Well here we are - just a little more than a month away from the 36th edition of Grandma's Marathon weekend. 

 

Soon, more than 17,000 runners, their families and friends will venture to Duluth for a weekend of running, reveling and relaxing. Rest assured - we'll be ready for you.

 

Take it all in - the expo, the spaghetti dinner, the live entertainment all weekend under the Big Top Tent and, of course, the races.

 

As you may have heard, in addition to our other typical marathon weekend race line-up we are hosting the USA Half Marathon Championships, which will be decided right here in Duluth. We haven't hosted a national championship race since 2004, so we are extremely excited to bring the country's top male and female half marathoners here to the Twin Ports to contend for national titles.

 

Last month we received word that two 2012 Olympians, Kara Goucher and Abdi Abdirahman, will make the half marathon championships a part of their racing schedule as they prepare for the London Summer Olympics in August. We are thrilled to welcome them both - any time an Olympian competes in your event it's simply very cool.

 

For Kara, she gets a chance to come home and race in the city in which she grew up for the first time as a professional. For her fans from this area, they get to witness first-hand what the rest of the world has been seeing during Kara's decade as a pro.

 

It promises to be an exciting, action-packed weekend. Enjoy it!

 

Sincerely,
 

Scott Keenan
Executive Director
Grandma's Marathon

 

 

 

 



 We're excited to announce that Grandma's Marathon, in partnership with Toyota, Advantage Emblem, Duluth Running Company and Tortoise & Hare Footwear, will again this year be helping to change the world one pair of shoes at a time through Soles4Souls!  

 

 




 

Five years ago, Grandma's Marathon weekend underwent a new look, thanks to a familiar face. Toyota, a longtime major sponsor of Grandma's Marathon events, became a presenting sponsor - making their commitment to the world-class race even more prominent.








Whether you're kicking up road dust or kicking back with your favorite beverage, Duluth is a renowned destination for accommodating every kind of pace-in a stunning natural setting.

For some, a visit stokes adventure amid vast wilderness and miles of hiking and biking. For others, it's a trip back in time with museums, historic waterfront shops and vibrant arts and dining options that reignite the senses.

 

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Running is a way for Tonya Loken to manage her life. It helps her maintain her health, clear the mental cobwebs and build friendships.
 
And it's the community of runners at Minnesota Power that encourages her every day to take the time to make health a priority.





ESPN RADIO 560-AM WEBC is proud to be the voice of Grandmas Marathon for the 6th year and counting. With coverage not only limited to the Northland but Worldwide, friends and families of Grandma's Marathon runners will be able to listen to race coverage from anywhere in the world on our internet stream at www.webc560.com.



The Minnesota Distance Running Association is the largest and oldest running group in Minnesota. Started 51 years ago, MDRA currently has 2,400 members who enjoy yearly benefits including the MDRA Annual calendar which is a resource guide for Minnesota running and lists over 300 races throughout the state. Other benefits of membership include the very popular bi-monthly magazine, RunMinnesota, discounts at the locally owned running stores , free members races, discounts on most MDRA races, free annual party each January and much more! Join MDRA to start running Minnesota better now! For more information, visit








 
The 2012 Grandma's Marathon marks the 26th consecutive year more than 125 BP employees will volunteer their time to help runners go a few more miles. Each June the Duluth/Superior event draws more than 17,000 participants for the race that begins on scenic Old Highway 61 and finishes in Duluth's Canal Park.




One of the true signs of spring in northern Minnesota is the Fitger's 5K Run and Walk. The 23rd running of the race was held April 21 in Duluth with a record 1,848 registrants.


UCare is proud to be a part of Grandma's Marathon: an event that is a perfect metaphor for the values of our mission. Just as hundreds of volunteers, spectators, and athletes from all walks of life come together to make Grandma's better every year, UCare brings together valued partners, community members, and dedicated professionals from diverse populations to improve the health of our members and strengthen our communities.

 

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Grandma's Marathon is more than just a grueling 26.2-mile race; it's a celebration of athleticism, live entertainment, delicious food, and events for the whole family to enjoy. But after all the fun and games are over up there, head down to Grand Casino Mille Lacs or Grand Casino Hinckley and give yourself some much needed R&R. You'll find endless fun and excitement for your whole family, as well as the most luxurious accommodations in central Minnesota.

 

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Two Harbors Investment Corp. is proud to be a major sponsor again for the 36th Anniversary Celebration of Grandma's Marathon. The story of our company began in Two Harbors, MN and so does Grandma's Marathon, which makes this a perfect partnership.