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A must-read in paperback or on Kindle: Grandma's Marathon: History & Heroes, penned by Grandma's Marathon founder and former executive director Scott Keenan.

"Documenting part of the history of Grandma's Marathon, crediting the people and organizations, the North Shore Striders, the 150 runners in the first year and getting Garry Bjorklund to run his first marathon in 1977 is very important," Keenan said during a book-signing event Thursday afternoon at Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

"I was a skinny, six-foot, gaunt-looking, fast-talking stubborn Irish man who was seeking $600 to meet my typed-up budget for the inaugural race," joked Keenan, a local living legend who retired nine years ago. "I eventually met with Mickey Paulucci and Andy Borg of Grandma's Restaurant Company, who agreed that it was a good idea for Duluth. We inked the deal in a handshake afterwards in their parking lot."

► ON THE ROAD TO GRANDMA'S

Whether you’re trying to follow your favorite runner from start to finish or want to let them know you’re cheering from afar, spectators and supporters will have plenty of options to choose from during 2022 Grandma’s Marathon weekend.

ASICS LIVE TRACKING

Powered by ASICS, the live tracking function is back again this year on the Grandma’s Marathon mobile app. This allows family, friends and fans to track a specific runner’s progress throughout either Grandma’s Marathon or the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, offering real-time updates as they pass through various timing checkpoints along the course.

To download the Grandma’s Marathon mobile app, simply search “Grandma’s Marathon” in the app store of the Apple or Android device you plan to use for tracking on race day. The live tracking feature can be started by clicking the middle button on the bottom toolbar and then by entering the athlete’s name in the search bar.

The app can be downloaded at any time, but the live tracking feature will not be live until the morning of the race on Saturday.

SHOUTOUT VIDEOS

Even if you can’t be there this year, you can still let your favorite runner know you’re cheering for them. For a second straight year, Grandma’s Marathon will be offering its fans a chance to record ShoutOut videos to play for their family and friends on race day.

For those who record a message of support ahead of race day, that message will play automatically as the selected runner passes the JumboTron in downtown Duluth – near Mile 24 for the full marathon, Mile 11 for the half marathon.

SOCIAL MEDIA WALL

Grandma’s Marathon this year is also offering a way for runners, volunteers, and spectators to share their experience throughout race weekend with a first-of-its-kind social media wall.

Anyone posting a picture to Instagram or Twitter and using the hashtag #gmas22 could be featured on one of two JumboTron screens, one along the racecourse in downtown Duluth and the other in Bayfront Festival Park.

LIVE WEBCAST

For anyone wanting to watch the drama unfold from wherever they are, WDIO-TV will take its viewers inside the race, from start line to finish line, and bring you all the biggest moments of the day. Whether you’re wanting winning moments or citizen success stories, WDIO-TV has you covered and will put you in the middle of all the day’s best action on wdio.com.

LIVE RADIO BROADCAST

Join Grandma’s Marathon legends Dick Beardsley and Doug Kurtis along with Minnesota running royalty Carrie Tollefson as they follow the action live from the course on race day. They’ll break down the history and strategy of the race, plus you’ll hear from the winners as soon as they cross the finish line. Listen live on The Northland FAN 106.5FM or 560 AM, or stream the broadcast at northlandfan.com.

► A MESSAGE FROM DULUTH AGING SUPPORT

Mark your calendar on June 16 for the Northland Diversity in Aging Series: Dementia from Different Perspectives Webinar.

With June being Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, there's no better time to register for a FREE webinar, The Northland Diversity in Aging Series: Dementia from Different Perspectives, on June 16 from 11-1 pm (CDT).

The virtual event will feature the latest research from experts – including the impacts of dementia on diverse groups of people and their caregivers, as well as an overview of the disparities among different groups of people with dementia from the MN/ND Alzheimer's Association Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Sherry Sanchez Tibbets.

To foster conversations about the aging and caregiving experiences across generations and cultures, this event is a collaborative effort between Duluth Aging Support, Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging, Northland Foundation, and The College of St. Scholastica's Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, and the Gerontology Program. It is open to all community members, including students, professionals, and caregivers. To register for FREE, click here.

► A MESSAGE FROM URSHAN RETIREMENT GROUP

Urshan Retirement Group, Inc. strives in helping people achieve retirement goals. This is accomplished through education of the financial planning process, analyzing each individual's investment needs, as well as continuously reviewing and monitoring their personalized plan. Jordan Urshan (pictured) and Dan Urshan work as partners to ensure long-term consistency to your investment portfolio. They look forward to earning your business. Please give them a call to schedule your appointment. Call 218.625.7575 or stop by their office located at 5033 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN 55811.

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Urshan Retirement Group and Securities America are separate entities.