Other than Detroit, Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota is my favorite marathon. For the past 26 years, race director Scott Keenan has steered this magnificent event along Lake Superior.

From a humble beginning of 150 participants, the event now closes its field to 9,000 and 4,500 for the marathon and half marathon respectively.  The name Grandma's comes from the city's marquee restaurant and original sponsor. Now the entire area supports what has now become the biggest event of the summer. More than 100 sponsors and a 5 person full time staff enable Keenan to put on one of the classiest marathons in the world.

Every retailer, restaurant and hotel manager understands the importance of this event. For them it is a huge economic booster chair. What they get from the runners they also return. Race posters are displayed at most establishments and customers are greeted with unmatched small town charm.

Excitement exudes from every pour of this picturesque village. A stroll along the Superior Lakewalk surrounded you with stunning views. It starts with the Aerial Lift Bridge (one of only two of its kind in the world) which is often captured on race t-shirts. The S.S. William A. Irvin, once an ore ship and now a museum, graced the race course and served as a focal point for the 5km run. A new Great Lakes Aquarium is somewhat hidden by the convention center but its facade beacons you to come in. Canal Park has so much charm that it's impossible not to spend money in the pubs and clothing shops. Along the Lakewalk you spot the smoke stack of Fitger's Inn, which was once an old brewery. Just a bit further you discover the continuing restoration of one of Leif Erikson's sailboats.

All weekend long activities were planned to keep the energy level bursting at the seams. The big top tent featured blues and rock bands, while beer flowed continuously, making it party heaven for all the local kids and out of town adults too. The expo was first rate. This year's speakers included Grete Waitz of Norway and local hero Dick Beardsley who always has great stories to tell. Italy's colors were prevalent at the Convention Center's Pasta dinner. It made for a cordial and festive atmosphere.

Weather conditions were almost ideal once the race got underway. For only the second time in its history, the race was delayed. Lightning near the finish area caused directors to hold the race for 27 minutes. 50 degrees and a 10 mph tailwind put the lead runners on course record mile split times. Andrey Gordeyev and Pavel Adreev set a blistering pace before Elly Rono of Kenya took over at mile 19. Rono's 2:10:57 was the best winning time since 1980. Moscow's Zinaida Semenova barely outran Anna Pichrtova for the women's crown. Crossing the line in 2:32:21 put $8,500 in her purse.

Back in the pack was first time marathoner and the First Lady of Michigan, Michelle Engler. The newcomer comfortably broke the 5 hour barrier, clocking a 4:51:22 chip time.

RACES Coming Up: 

Thursday, July 4, 8:00 a.m., Tortoise and Hare 5km and kids dash, Ann Arbor, call 734-769-9510   

Thursday, July 6, 9:00 a.m., Fife Lake 10km, Fife Lake (25 miles North of Cadillac), call Dick Gilmore 321 879-3337.