We’re excited to announce our 2025 Grandma’s Marathon Ambassadors! They come from all over the country and represent so many of the different runners that make our race weekend and Grandma’s Marathon family special. Follow along on their training and their trip to the finish line in June 2025.
Registration for Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Events opens on October 1 2024 at 7 PM CT. You can register online here.
For more details about all the events that make up Grandma’s Marathon Weekend click below:
Grandma’s Marathon– Saturday, June 21, 2025
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon– Saturday, June 21, 2025
William A Irvin 5K– Friday, June 20, 2025
Carrie Alajoki
Follow Her on: Instagram, Tiktok
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: I have so many favorites which I why I love sharing “all things Grandma’s” in my role as Grambassador but my most recent favorite memory was reaching a personal course record in 2024.
A quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: I always tell my kids to “make smart choices”. This training season I want to live by that advice by being a smart runner. I need to be sure to make smart choices and hydrate, stretch, and foam roll.
Songs that must be on your running playlist: The Maverick Soundtrack, The Greatest Showman Soundtrack, Sia’s Unstoppable, Volbeat’s A Warriors Call, and Pitbull along with a wide range of country, 80’s rock, and current music.
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: I actually have no reason NOT to run outside except unsafe lightening conditions. I run in all kinds of weather. When we had record snow in the winter of 2022, I have photos of me running 2.62 miles on Marathon Monday to celebrate the Boston Marathon. We had just received another several inches of snow on top of the massive amount we already have. I have a great photo of me covered in snow! Heat doesn’t bother me either – in fact, I often run between 1:00 and 2:00 pm because it simply works for my schedule and that is often the hottest time of the day. I have lots of photos with me running in 80-90 degree weather. I wouldn’t recommend that during long distance training season but I love short afternoon runs in the heat!
Favorite Post Race Beverage:Diet coke and of course, ice cream for a snack!
2025 Running Goal: I have participated in Grandma’s for over 10 years. I am starting a new decade with Grandma’s marathon and have always been a back of the packer runner. In 2025, I really want to work on finishing stronger. In previous podcasts and social media posts, I have always said I am not in this for time – I am in this to just keep moving and having fun. This is still true but for decade number two with Grandma’s, I want to focus on strength training so that even if I am still at the back – I am stronger than even back there!
Norris Anderson
Follow Him on: Instagram
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory:Running the Garry Bjorklund Half with my partner, Noah. I’ve run Grandma’s Marathon and Gary Bjorklund Half with a variety of friends over the years. Every year is memorable but the last three years Noah and I have run the half together and it’s become a fun tradition.
Favorite post-race beverage: Hot fudge and banana malt at The PortLand Malt Shoppe!
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: I like to run year-round and enjoy the winter. I only don’t run outside if it is a safety concern like windchill and ice.
Songs that must be on your running playlist: ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’ (Sister Sledge). When I’m training I prefer podcasts. Deep dives of Disney theme park trivia podcasts like “Retro WDW” are in heavy rotation.
Favorite pre-race meal: All-you-can-eat spaghetti. One year at Grandma’s weekend I overindulged and worried I would still be full at the start line. I have learned my limit.
Angie Andresen
Follow Her on: Instagram, Threads
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: One of my favorite things is when friends and family members run a Grandma’s race for the first time. My husband’s very-first race was the William Irvin 5k. After he finished, he exclaimed, “People were cheering for me! I’ve never had people cheer for me before!” (He’s since run 4 marathons and 15 half marathons.) It just goes to show the power of the amazing spectators during Grandma’s Marathon weekend!
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “After the flood, all the colors came out.” – U2
Favorite post-race beverage: Portland Malt Shoppe hot fudge banana shake
Running superstition: I won’t wear a finisher shirt until I’ve actually finished the race.
Three words to describe your training, racing or life: I run… Because I can
2025 running goal: Celebrate the small wins along the way
Rachel Barger
Follow Her on: Instagram, Tiktok
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: Grandma’s Marathon has been a tradition in my family since the 80s. After thirteen of my own Grandma’s Marathon weekends, it is so hard to choose just one favorite memory! So just to name a few: Finishing my first ever race in Duluth (the William A Irvin 5K) in 2011, crossing the finish line of my first full marathon in 2014, sharing the full marathon course with seven of my family members in 2016 when we revived our family running club from the 80s, crossing the finish line of the half marathon with my now husband during his first ever race in 2018, and experiencing the joy in Duluth in 2021 during the first race after the pandemic hit. Every year brings new favorite memories and I always look forward to adding to my “favorite Grandma’s memories” list.
Song that must be on your running playlist: “Big Dreams” -The Score
Favorite pre-race meal: The night before, ALWAYS the Michelina’s Spaghetti Dinner! The morning of, a banana, half a peanut butter sandwich, and a powerade.
Running superstition: I always say the same prayer as I cross the starting line and I always run on the far left of any race course (a superstition that stemmed from Grandma’s Marathon so I could be closer to Lake Superior throughout the race).
2025 running goal: I am SO excited to announce my 2025 Grandma’s Marathon goal- I am training to run the full marathon with my dad! This will be his 25th Grandma’s Marathon. I have run seven full marathons, six of which were when I was either in nursing school or nurse practitioner school. Due to this, I have not had the time to properly train and I have always crossed the finish line after my dad. This year, now that I am done with school and in a better place to train, I look forward to pushing myself harder than I ever have in the past in order to achieve this goal. Along with running the race with my dad, the goal that we made together would give me almost an hour PR in the marathon. I haven’t been this excited about a goal since my first marathon over 10 years ago! I can’t wait to share this journey!
Gladys Burkland
Follow Her on: Instagram, Tiktok
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: My favorite Grandma’s Marathon experience was this year, especially after the disappointment of last year’s Twin Cities Marathon being canceled. I was on edge, anxiously watching the weather and fearing that history might repeat itself. Severe storms loomed, threatening to cancel the race, but when race day came, I was thrilled to run through the rain. The downpour only added to the excitement—it turned out to be one of the most exhilarating runs I’ve ever had!
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life : My favorite quote that guides my training in life is: “I can do anything if I just continue to move forward”: Sometimes I lose sight of the fact that any progress is better than standing still. Even small efforts accumulate into great achievements. It’s far better to begin, even at a slow pace, than to remain stagnant. The key is to take that first step—don’t put off until tomorrow what you can start today.
Song that must be on your running playlist : Oye by La Sonora Dinamita, This song beautifully captures the essence of appreciating life’s many gifts. It reminds me to be grateful for the privilege of running marathons, knowing I have the health and strength to do so. Each day becomes meaningful, and I cherish every run and training session as a celebration of what my body can achieve.
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: I’m always up for an outdoor run, no matter the weather. Whether it’s rain or snow, I’ve come to embrace the variety nature offers. The only thing that keeps me from heading out is when I’m pressed for time and need to get ready quickly. Otherwise, I’m all in!
Favorite pre-race meal: Coffee, Muesli with almond milk, Peanut Butter and Berries
Caleb-Michael Files
Follow Them on: Instagram, TikTok
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: Setting the non-binary course record in the 2024 5K
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
Song that must be on your running playlist: Fred Again.. “Delilah”
Favorite pre-race meal: A simple bowl of overnight oats with a banana and a drizzle of honey.
2025 running goal: To break 3 hours in the marathon.
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Consistent, Resilient, Joyful.
Mark Gudgel
Follow Him on: Instagram
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: In 2022 I crossed the finish line at Grandma’s having completed my first full marathon since 2008. I was cramped so badly that I was afraid to sit down for fear that I wouldn’t be able to get back up. That said, I had proven something to myself, and it was so fulfilling that since then I’ve been averaging eight to ten marathons a year–with minimal cramping, I might add!
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: We don’t stop running because we get old. We get old because we stop running.
Song that must be on your running playlist: “The Only Way I Know” by Jason Aldean
Favorite post-race beverage: craft beer at the finish line, Champagne in my hotel room
Running superstition: If I miss my run, it’s like the worst hangover in the world. I’m useless all damn day after that.
2025 running goal: Average a marathon a month, guiding blind runners in as many as possible, and pacing others.
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Indefatigable, inimitable, and inspired
Shannon Hogan
Follow Her on: Instagram, Facebook
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: This is a tough one. Up until last year, I would have said crossing the finish line at my first Grandma’s, but the 2024 race changed that. I have two. First, running the William A. Irvin 5k with my daughter, Dot. She has been participating in marathon weekend for a few years now in the Whipper Snapper Races, but this was her first official race. Seeing her develop a love for running, the community, and challenging herself has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve gained from running. Second,when I realized I was going to BQ the final miles of the race last year. Throughout the entire race I had my doubts, but nearing the end of Superior Street, I knew I had it and that was an incredible feeling.
Song that must be on your running playlist: Music is so instrumental (no pun intended) to my everyday life. So,my go to songs constantly change. Right now,I love “Run Away to Mars” by TALKS and “Outro” by the M83s (that one has been a favorite for quite a while).
Favorite post-race beverage: Coffee. Iced or hot, depending on the weather. Always with creamer.
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Consistent, Gritty, Chaotic
2025 Running Goal: Run another Boston Qualifier at Grandma’s. They’ve lowered the standard, so that means I’m shooting for a faster time. Complete another 100k or 100 miler next year.
Hannah Koch
Follow Her on: Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, Facebook
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: I feel like each time I share my favorite Grandma’s Marathon memory, it’s different. Each year, I get to make new memories that become some of the happiest moments of my life. A few special GM memories that come to mind: Facetiming my Dad as I crossed the finish line of my first marathon ever (GM 2023), practically sprinting the last 2 miles of GM 2024 with my best friend, Alyson, only to miss breaking the 5 hour mark by 49 SECONDS.
But one that is a constant… for every single GM event (8 so far), my mom has always been on the bleachers at the finish to watch me cross. Her support for my running, listening to me talk about training constantly, and being at every finish line is my favorite memory. From volunteering at the water stop before lemon drop hill in my younger years, to going to every expo with me, to driving me to the bus in the morning. She’s been my constant in Grandma’s Marathon weekend. She is one of my favorite memories of Grandma’s Marathon.
Song that must be on your running playlist: Very odd.. But I actually prefer listening to country music when I run! Lately it’s been Megan Moroney! More specifically, the song “Am I Okay?”
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “Relentlessly moving forward”, “Do it because you can”.
Favorite post-race beverage: I love a good liquid-IV.. They’re kind of expensive little packets so I reward my long runs and races with them. My favorite flavor is cotton candy of course, or firecracker. Although if I’m in Duluth, a sour from Usra Minor is a close second!
Favorite pre-race meal: I found this when training for my first marathon and never looked back… Medium boiled eggs and classic ramen noodles. The yolk has to be a little “runny” and how much salt I add depends on how far that run is. Hahahah “runny”, get it?
2025 running goal:Primary running goal is to have a healthy season with minimal to no injuries. Secondary running goal is to increase weekly mileage from previous training cycles. After completing my Doctorate in May 2024, I have all this free time to run! Third tier goal is to run a sub 5-hour marathon. GM 2024, I missed it by 49 seconds!! It’d be really cool if I could push myself past that barrier.
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Sentimental. Joyful. Passionate.
Greg Koch
Follow Him on: Instagram , Facebook, Linkedin
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: My favorite memory from Grandma’s Marathon is from mile 25 when I caught a whiff of Indian food coming from India Palace. When I finally connected with my wife and daughter, we both had the same thought: “Wouldn’t that make an amazing post-race meal?” And it was! That meal is now a cherished part of my Grandma’s Marathon experience, along with watching my 3-year-old daughter light up with excitement at the finish line.
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life:“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” – Dale Carnegie
A Song that must be on your running playlist: I usually don’t run with music unless I’m on the treadmill, but if I had to choose one, it’d be Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.”
Reason You Absolutely Won’t Run Outside: Wind. Living in South Dakota, people think the cold is the real challenge, but for me, it’s the wind. It’s a real game changer. I used to be more hard-core, but after buying a treadmill during COVID, I learned to embrace indoor running. If I’m on the treadmill, it’s always a party.
Three Words to Describe Your Training, Racing, or Life: Smile, Give, Thank
Tanya Koneczny
Follow Her on: Instagram
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: My first ever Grandma’s event in 2015, the Garry Bjorklund half, when it rained the entire time. I got to see my family cheer me on along the course, even in the rain, and I ended up with a half-marathon PR.
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.
A Song that must be on your running playlist: Brave by Sara Bareilles
Favorite post-race beverage: Coffee cooler from Caribou Coffee
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: Zombies or Sharknado.
2025 running goal: Run half marathon #30!
Tony Loyd
Follow Him on: Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Linkedin
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory:In 2024, Mile in My Shoes put together a charity race team. It was our first time at Grandma’s Marathon. We were amazed when more than fifty people signed up as FundRacers
During the race, I was wearing my blue Mile in My Shoes singlet. I was amazed by the number of people who shouted out “Mile in My Shoes, Woo!” When I reached the Mile in My Shoes cheer zone, it was so encouraging. Even though they were standing in the rain, there they were, cheering their lungs out. It was deafening.
I would encourage anyone to consider raising funds for charity, especially Mile in My Shoes.
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life:
I have two that go together.
1. Run and have fun.
2. Power flows where the attention goes.
Play is the essence of running. If your running is not playing, you’re probably not doing it right. That is not to say that running is always easy! Sometimes during a long run or a hard workout, you feel like your head will explode.
Your experience will depend on where you put your focus. Focus on whatever brings you joy. In each moment, along the race route, find something that brings joy.
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: I used to run with a group whose motto was “Good to go til ten below.” Living in Minnesota, I’ve had to break that and run in colder weather. As my Minnesota friends say, “There is no such thing as too cold – just underdressed.” Today, the only thing that stops me is if the trails are too icy, or if it is lightening.
Favorite pre-race meal:My go-to meal is organic blueberries, nondairy yogurt, and granola.
Favorite post-race beverage: I like an orgain protein shake with wild blueberries, a banana, and oat milk
2025 running goal: 2025 will be my year for joyful running. I want to be present with the privilege of each mile.
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Run and have fun.
Angie Maske-Berka
Follow Her on: Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Tiktok, Facebook
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: Pacing my friend to complete her second-ever half marathon in 2023, the look in her eyes when I told her there was watermelon ahead. The spectator support of the race is excellent.
A quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: Forward is a pace. No matter what you are doing, if you just keep moving forward you are accomplishing something.
Song that must be on your running playlist :Intoxicated by Martin Solveig & Good Times Ahead
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: Unsafe conditions and for me that is ice or lightning
Favorite pre-race meal: Pasta with no sauce the night before
Matthew Naugle
Follow Him on: Instagram
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: My favorite Grandma’s Marathon memory is having a group of friends spread out all across the country reunite in Duluth for a reunion. I met some of my closest friends during the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington, D.C.’s running community, but many have since moved away. Amazingly, running is one thing that keeps us connected, and our reunion running along the Lake Superior coast is a happy memory I’ll never forget.
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly.” – G.K. Chesterton
Perhaps my slow 50K and 50 miler ultra marathons gave me too much time to philosophize, but I deeply believe in the need not to compare yourself to others. Instead, focus on your own journey. The running community is a small bubble of the world’s population, and everyone you see running a marathon at any speed is actually quite impressive. Be consistent, and don’t be afraid to fail.
Song that must be on your running playlist – “Runnin’ Down a Dream” – Tom Petty
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: Absolutely nothing! Northeast Track Club taught me to train in any weather. Embrace the pain of rain, snow, and cold. The worst moments are the best times to smile, as you’re tougher than you realize. No matter how rough it gets, remember that its more enjoyable than any treadmill or MS Teams call.
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life:Intensity. Integrity. Intelligence. (Kurt Angle’s three I’s)
Jacob Oak
Follow Him on: Facebook, Instagram
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: In 2024, I ran Grandma’s Marathon for the 3rd time. At one point in April, I was scared I wouldn’t be able to line up for the race due to a lingering injury. I was fortunate enough to be able to string together a solid few weeks of training and come in just a minute behind my overall PR while setting a GMAS PR by more than 30 minutes! Last year also sticks out as special because it rained, HARD, during the race and it was so cool to see all the amazing community members and volunteers out in the rain having a blast and cheering on every single runner along the way!
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “We Get To Do This”
A song that must be on your running playlist: It’s Not Living If It’s Not With You
Favorite Post-Race Beverage: Fair Life chocolate milk with coconut whipped topping! Yummmm
2025 Running Goal:Create more supportive, growth-minded spaces where individuals can push their limits, build confidence, and focus on what truly matters to achieve their most desired results. Annnnnnnnnd snag a PR GMAS weekend!
Elvis Rivera
Follow Him on: Instagram, Linkedin
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: I ran Grandma’s Marathon for the first time in 2022, having tackled my first two marathons in 2020 and 2021. I’d heard of Grandma’s before, but as someone still pretty new to long-distance running, I had no idea it was such a big deal. Thinking I had plenty of time, I put off booking a hotel until three weeks before the race—rookie mistake! By then, everything was booked solid. Desperate, I turned to Airbnb and found…a tent. Yes, a literal tent in some generous stranger’s backyard. It wasn’t the Four Seasons, but hey, it had a zipper, and that’s all I needed, right? Fast forward to the night before the race—it was not exactly balmy, and I spent most of it tossing, turning, and regretting every life decision that led me to this moment. But, despite barely sleeping, I got up, laced up my shoes, and ran that marathon. It was an incredible experience and, let me tell you, a very valuable lesson learned: book early, or you’ll be “glamping” the night before 26.2 miles!
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “Stress doesn’t come from hard work—it comes from not taking action on things you have some control over.” I always tell my kids: if something’s bothering you, you have two choices—complain endlessly or take action. Always choose action. Life starts and ends with what you decide to do.
A song that must be on your running playlist: Harley Quinn by Fuerza Regida and Marshmello and DNA. by Kendrick Lamar
Running superstition: Never stop or you won’t finish
2025 running goal: 5 hours
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Fun, disciplined and determined.
Carrie Rodman
Follow Her on: Instagram, Tiktok
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: All 3 of these are interconnected, as the Grandma’s Weekend Experience does not exist in a vacuum!
My first Grandma’s Marathon experience was in 2008, when I was fortunate to run this gorgeous race with my Dad as my 3rd marathon. We crossed the finish line together in 5:34:19.
In June of 2023, I was part of your injured GRAMbassador Cheer Squad at Mile 26 due to a stress fracture in my heel! While I didn’t get to run, I did get to participate in race weekend, cheer on all the runners as they headed into the final stretch, and had a blast!
In June of 2024, I ran Grandma’s as my 17th marathon and my comeback race following a 1 year hiatus due to said stress fracture. I was beyond thrilled to run a 4:39:12 (a post-3 kids PR)! Seeing my friends cheering their hearts out for me at Mile 26- almost exactly where I was cheering for them a year prior while in a boot- was the best! The entire weekend was unforgettable, from the expo and travel with a friend from California, to the girls’ weekend, post-race Vitta Pizza and bar hopping, it was the unforgettable!
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” – Dean Karnazes
Song that must be on your running playlist:Adelita’s Way- “Own It (Rock Remix)”
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside:COLD rain in the Fall or Spring. I’m a summer-loving runner- bring on the sunshine and heat! Warm rain in Summer is fine but I hate being cold (meaning 2024 Grandma’s was a challenge).
Favorite pre-race meal:Chicken or cheese ravioli or Pad Thai
Favorite post-race beverage: Chocolate milk immediately post-race followed by a dry white wine at night (or afternoon)!
2025 running goal: This year I’m aiming big: To PR Grandma’s 2025- which is slated to be my 20th MARATHON
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Determined. Consistent. Strong (Although I think “chaotic yet flexible” may work too!)
Franny Schmierer
Follow Her on: Instragram
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: I got 6 Deaf Runners to join me in the journey last June! It was fabulous and made wonderful memories that are unforgettable!
A song that must be on your running playlist: As I am a deaf runner, I do not have the capability to hear music like the others! My “music” is the views of outdoor nature.
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: Lighting. Don’t know where the sound is coming from!
Favorite post-race beverage: Just give me a beer, all I want is to interact with friends and celebrate the moment together! 🙂
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Earn Your Spot.
Brent Silkey
Follow Him on: Instagram, Tiktok, Threads
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: Crossing my first marathon finish line in 2010 (Grandma’s) was one of the most surreal moments! The feeling of accomplishment after so much training and hard work was unparalleled. Crossing the 2024 Grandma’s finish line was also crazy as it was my 50th marathon/ultra! Grandma’s means the world to me!
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: If God puts a dream in your heart, you grab ahold of that dream and you run!
A song that must be on your running playlist: Love Runs Out by One Republic – this was the song blaring over the PA system when I became an Ironman in Madison, Wisconsin and has been a staple on my running playlists ever since 2017!
Favorite pre-race meal: Caesar salad, extra chicken, San Pellegrino sparkling water, and a honey crisp apple!
Favorite post-race beverage: Sparkling water
2025 running goal: Help raise $500,000 to rescue victims of human trafficking and provide much needed care for survivors through 30 for Freedom.
Jamie Vesel
Follow Him on: Facebook, Instagram
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: In 2008 I ran the the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon for the first time. I was just beginning my journey as a runner and had no idea what I was doing or what I was getting into. I had run my first 5K the year before and had a lot of fun doing it. At that point, I thought, “Maybe I can actually do this.” The pure excitement of learning that I can be a runner was amazing! During the race, I made so many mistakes that I would later learn how to correct. Nutrition, training, pacing, etc. I still work on each of these but have learned how to plan ahead.
A quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “Love life. Engage in it. Give it all you’ve got. Love it with a passion because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it.” – Maya Angelou
A song that must be on your running playlist: Padam, Padam by Kylie Minogue. Definitely must have some Madonna, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson.
The reason you absolutely won’t run outside: if its -10 or more or above 90 degrees.
Favorite post-race beverage: chocolate milk
2025 running goal: Finish the half marathon with a smile on my face and a ring of the PR bell
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: endure, celebrate, repeat
Annika Voss
Follow Her on: Instagram,
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: I participated in my first Grandma’s weekend by running the Garry Bjorklund Half when I was 13 years old with my aunt. Being too young to use my free drink ticket for alcohol, Grandma’s Restaurant was kind enough to set me up with a celebratory Shirley Temple!
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: My favorite quote comes from running superstar Carrie Tollefson – “Get After It” –a simple yet profound catchphrase reminding us to attack the day and conquer goals!
Favorite pre-race meal: A rice bowl with chicken and vegetables
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Tenacious, Steadfast, Authentic
2025 Running Goal: Keep enjoying every step!
Michelle Ziebarth
Follow Her on: Instagram, Facebook
Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: So many great memories, I would say each year crossing the finish line and celebrating with friends and family. It truly is the happiest day of the year.
Song that must be on your running playlist: Mr. Brightside -The Killers
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside- Super windy and rainy- I hate being cold and wet. I do love running in a light snow, it’s so peaceful!
Favorite pre-race meal: I must have Spaghetti the night before every race! I love Grandma’s Spaghetti dinner and is a must stop every time for me!
Favorite post-race beverage: Purple Gatorade right after and a cold beer or bloody after a shower and changing into comfy clothes
Running superstition: I have to lay everything out the night before!
2025 running goal: Stay healthy and run a strong race!
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Training/Racing: Silly, relaxed, Hobby