Duluth. Aside from the marathon route, Schneider believes participants come back because of how the community embraces them.
"I really think it's the feeling that runners get here," Schneider said. "You get to come here and the city and community opens up its arms, they welcome you to town, it's not a burden of weekend, and it's celebrated around here. I think the runners feel that."