GREG HELGESON, PAUL IVERSEN, BOB LARKIN
Greg Helgeson, Paul Iversen, and Bob Larkin have become regular faces at the Grandma’s Marathon start line, having compiled a combined 75 years experience working just south of Two Harbors to manage the participants and crowds on race day.
Iversen has been involved the longest of the three, having first volunteered in 1979 and working every race but one or two since, and he is also the only of the group to have run the marathon.
“I went to work the race in the 1980s, and I had running clothes on under those,” he remembers. “It was a hot day, so that made it tough. One’s enough for me, I’m happy to stay at the start line these days.”
Iversen and Helgeson knew each other from the time they were kids, and they’ve both seen the marathon grow and grow during their time volunteering. Helgeson hasn’t been there as long as Iversen, but he estimates he’s been involved with 20 or more marathons over the years.
“We all have our own jobs and areas, but everybody chips in,” Iversen said. “When a lot of people focus on the small things, you see the big thing start to come together.”
“It’s such a cast of characters,” Helgeson said of Iversen and the other start line crew. “There are people I’ve known from before and people I’ve met through the marathon, but we all come back every year to be part of this thing. I tell you what, it’s been very special.”
Larkin, meanwhile, moved to Two Harbors in 1995 and soon after that got involved with the marathon. Both Iversen and Helgeson said he fit right in with the group, and he quickly became someone they could count on to be back year after year.
Larkin passed away in December 2023 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease, and he will be missed at this year’s Grandma’s Marathon start line.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
HALL OF FAME
The Grandma’s Marathon Hall of Fame was created to honor those who have made longstanding and meaningful contributions to the race and the community.
The Hall of Fame is now made up of 94 individuals, organizations, and municipalities, all of which have made great and lasting impacts on the race itself and the northern Minnesota community.
Class of 2024
Greg Helgeson, Paul Iversen, Bob Larkin
Class of 2023
Elisha Barno, Dan Dock, Barb Korte
Class of 2022
Glenn Evavold, Jim Greenfield, Monica Halligan, Deb Pawlowicz, Rick Recker, Dick Skogg
Class of 2020-21
n/a
Class of 2019
Kevin Peterson
Class of 2018
Jeff Frey, Lizette Mitchell, Deanna Nordeen
Class of 2017
Adele Hartwick, Amanda McGrory, Doug Nelson
Class of 2016
Joe Hietala, Erik Nelson, Kraig Rudstrom
Class of 2015
Tim Hollis, John Kessler
Class of 2014
Scott Keenan
Class of 2013
Carol Gallinger, Mike Krois, Rudy Lundahl, Saul Mendoza
Class of 2012
City of Duluth, City of Two Harbors
Class of 2011
Ron Francisco, Steve Harrington, Ed Hermel, GB Leighton, Chelly Townsend
Class of 2010
477th Medical Company, Chuck & Sally Hegg, John Leppi, Bill & Nancy Olsen, Kevin Pates
Class of 2009
John Docter, Steve Greenfield, Kellie Luedloff, Bill Wenmark
Class of 2008
Sharon Buchanan, Jerry Frederick, Jeno Paulucci, Mary Spiering
Class of 2007
Neil Franz, Greg Haynes, Dale Kusnierek
Class of 2006
North Shore Striders
Class of 2005
Candy Furo, Taire (Lind) Suliin
Class of 2004
Don Fennessy, Gino & Kathy Goedel, Michael Pinocci
Class of 2003
Candace Cable, Ken & Mona Rae Cich, John Kulick
Class of 2002
Rick Jackson, Joe Johnson, John Naslund, James Nowak
Class of 2001
Brian Daugherty, Jan Ettle, Brian Larsen, Paul Van Winkel
Class of 2000
Joan Dahlstrom, Herb Dillon, Cindy Nelson, Mac Welles
Class of 1999
David Eckstrom, Doug Kurtis, Lorraine Moller, Tami Oothoudt
Class of 1998
Dick Beardsley, Peter Graves, Barney & Janis Klecker, Wen Shi Yu
Class of 1997
Gerald Church
Class of 1996
Andy Borg, Garry Bjorklund, George Fink, John Foschi, Mickey Paulucci, Alex Ratelle, Dorothy Spencer
Elisha Barno
Still the winningest men’s marathoner in race history, Barno enjoyed a streak of four straight victories at Grandma’s Marathon from 2015-18. His last title run of 2:10:06 still stands as the fourth-fastest men’s time ever in Duluth, trailing only Dominic Ondoro and Dick Beardsley.
Barno is the first athlete to enter the Hall of Fame since Amanda McGrory, who was part of the Class of 2017 after she won eight women’s wheelchair titles between 2007 to 2017.
NOTE: One day after being officially inducted into the Hall of Fame, Elisha Barno won his fifth Grandma’s Marathon title with a time of 2:09:14, which was just eight seconds shy of the exisiting event record.
DAN DOCK
Dock first started volunteering at the Grandma’s Marathon finish line nearly four decades ago and while his exact duties have changed over the years, his excitement to be part of a great community event has stayed the same.
“I can’t narrow it down to just a few favorite moments,” Dock admitted. “It’s been 37 years of wonderful memories. Every runner has a different path to Grandma’s Marathon and being at the finish line, I get to show up on race day and soak up all these different stories. This is a humbling honor, and I’m thankful to be included with all the great past Hall of Famers.”
BARB KORTE
Korte was a longtime Grandma’s Marathon Board member, being first elected in 1994 and twice serving as chairperson. Describing it as a working Board on which everyone had a role, Korte served many – she coordinated the spaghetti feed for several years and worked at the finish line on race day.
Maybe her biggest claim to fame, though, is helping to coordinate for more than two decades the annual cleanup of a section of the marathon’s racecourse along the Scenic Highway between Two Harbors and Duluth among other Board members.
“Running was my passion for many years,” she said. “I have made many friends and had lots of adventures thanks to running. I am proud to have served on the Board for so long and to have worked with others to make running more accessible to all ages in our community.”
HALL OF FAME, CLASS OF 2023
The Grandma’s Marathon Hall of Fame was created to honor those who have made longstanding and meaningful contributions to the race and the community.
The Hall of Fame is now made up of 91 individuals, organizations, and municipalities, all of which have made great and lasting impacts on the race itself and the northern Minnesota community.
Class of 2024
Greg Helgeson, Paul Iversen, Bob Larkin
Class of 2023
Elisha Barno, Dan Dock, Barb Korte
Class of 2022
Glenn Evavold, Jim Greenfield, Monica Halligan, Deb Pawlowicz, Rick Recker, Dick Skogg
Class of 2020-21
n/a
Class of 2019
Kevin Peterson
Class of 2018
Jeff Frey, Lizette Mitchell, Deanna Nordeen
Class of 2017
Adele Hartwick, Amanda McGrory, Doug Nelson
Class of 2016
Joe Hietala, Erik Nelson, Kraig Rudstrom
Class of 2015
Tim Hollis, John Kessler
Class of 2014
Scott Keenan
Class of 2013
Carol Gallinger, Mike Krois, Rudy Lundahl, Saul Mendoza
Class of 2012
City of Duluth, City of Two Harbors
Class of 2011
Ron Francisco, Steve Harrington, Ed Hermel, GB Leighton, Chelly Townsend
Class of 2010
477th Medical Company, Chuck & Sally Hegg, John Leppi, Bill & Nancy Olsen, Kevin Pates
Class of 2009
John Docter, Steve Greenfield, Kellie Luedloff, Bill Wenmark
Class of 2008
Sharon Buchanan, Jerry Frederick, Jeno Paulucci, Mary Spiering
Class of 2007
Neil Franz, Greg Haynes, Dale Kusnierek
Class of 2006
North Shore Striders
Class of 2005
Candy Furo, Taire (Lind) Suliin
Class of 2004
Don Fennessy, Gino & Kathy Goedel, Michael Pinocci
Class of 2003
Candace Cable, Ken & Mona Rae Cich, John Kulick
Class of 2002
Rick Jackson, Joe Johnson, John Naslund, James Nowak
Class of 2001
Brian Daugherty, Jan Ettle, Brian Larsen, Paul Van Winkel
Class of 2000
Joan Dahlstrom, Herb Dillon, Cindy Nelson, Mac Welles
Class of 1999
David Eckstrom, Doug Kurtis, Lorraine Moller, Tami Oothoudt
Class of 1998
Dick Beardsley, Peter Graves, Barney & Janis Klecker, Wen Shi Yu
Class of 1997
Gerald Church
Class of 1996
Andy Borg, Garry Bjorklund, George Fink, John Foschi, Mickey Paulucci, Alex Ratelle, Dorothy Spencer
PETER GRAVES
SCOTT A. KEENAN
FOUNDER’S AWARD
The Scott A. Keenan Founder’s Award is given each year to a person who embodies the history, vision, and spirit of Grandma’s Marathon through their loyalty, energy, and willingness to go above and beyond to provide the greatest possible experience to our race participants, sponsors, volunteers, and fans.
The award is named after Scott Keenan, the founding executive director of Grandma’s Marathon.
2024 – Peter Graves
2023 – Dorothy Spencer
2022 – Garry Bjorklund
2021 – Brian Larsen
2020 – n/a
2019 – Wendy (Hovland) Cregg
2018 – Mike Krois
2017 – Dan Russell
2016 – Tami Tanski Sherman
BOB HARTL
Hartl’s involvement with the race spans nearly three decades, beginning in 1992 when he first joined the Board of Directors, a position he held with distinction until 2021. Throughout his tenure, Hartl not only helped shape the strategic direction of the marathon but actively participated in the events, completing almost every Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon – often finishing among the top 100 competitors.
Hartl served on many committees during his time on the Board, including as chairperson in the late 1990s. In those roles, Hartl worked year-round to help organize and improve the race, but most of his favorite memories of Grandma’s Marathon have come as a participant.
“I always felt the excitement of actually being in the race,” he said, “and appreciated the chance it gave me to meet and get to know runners from all over the country and the world. I viewed it as part of my job to share the perspectives of those other runners with the Board when we talked about the race.”
RON DAWS AMBASSADOR
OF THE YEAR
The Ron Daws Ambassador of the Year Award is presented each year to an individual or group who has been a leader in the development and growth of long-distance running and who has shared a commitment toward Grandma’s Marathon and the City of Duluth.
The award is named after Ron Daws, who was a 1968 Olympian and instrumental to the development of road racing in Minnesota.
2023 – Rafael Botello Jimenez
2022 – Katie McGee
2020-21 – n/a
2019 – Dan Conway
2018 – Patricia Goodwin
2017 – Austin Jarrow Sports
2016 – Brian Larsen
2015 – Peter Graves & Michael Pinocci
2014 – Joanie Holst
2013 – Huck Andresen
2012 – Jon Anderson
2011 – Gloria Jansen
2010 – Martha Firling
2009 – Dr. James Kirkham
2008 – Carolyn Mather
2007 – Doris Windsand-Dausman
2006 – Dan ‘Digger’ Carlson
2005 – Ed Hermel
2004 – Kelly Keeler
2003 – Bill Andberg
2002 – Terry Lundberg
2001 – Richard Braun
2000 – Rob Link
1999 – John Goldfine
1998 – Kerry Rodd
1997 – Doug Kurtis
1996 – Garry Bjorklund
1995 – Dick Beardsley
1994 – Dorothy Spencer
1993 – Alex Ratelle
FR. JOHN PETRICH
Petrich, who serves with the Duluth Police Department, has been a familiar face at Grandma’s Marathon for over 25 years and has become an integral part of race weekend. His involvement has included everything from helping with traffic control to providing moments of reflection and calm before the races, enhancing the sense of community and safety for participants and spectators alike.
“The best memories for me at my position are those people that watch the race in the same place year after year after year; it’s like a small community of people coming together with memories of years past, connecting with their loved ones as they run by,” Petrich said. “Receiving this award is a huge honor for me. I know many of the people that have received the award before me and I’m very glad to join them.”
Following the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, Petrich was invited by Grandma’s Board of Directors to lead a prayer and moment of silence at the start line. Of all the moments he’s been part of at Grandma’s Marathon, Petrich says that day will always be one of the most powerful.
CLIFTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.
The Clifton Volunteer Fire Department has been sending members to volunteer for the marathon for more than two decades. In the past five years, though, the department has transitioned and now formally staffs two medical tents along the Grandma’s Marathon racecourse.
The department’s swift and professional care has been instrumental in addressing emergencies and providing care, greatly enhancing the safety of 10s of thousands of runners each year.
“We strive to serve our community in any way possible,” Captain Ken Peterson said, “whether it be responding to fire-related or medical emergencies or helping to support local events like Grandma’s Marathon. Our department is exceedingly proud and honored to join the distinguished list of recipients of the Rudy Perpich Public Service Award.”
RUDY PERPICH PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
The Rudy Perpich Public Service Award is given annually to
current or former elected officials or public employees who have
exhibited immense dedication and service to Grandma’s Marathon.
The award is named after the late Rudy Perpich, who is the longest-serving Governor in Minnesota state history and was a large supporter of Grandma’s Marathon during his time in office.
2024 – John Petrich, Clifton Volunteer Fire Department
2023 – Pete Goman, Mike Tusken
2022 – Carey Johnson, Bob Shene
2020-21 – n/a
2019 – Phil Olsen, Joe Tarnowski
2018 – David Montgomery, William Stovern
2017 – Kevin Gray, Erik Rish
2016 – Don Ness, Roger Reinert
2015 – Kevin Hakala, Shawn McGovern, Brad Wick
2014 – Jim Benning, Bob LeDoux, Earl Stewart
2013 – Tom Ehle, Brad Miller, John Schlangen
2012 – Steve Anderson, Gary Doty, Paul Scanlan
2011 – Scott Collver, John Foschi, George Lewis
2010 – Al Goodman, Kent Lunda, Ed Moroney
2009 – Jim Miles, Sharon Montgomery, Doug Nelson
2008 – William Amberg, Bob Troolin, Mark Wick
2007 – Helene Abbott, Roberta Dwyer, Jim Gorny
2006 – Bob Brandt, Richard Hansen, Lenore Johnson
SUPER ONE FOODS
The Miner family’s involvement with Grandma’s Marathon dates to the late 1990s, when Jim Jr. ran his first Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon – he’s signed up this year for No. 24, and many other family members have also participated over the years.
As a company, Super One Foods began its sponsorship of Grandma’s Marathon in 2006 and since then has been providing race support, beverages, and snacks for all the weekend’s events, including at the finish line of the marathon and half marathon. The team also staffs two food stations on the racecourse, handing out fresh fruit at locations adjacent to the company’s Lakeside and Plaza stores in Duluth.
“The most rewarding part is seeing how thankful each and every racer is for the support,” Miner’s, Inc. President Patrick Miner said. “From smiles to high fives to hugs, we’ve seen in it all over the years and it’s what brings us all back to do it again.”
The Miners are accepting the award on behalf of their extended Super One Foods family, with which they’ve focused on “going above and beyond” to take care of the communities they serve.
“We are incredibly humbled to be receiving this award,” Patrick said. “Our family and Super One team are proud to serve our community through Grandma’s Marathon, which brings out the best in all of us as we compete, volunteer, and cheer on our family and friends.”
MAC WELLES AWARD
OF EXCELLENCE
The Award of Excellence is presented each year to an individual who or organization that has shown many years of dedication, commitment, and service to the continued development and growth of Grandma’s Marathon.
The award is named after the late Mac Welles, a longtime Grandma’s Marathon employee and volunteer.
2023 – Super One Foods
2023 – Tom Rovinsky
2022 – Al Haeg
2020-21 – n/a
2019 – Country Hearth Bread
2018 – Jim Kari, Peter Kolar, & David Solon
2017 – Jeff Foster Trucking
2016 – Kathy Bauer
2015 – Upper Lakes Foods
2014 – Gordy Anderson & Mike Persing
2013 – Duane Madison
2012 – Chris & Stephanie LaFleur
2011 – David Bridges
2010 – Spirit Mountain Ski Patrol
2009 – Sue Bussa
2008 – Jeff Frey
2007 – Leah Hulst & Sandy Brennan
2006 – Marian Holmes
2005 – Gert Belsvick
2004 – Dan Russell
2003 – Tom Ehle
2002 – Mike Krois
2001 – Chester Keenan
JERRY THORESON
Thoreson has been involved with covering the event since the late 1990s, when he worked in the composing room at the Duluth News Tribune. He remembers watching the race from the skywalk that was connected to the newspaper’s offices, overlooking the final stretch on Superior Street before participants made the turn for Canal Park and the finish line.
For the past decade, Thoreson has served as the managing director of Destination Duluth, a digital marketing company created with the purpose of fostering a connected, vibrant, and growing city of Duluth.
“We are different than local media,” Thoreson said of their work at Destination Duluth. “Most of our audience are outside the area, and we’re able to produce nearly 4 million positive impressions of Grandma’s Marathon each year to that group of people. We’re helping to grow the event’s impact, purpose, and scope.”
Thoreson and Destination Duluth also managed the event’s staff photographers for several years, including a trial Facebook Live feed of the finish line in 2017 that yielded nearly 1.5 million views.
“We get to share the spirit of the race and showcase the unique qualities of a marathon this size on the shores of Lake Superior,” he said. “We’re doing what we were meant to do – helping to foster a spirit of accomplishment and pride in Duluth, with its small-town charm, hosting a world class event.”
MARSH NELSON
MEDIA AWARD
The Marsh Nelson Media Award is given annually to a media member or organization to recognize and celebrate a longstanding commitment to the coverage and development of Grandma’s Marathon.
The award is named after the late Marsh Nelson, a longtime KDLH-TV sports director.
2024 – Jerry Thoreson
2023 – Chris Allen
2022 – Deb Messer
2020-21 – n/a
2019 – Jake Benson
2018 – John Gilbert
2017 – Howie Hanson
2016 – Bob King
2015 – Townsquare Media
2014 – Marathon & Beyond
2013 – Dan Moller
2012 – Pat Cadigan
2011 – Running Times Magazine
2010 – David Jensch
2009 – Mark Stodghill
2008 – Tom Hansen
2007 – Barbara Reyelts
2006 – Chuck Curtis
2005 – Rik Jordan
2004 – Bruce Brothers
2003 – Bob Rich
2002 – Bruce Bennett
2001 – Kerry Rodd
2000 – Marsh Nelson & Kevin Pates
JUDY BEHNING
Behning has shown unparalleled commitment to the event for more than 35 years, taking on numerous roles and leaving an undeniable mark on the success of Grandma’s Marathon.
After starting in the 1980s working crowd control at Lemon Drop Hill, Behning soon after moved on to pouring beer and collecting money at the event’s popular beer tents in Canal Park. It was there she met Linda Hanson, the race’s longtime Finance Director, and the two worked together on creating a more efficient and streamlined operation.
“When I got the news, I had to read it a couple times,” Behning said of receiving the Volunteer of the Year award. “I still can’t believe I was chosen; I’m honored to be included with all the past winners. I met Don Fennessy many years ago, and people like him make you want to do more for our community.”
Behning spent many years managing ticket sales for the event’s weekend festival, which recently transitioned from near the finish line in Canal Park to Bayfront Festival Park.
One of Behning’s favorite memories, though, from her decades volunteering with Grandma’s Marathon is from the early years when her children, Derek and Keely, joined to help hand out water bottles to the elite runners. The kids, then in grade school, are now each in their 40s and have been instrumental in the longevity of Behning’s career with the marathon.
DON FENNESSY
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The Don Fennessy Volunteer of the Year Award is given each year to an individual or group who has donated a tremendous amount of time volunteering for Grandma’s Marathon and, in doing so, has assisted in the successful operation of the event.
This award is named after the late Don Fennessy, who was a longtime and fervent supporter of Grandma’s Marathon and its race weekend events.
2024 – Judy Behning
2023 – Joan Andrews & Tom DeSutter
2022 – Shawn Carlson, David Pollard, & Mike Krzewinski
2021 – Darrin & Michelle Keiper
2020 – n/a
2019 – Mike Tipple
2018 – Peggy & Doug Simensen
2017 – Geri Peterson
2016 – Ellen & Wally Johnson
2015 – Cheryl Fosdick
2014 – Marge Swor & Family
2013 – Al & Jan Swanson
2012 – College of St. Scholastica
2011 – Jock Glendenning
2010 – John Herbertz
2009 – Woodland Hills
2008 – Brock Pelzel
2007 – Steve & Joyce Lent
2006 – Lyle Johnson
2005 – Barb & Terry Davis
2004 – Carol Gallinger
2003 – Sue Bussa
2002 – David & Jill Hisdahl
2001 – Buck McDonald
2000 – Chelly Ferguson
1999 – Durbin Keeney
1998 – Proctor Community Band & Mr. Moody’s Marching Band
1997 – Don & Ella Fennessy
1996 – Bruce & Colleen Hasforth
1995 – Jan DeRoche
1994 – Arrowhead Radio Amateurs Club
1993 – Ken & Mona Rae Cich
1992 – Herb Dillon
1991 – Ken Docteur
1990 – Seitz Family
1989 – Eric & Amy Kaiser
1988 – Candy Furo
1987 – Taire Lind
1986 – John Leppi
1985 – Ray Paavola
JOHN FRIDAY
CONRAD HJORT
STEVEN KAGOL
TERRY LUEDERS
1,000-MILER
AWARD
Created to celebrate longevity and commitment of Grandma’s Marathon participants, the award is given to individuals who successfully complete 39 races on the 26.2-mile racecourse from Two Harbors to Duluth.
Recipients are gifted a belt buckle upon entering the 1,000-Miler club, a symbol of their dedication and love of Grandma’s Marathon.
There are now 20 people who have completed the 1,000 miles on the Grandma’s Marathon racecourse.
NOTE: John Naslund and Jim Nowak remain the only two people in history to have completed every Grandma’s Marathon since its inception in 1977. Their streak now stands at 48.
2024 – John Friday, Conrad Hjort, Steve Kagol, Terry Lueders
2023 – Jim Boatman, Michael Goodoien, Tim McCollor
2022 – Greg Allen, Matt Evans, John Hogan
2021 – Mike Korpi, Larry McNichols
2020 – n/a
2019 – Alan Evans, Jim Evans, Bob Stavig
2018 – James Kirkham
2017 – Neil Franz, Joe Johnson, John Naslund, Jim Nowak