Grandma's Marathon is back this weekend, and it's the 45th year. Last year the in person marathon was cancelled due to COVID-19. They allowed people to run virtually to participate, but that's not the case this year. Like so many things, it's exciting to get back to the event under normal conditions. This year will start off with a flyover from the 148th.

The flyover will be two F-16s from Duluth's 148th Air National Guard. The race is scheduled to begin at 7:45, and the flyover will be just a few minutes before at 7:35am. The national anthem will be sung by 148th Senior Airman Ben Churchill just before the flyover.

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One of the pilots participating in the flyover has fond memories of the race. Major David Betts is from Duluth and remembers passing out water with his mom at Lemon Drop Hill. He also cheered his mom on as she ran half marathons, and now he gets to support it in a different way,

So now, to be able to pay tribute to runners past and present, I’m honored and humbled, and I just feel very thankful for this opportunity.”

 

The marathon is this Saturday, June 19, 2021. For those unfamiliar with the race, it's a 26.2 mile race from Two Harbors Minnesota to Duluth's Canal Park. The race is run on scenic highway 61 to Duluth. From there it continues on London Road through downtown Duluth before crossing over interstate 35 and finishing in canal park not far from the original sponsor Grandma's restaurant.

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