Excitement Brews Early on Grandma’s Race-Day

TWO HARBORS, Minn.–Excitement ran high on race-day, Saturday, with the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon that kicked off at 5:50 a.m., a little more than an hour later it was time for the main show as the Grandma’s Marathon started at 7:30 a.m.

Nearly 9,000 people would line up with the goal to complete Grandma’s Marathon.

Each person with their own reasons to embark the trek down Scenic HWY-61 to Duluth’s Canal Park.

“Run with your head the first 20, and then with your heart the last 6.2,” said first time Grandma’s participant Jen Pap. “I heard that it’s a great Boston qualifying course. That is my goal today.”

But everyone runs Grandma’s a bit differently.

For Eric Strand, his day started running by running the course in reserve. Starting his morning in Duluth and ran to Two Harbors, just in time for the race.

“Well, what brought me here was my hoka’s. Put them on in Duluth 26.2 miles ago at 2:30 in the morning. And I use this as training run to run the Leadville 100,” said Marathon Runner Eric Strand. 

Strand is using Grandma’s as a training course, as he plans on taking an ultra marathon later this year. He’s not at all worried about his rankings.

“I mean everybody up front, they’re all nervous now. But the people in the back are here for a party. It’s a 26.2 mile party,” said Strand. 

As each racer prepares their own way to complete the race, there are those who help by being on the sidelines to cheer.

“My goal and his goal is just to finish,” said spectator Daqian Gustafson. “Yeah it’s worrisome but also exciting. The marathon is really a big deal, and I want him to know that I’m with him.”

Daqian’s son Johnny, has her full support. She plans on taking the trek herself on peddle in order to bike the distance and encourage her son.

“Johnny, you, please go steady and finish up. Your mother Daquin is here with you!” said Gustafson.