Grandma's or C-U Illinois Marathon?

[OakLeaf]

Anyone run either one of these? Comments?

[goldfinch]

Anyone run either one of these? Comments?

Grandmas runs by my old home in Duluth. I am not a runner but if you want to know anything specific about the course I might be able to help. I have biked the route.

The weather can be an issue. It can be very cold, damp and foggy at the end of June along Lake Superior. Or, less frequently, too hot.

[pfunk12]

I did Grandma's in 2003. I would highly recommend it. It's fairly flat. In fact, I can't remember much elevation at all. I agree with goldfinch about the weather. The year I ran it, it was slightly humid but not unbearable. It's a top-notch marathon - extremely well-organized.

[goldfinch]

I did Grandma's in 2003. I would highly recommend it. It's fairly flat. In fact, I can't remember much elevation at all. I agree with goldfinch about the weather. The year I ran it, it was slightly humid but not unbearable. It's a top-notch marathon - extremely well-organized.

As it follows the lake there isn't much elevation change. At about mile 22 or 23 is "lemon drop hill" which isn't that big but given where it is in the race it can be difficult.

If the wind is from the northeast you will have the wind at your back and it be a cool run. If the wind is westerly it may be much warmer and a harder go. I am told that the weather has been warmer the last few years, making the race more difficult. It is very hard to predict the weather as it is so dependent on whether the wind will be off the lake.

Hotels book up fast and are expensive.

Duluth is a beautiful town and the race route is nice.

[Jolt]

Not familiar with where the Illinois race is, but I would go with Grandma's. Duluth is a really cool city (I interviewed for a job there in January so have seen it and could have seen myself living there) and I think the course along Lake Superior would be pretty; I went for a run along part of the lake shore while I was there and it was quite enjoyable. Sounds like the course isn't hilly even though the city is on a very big hill.