Minnesota

Order in which state was run: 27

 

Order in which state was admitted into the union: 32

The Minnesota state flag is royal blue, with a gold fringe. In the center of the flag is the state seal. Around the state seal is a wreath of the state flower, the lady slipper. Three dates are woven into the wreath: 1858, the year Minnesota became a state; 1819, the year Fort Snelling was established; and 1893, the year the official flag was adopted. Nineteen stars ring the wreath. The largest star represents Minnesota.

Date: June 16, 2007
Race: Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
City: Duluth
Cost: $72.00

 

Garry Bjorklund half is held in conjunction with Grandma's marathon in Duluth.  My first thought of Grandma's is a bunch of elderly women running but the Grandma's is the title sponsor as in the chocolate chip cookies.

 

The marathon is a major event for Duluth and bed and breakfasts required 2 night minimum stays for the weekend.  I was actually given the option to book the next years race weekend at checkout.  Um, no thanks, once was enough.

 

5 am up north in the summer is bright like mid day.  I was surprised by this.  Also, a course that follows one of the Great Lakes doesn't provide much shade.  It was definetely a warm day.

 

Flying into MSP, I was able to have lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in the Mall of America before making the drive north to Duluth.

 

Up next: Colorado