Awards

DAVE MALBAN

Malban was one of the original Board members of Grandma’s Marathon, having completed the paperwork in 1986 to create the nonprofit entity that still exists today. Malban served close to four decades on the Board of Directors, several of them as the organization’s general counsel, and was one of the original Board members of the Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) in 1990.

“A great event like Grandma’s Marathon ultimately runs on great people,” Malban said, “and I’ve been blessed to work with and get to know many – Board members, staff, volunteers, and participants. It’s not just the runners that are some of the best in world that weekend in June.”

DOMINIC ONDORO

Ondoro is the current men’s event record holder after his time of 2:09:06 in 2014 unseated Minnesota running legend Dick Beardsley and one of the most storied records in the event’s history.

“It was a great feeling,” said Ondoro, who was greeted by a smiling Beardsley at the finish line. “With the people cheering, it gave you energy. I’m so happy.”

Ondoro won the race again in 2022 – and has finished second twice – making him one of only seven men to have won the event multiple times.

“Duluth will always have a special place in my heart,” Ondoro said on being inducted into the Hall of Fame. “From its stunning beauty to the incredible people, it’s become a second home to me.”

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 96 individuals, organizations, and municipalities, all of which have made great and lasting impacts on the race itself and the northern Minnesota community.

ALL-TIME INDUCTEES

Class of 2025
Dave Malban, Dominic Ondoro

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

KEVIN PATES

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.

ALL-TIME RECIPIENTS

2025 – Kevin Pates

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

EVANS BROTHERS

James was the first of the brothers to run the marathon, and he just missed out on doing them all – he started his streak in 1978 and is shooting to complete No. 48 this June. Unofficially, he thinks he may have been the first Grandma’s Restaurant employee to compete in its namesake marathon.

“I signed up for that first one the night before the race, paid my $3.00 to enter,” James recalls. “I got done with my shift at 1:00 a.m., finished in 4:05, and then biked home. There’s a lot more to it today than there was back then.”

Alan was the next of the brothers to catch the marathon bug, running Grandma’s for the first time in 1981, and then Matt followed a few years later. It was then that their mother bought the trio a lifetime membership to Grandma’s Marathon.

“She knew that if the race could stay afloat, it would be an incentive for each of us to come home every year,” Matt said. “I think she is the one that allowed us to continue to run the marathon and to let everyone know how amazing this race is for all types of runners.”

All three brothers are now members of the Grandma’s Marathon 1,000-Miler Club, each having completed 39 or more races in Duluth, and it was while receiving that award that the magnitude of the race finally hit.

“As the years went on, I became more aware of just how many volunteers it takes to do Grandma’s every year,” Alan said. “It is a very impressive army of dedicated people, and it turns out the three of us just become natural advocates for the best and our favorite marathon in the country.”

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.

ALL-TIME RECIPIENTS

2025 – Alan Evans, James Evans, Matt Evans

2024 – Bob Hartl

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

CHAD NAGORSKI

Nagorski, who retired in January after 26 years with the Duluth Police Department, has worked in several roles with the marathon since 1999. After starting on traffic and tent security, he was assigned in 2015 as the Incident Commander race day and held that role until 2022.

His overall charge was to keep participants and community members safe on race weekend, which required working together with several other emergency service agencies on threat assessments, incident planning, evacuation planning, and more.

“Looking at the past recipients, I see people who spent countless hours year after year to help make the event a success,” Nagorski said. “Many of them were mentors to me when I started, and I’m incredibly thankful for that.”

MAYO CLINIC AMBULANCE

Mayo Clinic Ambulance has been instrumental in providing medical care and transportation on the racecourse, work that involves ambulances, paramedics, bike patrol, dispatch, and more.

“Every year, our team gets to witness one of the most treasured events in our city,” Mayo Clinic Paramedic Craig Banker said. “We take pride that we’re able to work alongside so many other agencies to help put together one of the top races in the country.”

LAKE COUNTY AMBULANCE

Lake County Ambulance has been instrumental in providing medical care and transportation on the racecourse, work that involves ambulances, paramedics, bike patrol, dispatch, and more.

“This is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” Lake County Ambulance Executive Director Randy Strohmeyer said. “It really belongs to public safety personnel, past and present, across Lake County whose commitment and collaboration make our work possible.”

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.

ALL-TIME RECIPIENTS

2025 – Chad Nagorski, Mayo Clinic Ambulance, Lake County Ambulance

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

JOHN HARTWICK

Originally elected to the Board of Directors in 2003, Hartwick has served much of the past two decades in the leadership of the marathon – that includes a stint as chairperson during the transition of Executive Directors following Scott Keenan’s retirement.

“Serving in this role was a great experience for me,” Hartwick recalled. “It was an honor and privilege to lead an organization such as Grandma’s Marathon at that high level.”

Outside of his duties on the Board of Directors, Hartwick’s primary roles have been managing the Michelina’s All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner and post-race entertainment portions of race weekend – that includes being a driving force in the transition of the entertainment to Bayfront Festival Park in 2021.

Having started at the age of 15 selling beer tickets and now overseeing the ticketing operations and crowd control, Hartwick has had experience in nearly every capacity of those two areas over the years.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Grandma’s Marathon,” he said. “Being that my career is in hospitality, this event has been a natural fit for me. To be recognized with this very honorable award makes my heart smile, and being part of Grandma’s Marathon is a true highlight of my life.”

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.

ALL-TIME RECIPIENTS

2025 – John Hartwick

2024 – 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

CLINT AUSTIN

Austin has been photographing the marathon for over two decades, documenting various parts of the race from start line to finish line, including one year covering the course along Lake Superior from a small airplane.

In recent years, Austin has been the News Tribune’s primary photographer assigned to the finish line in Canal Park. To him, this has been his favorite place to find emotional and meaningful photos to convey the event’s true meaning.

“The reactions when runners complete the course are so immediate, raw, and real,” Austin said. “The marathon requires participants to dig deep in their physical and mental inventories, and it’s nothing short of amazing to see the range of emotions they experience at the finish line.”

Austin has worked side-by-side for many years with other recipients of the award, including several at the News Tribune, but he never considered that he might one day be on the same list as them.

“I’m humbled by such a great honor. I’m always in awe when I hear stories of Marsh, and it’s amazing that he’s still such a pillar of the sports community in Duluth,” Austin said. “It means a lot to me to be elevated to the level of those who I have considered mentors, colleagues, and friends. I look forward to continuing to document Grandma’s Marathon and our community for many years to come.”

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.

ALL-TIME RECIPIENTS

2025 – Clint Austin

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

NANCY GALLAGHER & ANNA VINCENT

Gallagher and Vincent have been longtime volunteer captains at the Mile 24 aid/water station, located right in front Fitger’s on Superior Street in downtown Duluth.

Under their leadership, that station has become one of the busiest on race day. Not only is it located in the later miles for both the marathon and half marathon, it’s also become one of the most active with the community – there’s typically music, dancing, lots of spectators around that area on race day.

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.

ALL-TIME RECIPIENTS

2025 – Nancy Gallagher & Anna Vincent

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

PAUL STANGL

Before he reaches the finish line in 2025 for what will be his 40th career Grandma’s Marathon, Stangl will have completed the requirements to be the 21st person to earn the event’s 1,000-Miler Award.

“I’m an average guy who worked 40-50 hours a week and had a family,” Stangl said, “but I still found time every year for Grandma’s Marathon.”

Stangl completed 38 consecutive marathons starting in 1983, a streak that was only disrupted by the COVID-canceled race in 2020. He ran the full marathon again in 2022 – completing his 1,000 miles – and then completed the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in both 2023 and 2024.

“Training for Grandma’s Marathon became a spring ritual for me,” Stangl said. “Both my daughters have now successfully completed the race, as well. When they were younger, they said they enjoyed going to Duluth for Grandma’s Marathon more than Christmas.”

Stangl’s self-proclaimed claim to fame is that he ran two separate Grandma’s Marathons at age 27 – his birthday fell three days before the race in 1987 and nine days after the race in 1988. He’s maybe not the only person to ever accomplish this feat, but he’s surely one of few.

Having run five Grandma’s Marathons on his birthday, June 17, Stangl says he still has all his unworn finisher shirts – with the race bib still pinned on – in his closet at home.

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.

NOTE: John Naslund is the only person to have completed every Grandma’s Marathon since its inception in 1977, as his streak now stands at 49. Jim Nowak had completed 48 straight but was forced to DNF in 2025 due to illness.

ALL-TIME RECIPIENTS

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

2020 – n/a

2019 – Alan Evans, Jim Evans, Bob Stavig

2018 – James Kirkham

2017 – Neil Franz, Joe Johnson, John Naslund, Jim Nowak