Grandma's Marathon is All Over the News ... and on DtB Saturday Morning

Grandma's Marathon, which takes place Saturday, is all over the news these days. We've collected some links below to the best stories.

Down the Backstretch will be in Duluth for Friday's media events and the weekend's three races -- the William Irvin 5k on Friday night and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and Grandma's itself on Saturday. Expect a post or two from us on Friday afternoon and then join us for morning coverage of the event from the finish line -- top results and quotes from and, we hope, photos of the races' top finishers.

Until then, check out ...

From the Duluth New Tribune ...

-- Kevin Pates, a serious runner himself, catches up with former high school phenom Melody Fairchild. The story also includes a preview of the American and Minnesota stars in the women's race.

-- Pates also wrote an in-depth story about recent drug issues at Grandma's and the event's policy aimed at cracking down on cheaters.

In the Star-Tribune ...

-- Paul Levy interviews Grandma's Executive Director Scott Keenan about doping, headphones, Garry Bjorklund, and being a race director for 31 years.

-- Rachel Blount examines the doping issue.

In the Pioneer Press ...

-- Bruce Brothers writes a Grandma's catch-all.