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, and it now contains more than 100 individuals, groups, and municipalities.
Class of 2026
Laura Bergen, Staff Member
Sarah Culver, Staff Member
Linda Hanson, Staff Member
Class of 2025
Dave Malban, Board of Directors
Dominic Ondoro, Elite Runner
Class of 2024
Greg Helgeson, Start Line Volunteer
Paul Iversen, Start Line Volunteer
Bob Larkin, Start Line Volunteer
Class of 2023
Elisha Barno, Elite Runner
Dan Dock, Finish Line Volunteer
Barb Korte, Board of Directors
Class of 2022
Glenn Evavold, Board of Directors
Jim Greenfield, Media Vehicle Driver
Monica Halligan, Finish Line Balloons
Deb Pawlowicz, Bus Transportation Dispatcher
Rick Recker, Race Referee
Dick Skogg, Heatsheets
Class of 2019
Kevin Peterson, Board of Directors
Class of 2018
Jeff Frey, Race Photographer
Lizette Mitchell, Water Station Volunteer
Deanna Nordeen, Water Station Volunteer
Class of 2017
Adele Hartwick, Board of Directors
Amanda McGrory, Elite Wheelchair Athlete
Doug Nelson, Race Communications
Class of 2016
Joe Hietala, Activity Lot Construction Crew
Erik Nelson, Activity Lot Construction Crew
Kraig Rudstrom, Activity Lot Construction Crew
Class of 2015
Tim Hollis, Start Line
John Kessler, Start Line
Class of 2014
Scott Keenan, Founding Executive Director
Class of 2013
Carol Gallinger, Hospitality Committee
Mike Krois, Bus Transportation Coordinator
Rudy Lundahl, Bus Transportation Coordinator
Saul Mendoza, Elite Wheelchair Athlete
Class of 2012
City of Duluth, Host City
City of Two Harbors, Host City
Class of 2011
Ron Francisco, Auxiliary Police Officer
Steve Harrington, Board of Directors, Medical Director
Ed Hermel, Longtime Participant
GB Leighton, Postrace Music Headliner
Chelly Townsend, Volunteer
Class of 2010
477th Medical Company, Medical Team
Chuck & Sally Hegg, Water Station Volunteers
John Leppi, Founder
Bill & Nancy Olsen, Water Station Volunteers
Kevin Pates, Newspaper Reporter
Class of 2009
John Docter, Media Vehicle Driver
Steve Greenfield, Media Vehicle Driver
Kellie Luedloff, Water Station Volunteer
Bill Wenmark, Longtime Participant
Class of 2008
Sharon Buchanan, Volunteer
Jerry Frederick, Race Communications Director
Jeno Paulucci, Sponsor, Ambassador
Mary Spiering, Volunteer
Class of 2007
Neil Franz, Longtime Participant
Greg Haynes, Volunteer
Dale Kusnierek, Board of Directors
Class of 2006
North Shore Striders, Founding Organization
Class of 2005
Candy Furo, Board of Directors
Taire (Lind) Suliin, Water Station Volunteer
Class of 2004
Don Fennessy, Board of Directors, Volunteer
Gino & Kathy Goedel, Start Line Directors
Michael Pinocci, Race Announcer
Class of 2003
Candace Cable, Elite Wheelchair Athlete
Ken & Mona Rae Cich, Volunteers
John Kulick, Sports Massage Therapist
Class of 2002
Rick Jackson, 25-Year Participant
Joe Johnson, 25-Year Participant
John Naslund, 25-Year Participant
James Nowak, 25-Year Participant
Class of 2001
Brian Daugherty, Founder
Jan Ettle, Elite Runner
Brian Larsen, Founding Volunteer
Paul Van Winkel, Elite Wheelchair Athlete
Class of 2000
Joan Dahlstrom, Volunteer
Herb Dillon, Medical Team
Cindy Nelson, Race Packet Coordinator
Mac Welles, Finish Area Coordinator
Class of 1999
David Eckstrom, Elite Wheelchair Athlete
Doug Kurtis, Elite Runner
Lorraine Moller, Elite Runner
Tami Oothoudt, Elite Wheelchair Athlete
Class of 1998
Dick Beardsley, Elite Runner
Peter Graves, Race Announcer
Barney & Janis Klecker, Elite Runners
Wen Shi Yu, Elite Runner
Class of 1997
Gerald Church, Start Line Director
Class of 1996
Andy Borg, Founding Sponsor
Garry Bjorklund, Elite Runner
George Fink, Founder
John Foschi, Board of Directors
Mickey Paulucci, Founding Sponsor
Alex Ratelle, Elite Runner
Dorothy Spencer, Founder
GRANDMA'S MARATHON HALL OF FAME, CLASS OF 2026
LAURA BERGEN
Staff Member
SARAH CULVER
Staff Member
LINDA HANSON
Staff Member
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.
2026 – Dan Klenow, North Shore Striders
2025 – Kevin Pates, Newspaper Reporter
2024 – Peter Graves, Race Announcer
2023 – Dorothy Spencer, Founder
2022 – Garry Bjorklund, Elite Runner
2021 – Brian Larsen, Founding Volunteer
2020 – n/a
2019 – Wendy (Hovland) Cregg, Elite Runner
2018 – Mike Krois, Bus Transportation Coordinator
2017 – Dan Russell, DECC Executive Director
2016 – Tami Tanski Sherman, Fitger’s Manager
2026 RECIPIENT, SCOTT A. KEENAN FOUNDER'S AWARD
dan klenow
Past President, North Shore Striders
RON DAWS AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
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.
2026 – Kristi Stokes
2025 – Alan Evans, James Evans, Matt Evans
2024 – Bob Hartl
2023 – Rafael Botello Jimenez
2022 – Katie McGee
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 – 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
2026 RECIPIENT, RON DAWS AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
KRISTI STOKES
President, Downtown Duluth
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.
2026
148th Fighter Wing
2025
Chad Nagorski, Duluth Police Dept.
Mayo Clinic Ambulance
Lake County Ambulance
2024
John Petrich, Chaplain, Duluth Police Dept.
Clifton Volunteer Fire Department
2023
Pete Goman, Minnesota State Patrol
Mike Tusken, Duluth Police Dept.
2022
Carey Johnson, Lake County Sheriff
Bob Shene, Duluth Police Dept.
2019
Phil Olsen, Essentia Health & Grandma’s Marathon Security
Joe Tarnowski, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)
2018
David Montgomery, City of Duluth
William Stovern, Duluth Police Dept.
2017
Kevin Gray, St. Louis County
Erik Rish, Duluth Police Dept.
2016
Don Ness, City of Duluth
Roger Reinert, Minnesota State Senator
2015
Kevin Hakala, City of Duluth
Shawn McGovern, Cities of Duluth & Proctor
Brad Wick, Duluth Police Dept.
2014
Jim Benning, City of Duluth
Bob LeDoux, City of Duluth
Earl Stewart, City of Duluth
2013
Tom Ehle, Duluth Police Dept.
Brad Miller, Minnesota Dept. of Transportation
John Schlangen, Lake County Highway Dept.
2012
Steve Anderson, St. Louis County
Gary Doty, City of Duluth
Paul Scanlan, City of Duluth
2011
Scott Collver, Minnesota Dept. of Transportation
John Foschi, City of Proctor
George Lewis, Duluth Parks & Recreation
2010
Al Goodman, Lake County
Kent Lunda, St. Louis County
Ed Moroney, Duluth Police Dept.
2009
Jim Miles, Minnesota Dept. of Transportation
Sharon Montgomery, Duluth Police Dept.
Doug Nelson, City of Duluth
2008
William Amberg, Minnesota Dept. of Transportation
Bob Troolin, City of Duluth
Mark Wick, Duluth Police Dept.
2007
Helene Abbott, Duluth Police Dept.
Roberta Dwyer, Minnesota Dept. of Transportation
Jim Gorny, City of Duluth
2006
Bob Brandt, Lake County Highway Dept.
Richard Hansen, Minnesota Dept. of Transportation
Lenore Johnson, Lake County Board of Commissioners
2026 RECIPIENT, RUDY PERPICH PUBLIC SERVIC AWARD
148th FIGHTER WING
MAC WELLES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
MAC WELLES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
The Mac Welles 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.
2026 – Dave Lane, Operations Assistant
2025 – John Hartwick, Spaghetti Dinner Coordinator
2024 – Super One Foods, Sponsor
2023 – Tom Rovinsky, Racecourse Water Delivery
2022 – Al Haeg, Old Home Foods
2019 – Country Hearth Bread, Sponsor
2018 – Jim Kari, Peter Kolar, David Solon, Toyota
2017 – Jeff Foster Trucking, Sponsor
2016 – Kathy Bauer, Verizon Wireless
2015 – Upper Lakes Foods, Sponsor
2014 – Gordy Anderson, Start Line & Mike Persing, Massage Therapist
2013 – Duane Madison, Racecourse Water Delivery
2012 – Chris & Stephanie LaFleur, Racecourse Services
2011 – David Bridges, Finish Line Audio
2010 – Spirit Mountain Ski Patrol, Finish Line Medical Team
2009 – Sue Bussa, Medical Team
2008 – Jeff Frey, Race Photographer
2007 – Leah Hulst & Sandy Brennan, Grandma Rosa
2006 – Marian Holmes, Race Packet Pickup
2005 – Gert Belsvick, Spaghetti Dinner Coordinator
2004 – Dan Russell, DECC Executive Director
2003 – Tom Ehle, Race Security
2002 – Mike Krois, Bus Transportation Coordinator
2001 – Chester Keenan, Longtime Volunteer
2026 RECIPIENT, MAC WELLES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
DAVE LANE
Operations Assistant, Grandma’s Marathon
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.
2026 – Carrie Tollefson, Race Broadcast Analyst
2025 – Clint Austin, Duluth News Tribune
2024 – Jerry Thoreson, Destination Duluth
2023 – Chris Allen, Townsquare Media
2022 – Deb Messer, WDIO TV
2019 – Jake Benson, Proctor Journal
2018 – John Gilbert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
2017 – Howie Hanson, HowieHanson.com
2016 – Bob King, Duluth News Tribune
2015 – Townsquare Media
2014 – Marathon & Beyond
2013 – Dan Moller, Duluth News Tribune
2012 – Pat Cadigan, KDAL Radio
2011 – Running Times Magazine
2010 – David Jensch, KBJR TV
2009 – Mark Stodghill, Duluth News Tribune
2008 – Tom Hansen, KBJR TV
2007 – Barbara Reyelts, KBJR TV
2006 – Chuck Curtis, Duluth News Tribune
2005 – Rik Jordan, KDAL Radio
2004 – Bruce Brothers, St. Paul Pioneer Press
2003 – Bob Rich, KBJR TV
2002 – Bruce Bennett, Duluth News Tribune
2001 – Kerry Rodd, KDAL Radio
2000 – Marsh Nelson, KDLH TV & Kevin Pates, Duluth News Tribune
2026 RECIPIENT, MARSH NELSON MEDIA AWARD
CARRIE TOLLEFSON
Race Analyst, Grandma’s Marathon
DON FENNESSY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
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, a longtime supporter of Grandma’s Marathon and its race weekend events.
2026 – Diane Doty, Lenore Johnson, & Annie Kregness, Start Line Volunteers
2025 – Nancy Gallagher & Anna Vincent, Mile 23 Water Station
2024 – Judy Behning, Postrace Entertainment Tickets
2023 – Joan Andrews & Tom DeSutter, Information Team
2022 – Shawn Carlson, David Pollard, & Mike Krzewinski, Mile Markers & Balloons
2021 – Darrin & Michelle Keiper, Race Packet Pickup
2019 – Mike Tipple, Wheelchair Athletes
2018 – Doug & Peggy Simensen, Finish Line Water
2017 – Geri Peterson, Hospitality Committee
2016 – Wally & Ellen Johnson, Start Line
2015 – Cheryl Fosdick, Finish Line Security
2014 – Marge Swor & Family, Race Packet Pickup
2013 – Al & Jan Swanson, Racecourse Timers
2012 – College of St. Scholastica, Course Marshals & Hospitality
2011 – Jock Glendenning, Racecourse Entertainer
2010 – John Herbertz, Racecourse Entertainer
2009 – Woodland Hills, Activity Lot Setup
2008 – Brock Pelzel, Volunteer Recruitment
2007 – Steve & Joyce Lent, Finish Line
2006 – Lyle Johnson, Traffic Control
2005 – Terry & Barb Davis, Finish Line Information Tent
2004 – Carol Gallinger, Hospitality Committee
2003 – Sue Bussa, Medical Team
2002 – David & Jill Hisdahl, Traffic Control
2001 – Buck McDonald, Traffic Control
2000 – Chelly Ferguson, Finish Chute & Timing Chip Recovery
1999 – Durbin Keeney, Gear Bag Pickup
1998 – Proctor Community Band & Mr. Moody’s Marching Band, Racecourse Entertainers
1997 – Don & Ella Fennessy, Board of Directors & Volunteers
1996 – Bruce & Colleen Hasforth, Racecourse
1995 – Jan DeRoche, Hospitality Committee
1994 – Arrowhead Radio Amateurs Club, Racecourse Communications
1993 – Ken & Mona Rae Cich, Racecourse Services
1992 – Herb Dillon, Medical Team
1991 – Ken Docteur, Mile 3 Water Station
1990 – Seitz Family, Mile 8 Water Station
1989 – Eric & Amy Kaiser, Finish Line First Aid
1988 – Candy Furo, Race Packet Pickup & Finish Line
1987 – Taire (Lind) Suliin, Mile 23 Water Station
1986 – John Leppi, Founder & Mile 5 Water Station
1985 – Ray Paavola, Mile 17 Water Station
2026 RECIPIENTS, DON FENNESSY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
DIANE DOTY, LENORE JOHNSON, & ANNIE KREGNESS
Marathon Start Line Volunteers
HERB DILLON MEDICAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The Herb Dillon Medical Volunteer of the Year Award is presented each year to an individual or group who has donated a tremendous amount of time volunteering for Grandma’s Marathon medical team and, in doing so, has assisted in keeping the participants, volunteers, and spectators of the event healthy and safe.
This award is named after Herb Dillon, a volunteer of 40+ years on the Grandma’s Marathon medical team.
2025 – Brianna Johnson, Essentia Health Lab Team
2024 – Roz Andrews, Mile 13 Medical Station & Tom Henning, Ski Patrol
2023 – Tom Burns & Family, Mile 5 Medical Station
2022 – Bill Holocek, Medical Data
2021 – Ron Sluka, Ski Patrol
2019 – Lisa Vogel, Mayo Clinic Ambulance
2018 – Travis Dillon, Medical Tent Coordinator
2017 – Duluth Fire Department, Emergency Response
2016 – Charlie Gallet, Ambulance Services
2015 – Dick Bodine, Medical Communications
2014 – Tom Nooyan, Athletic Trainer Coordinator
2013 – Angie Brown, Medical Team Coordinator
2026 RECIPIENT, HERB DILLON MEDICAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
BRIANNA JOHNSON
Essentia Health Lab Team
GRANDMA'S MARATHON 1,000-MILER AWARD
GRANDMA'S MARATHON 1,000-MILER AWARD
Celebrating the longevity and commitment of Grandma’s Marathon participants, the 1000-Miler Award award is for those who successfully complete 39 races on the 26.2-mile racecourse from Two Harbors to Duluth.Â
NOTE: One of the inaugural recipients of the award, John Naslund is the only person to have completed every Grandma’s Marathon since its inception in 1977.
2026 – James Engel, Kirt GoetzkeÂ
2025 – Paul Stangl
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
2019 – Alan Evans, Jim Evans, Bob Stavig
2018 – James Kirkham
2017 – Neil Franz, Joe Johnson, John Naslund, Jim Nowak
2026 RECIPIENTS, 1,000-MILER AWARD
