YOUNG ATHLETES FOUNDATION
The Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) is the charity arm of Grandma’s Marathon and was created in 1990 to assist with the promotion and development of healthy and active lifestyles for youth throughout northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, specifically Carlton, Cook, Douglas, Lake, and St. Louis Counties.
Since its inception, the YAF has donated more than $1.1 million to the community’s youth athletic, recreational, and nonprofit organizations. Donations help fund 10 free kids running events, 2 collegiate scholarships, our high school running shoe program, and our grant program that supports youth athletic programming.
Contact: Alivia Nelson
Phone: (218) 727-0947
Email: [email protected]
FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENTS
Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) runners commit to fundraising a minimum amount prior to race weekend, as outlined below. NOTE: If the minimum fundraising amount is not met, the remaining balance will be charged to the runner or their race bib will be pulled.
- Grandma’s Marathon — $500
- Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon — $500
- William A. Irvin 5K — $250
PERKS
In addition to a 2024 entry to the Grandma’s Marathon weekend race of their choice, all Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) charity runners will also receive:
- (2) complimentary entries into 2024 YAF race(s) of your choice
- (1) YAF-branded piece of apparel
- Fundraising resources and support, including a personal fundraising page, to help you meet your fundraising goal