Huge Turn Out At Spaghetti Feed

DULUTH- This year's spaghetti feed is expected to be one of the biggest because of the cancellation of the Twin Cities marathon and officials say they are excited to be able to accommodate so many people.The tradition dates back to the very first Grandma's marathon and it's a runner and fan favorite.Spaghetti feed volunteer, Katie Cozzie said, "it's just fun to see people getting along and enjoying something common and, I think Duluth is generally a friendly city and people see that."With runners coming from every corner of the globe and all 50 states, helpers say it's the experience of a life time.Cozzie said, "volunteering for Grandma's marathon in general is just fun because of all the people you meet."A record number of runners will hit the pavement and the energy is tangible.Full marathon runner, Eric Kuehl said, "as I was waiting in line to get this, there was a gal waiting for a four hour and she grabbed it, she goes, 'now it's for real,' so it's pretty cool. It's neat to see first time runners and seasoned runners."This will be Eric's first time running Grandma's and he's got high hopes.Kuehl said, "well I'm hoping for a personal record. I'm trying to take about 26 minutes off, about a minute a mile off my PR. Someday maybe qualify for Boston. I've got a long ways to go for that."While the gloomy weather may not be the best for fans, it's great for the runners.Kuehl said, "fifty degrees is perfect, that's what I want."If you're running for the first time, a word of advice."Get a good night's sleep and if you haven't been hydrating, you better make sure you drink a lot of water today."With volunteers serving more than two thousand pounds of spaghetti the athletes should be ready to roll.For 38 years Grandma's marathon has been helping athletes to carbo load before the big race.