Elite Athletes

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

Think you have what it takes to be a champion?

We are proud to welcome an elite field for both Grandma’s Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon each year on one of the fastest and most scenic racecourses in the United States.

Want to be breaking the tape in Canal Park? Put Grandma’s Marathon weekend on your calendar, and we’ll see you at the start line!

If you have any questions, please contact our Elite Athlete & Administration Director Sarah Culver via email at [email protected].

  • Boston Marathon Qualifier

    The 2024 Grandma's Marathon saw 1,393 runners finish with a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. On average, close to 14.5% of Grandma’s Marathon finishers qualify for Boston.

  • Olympic Trials Qualifier

    In 2022 & 2023, there were 97 participants of Grandma’s Marathon and the Garry Bkorklund Half Marathon that qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

  • PRs Galore

    Usually with cooler temperatures and a helping tailwind, it's typical that Grandma's Marathon sees lots of PRs on race day. Since 2018, more than 7.5% of all finishers have run sub-3:00:00 pace in the 26.2-mile distance in Duluth.

ELITE ATHLETE DETAILS

Elite athlete registration for the 2025 Grandma’s Marathon race weekend will open on January 1, 2025.

To apply for an elite entry, please see the directions below and contact our Elite Athlete & Hospitality Director Sarah Culver via email at [email protected].

Elite athlete registration for the 2025 Grandma’s Marathon race weekend is now open.

To apply for an elite entry, please see the directions below and contact our Elite Athlete & Hospitality Director Sarah Culver via email at [email protected].

Elite athlete registration for the 2025 Grandma’s Marathon race weekend is now filled to capacity.

The official elite athlete roster for both the marathon and half marathon events will be announced closer to race weekend.

Questions? Please contact our Elite Athlete & Hospitality Director Sarah Culver via email at [email protected].

To be considered for an elite entry into Grandma’s Marathon or the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, please submit your updated running resume highlighting your best performances during the past two years (half marathon distance or longer).

A qualifying time must have been run on a certified course within two years prior to Grandma’s Marathon. Consideration for a race entry and assistance on any level is handled case-by-case and is entirely at the discretion of Grandma’s Marathon staff.

Please send your running resume any time after January 1 to our Elite Athlete & Administration Director Sarah Culver via email at [email protected].

IMPORTANT: Non-binary athletes interested in applying for the elite field should contact Elite Athlete & Administration Director Sarah Culver
via email at [email protected] to discuss available options.

GRANDMA'S MARATHON PRIZE MONEY

GRANDMA’S MARATHON — MEN & WOMEN (OPEN DIVISION)
1st Place – $10,000
2nd Place – $7,500
3rd Place – $5,000
4th Place – $4,000
5th Place – $3,500
6th Place – $3,000
7th Place – $2,500
8th Place – $2,000
9th Place – $1,500
10th Place – $1,000

GRANDMA’S MARATHON — NON-BINARY (OPEN DIVISION)
1st Place – $500
2nd Place – $250
3rd Place – $100

GRANDMA’S MARATHON MEN & WOMEN (MASTERS DIVISION)
1st Place – $2,500
2nd Place – $1,500
3rd Place – $1,000

GRANDMA’S MARATHON MEN & WOMEN (WHEELCHAIR DIVISION)
1st Place – $3,000
2nd Place – $2,000
3rd Place – $1,500
4th Place – $1,000
5th Place – $800

GRANDMA'S MARATHON TIME INCENTIVES

GRANDMA’S MARATHON — MEN (OPEN DIVISION)
sub-2:08 – $5,000
sub-2:09 – $3,000
sub-2:10 – $2,500
sub-2:11 – $2,000
sub-2:12 – $1,500
sub-2:13 – $1,000
sub-2:14 – $900
sub-2:15 – $800
sub-2:16 – $700
sub-2:17 – $600
sub-2:18 – $400
sub-2:19 – $200

GRANDMA’S MARATHON — WOMEN (OPEN DIVISION)
sub-2:27 – $5,000
sub-2:28 – $3,000
sub-2:29 – $2,500
sub-2:30 – $2,000
sub-2:31 – $1,500
sub-2:32 – $1,000
sub-2:33 – $900
sub-2:34 – $800
sub-2:35 – $700
sub-2:36 – $600
sub-2:37 – $400
sub-2:38 – $200

GRANDMA’S MARATHON — MEN (MASTERS DIVISION)
sub-2:20 – $500

GRANDMA’S MARATHON — WOMEN (MASTERS DIVISION)
sub-2:40 – $500

GRANDMA’S MARATHON — MEN (WHEELCHAIR DIVISION)
sub-1:30 – $500
sub-1:32 – $350
sub-1:34 – $150

GRANDMA’S MARATHON — WOMEN (WHEELCHAIR DIVISION)
sub-1:43 – $500
sub-1:47 – $350
sub-1:51 – $150

GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON PRIZE MONEY

GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON — MEN & WOMEN (OPEN DIVISION)
1st Place – $3,000
2nd Place – $2,000
3rd Place – $1,500
4th Place – $1,000
5th Place – $800
6th Place – $700
7th Place – $600
8th Place – $500
9th Place – $400
10th Place – $300

GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON — NON-BINARY (OPEN DIVISION)
1st Place – $150
2nd Place – $100
3rd Place – $75

GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON MEN & WOMEN (MASTERS DIVISION)
1st Place – $1,000
2nd Place – $750
3rd Place – $500

GRANDMA'S MARATHON --- Elite Men's Start List

 

NamePronunciation GuideAgeCitizenshipPR
Pius Karanjapius33Kenya2:06:55
Tsegay Weldlibanosseh-guy29Eritrea2:07:35
Dominic Ondoroon-doo-row37Kenya2:08:00
Amanuel Mesel 34Eritrea2:08:17
Milton Rotichroe-teach39Kenya2:08:55
Elisha Barnoa-leash-a bar-no40Kenya2:09:14
Getinet Gedamuge-dah-moo34Ethiopia2:09:21
Sammy Rotichroe-teach38Kenya2:10:08
Benard Rotich 38Kenya2:10:18
Joel Reichowrye-cow31United States2:10:37
Dylan Wykesw-ykes (sounds like pikes)42Canada2:10:47
Kevin Lewis 31United States2:12:02
Will Norris 30United States2:12:33
Tai Smithtie27United States2:13:27
Lamech Mokonola-meck44United States2:13:28
Patrick Smyth 38United States2:13:47
Benjamin Olson 25United States2:14:35
Barnabas Kipyegokip-yay-go36Kenya2:14:48
Medhane Woldume-de-ha-ne25United States2:14:48
Chase Weaverling 29United States2:14:54
Dennis Kipkosgeikip-kose-kay30Kenya2:14:54
Stephen Jonesste-fen27United States2:14:56
Michael Ottesenah-teh-sen30United States2:15:20
Joseph Trojan 27United States2:15:21
Will Cross 32United States2:15:22
Nadir Yusufna-deer you-suff28United States2:15:27
Habtamu Cheney 26United States2:15:43
Jason Weitzelwhite-cell28United States2:15:53
Jack Mastandreamah-stand-dre-a27United States2:15:57
Brian Masterson 30United States2:16:02
Benjamin Schneidermanschnye-der-man29United States2:16:09
Garret Lee 32United States2:16:35
Ben Fletcher 38United States2:16:41
Dylan Bellesbell-iss32United States2:16:59
Fernando Cervantes Caudillofur-nan-doh35Mexico2:17:20
Daniel Vassallovuh-saw-low40United States2:17:28
Marcus Graham 29United States2:17:31
Kevin Colónco-lone33United States2:17:41
Blake Buyssebuy-see25United States2:18:11
Adam Wood 26United States2:18:37
Quinlan Mollkwin-lin29United States2:18:50
Grady Daniels 26United States2:18:59
Dillon Breen 32United States2:20:31
Alex Ekesa 42Kenya2:21:05
Henry Klitzkeklit-ski26United States2:21:05
Clay Simpson 28United States2:21:06
Nicholas Costello 29United States2:21:17
Brent Kaneyuki, Jr.khan-eh-you-key25United States2:21:29
Roger Hopperhah-per34United States2:21:51
Nick Jamnick 36United States2:23:44
Blake Preece 28United States2:25:49
Seth Slavinslay-vin25United States2:26:13
Theo Kahlerkay-ler27United States2:27:05
Jeffrey Aresair-eezz41United States2:30:03
Aaron Kleinman 48United States2:32:38
Kevin Zanker 60United States2:49:11
Harry Halford 27United KingdomDebut
Jack Whetstone 26United StatesDebut
Luke Combs 23United StatesDebut
Micah Meindertsmamine-dirt-sma27United StatesDebut
GRANDMA'S MARATHON --- Elite Women's Start List
NamePronunciation GuideAgeCitizenshipPR
Paige Wood 29United States2:26:02
Lilian Chebiiche-bee31Kenya2:28:29
Martha Akenoa-kee-no31Kenya2:29:00
Kathy VanDehyvan-dee-high30United States2:29:45
Makena Morley 28United States2:30:25
Obsie Birru 36United States2:30:25
Annie Heffernanheh-fer-nuhn28United States2:30:26
Alia Hansenah-lee-ah36United States2:30:41
Beverly Ramos 37United States2:31:10
Becs Gentry bek-s39United Kingdom2:32:01
Briana Boehmerbree-on-ah46United States2:33:20
Breanna Sierackisir-ack-key29United States2:33:26
Shannon Smith 34United States2:34:20
Ashley Paulson 43United States2:34:54
Rebecca Schmitt 32United States2:35:08
Aubrey Frentheway 25United States2:35:47
Hanna Groeberhun-na gro-ber28Germany2:35:47
Kidan Kidanekee-dahn kee-dane31United States2:36:22
Chirine Njeimcha-reene40Lebanon2:36:40
Andrea Masterson 28United States2:36:41
Kristin Dailey 43United States2:36:54
Laura Cook 36United States2:38:07
Samantha Drop 26United States2:38:20
Ann Centnersent-ner33United States2:38:30
Sarah Mydlachm-eyed-lock34United States2:38:39
Mara Olsonmar-uh (not mare-uh)32United States2:38:41
Erin Del Giudicejudy-che31United States2:38:45
Teal Burrellteel (like the color)40United States2:39:08
Hannah Branch 26United States2:39:17
Molly Colwell 27United States2:39:25
Gabriella DeLaygab-ree-el-uh34United States2:39:39
Madeline Block 25United States2:40:18
Brooke Slayman 35United States2:41:08
Andrea Toppin 32United States2:42:22
Nicole Esplin 33United States2:42:31
Anne Elise Wester 34United States2:42:45
Brittany Alvarez 36United States2:42:52
Hilary Heskett 34United States2:42:54
Emma Lee 34United States2:43:18
Andrea Shine 28United States2:43:57
Hillary Kupish 37United States2:44:02
Ann Campbell 30United States2:44:17
Laurel Le Moigne 39United States2:45:44
Christina Johnston 45United States2:47:12
Julia Ordzowialyord-zoe-vee-ahl-way43United States2:48:57
Maggie Graham 33United States2:51:58
Heather Knight Pechpeck63United States3:00:47
Katie McMenamin 31United StatesDebut
Katie Sherronshare-un43United StatesDebut

 

GRANDMA'S MARATHON --- Elite Men's Wheelers Start List
NamePronunciation GuideAgeCitizenshipPR
Joshua Cassidy 40Canada1:18:25
Aaron Pike 39United States1:20:55
Rafael Botello Jiménezrawf-eye-el46Spain1:22:09
Miguel Jimenez Vergarameeg-el24United States1:22:27
Fernando Sanchez Nava 42Mexico1:23:09
Krige Schabortkree-ga61United States1:23:55
Martin Velasco Soria 55Mexico1:25:27
Luis Francisco Sanclemente 37Colombia1:26:27
Brian Siemannsee-man35United States1:27:00
Fidel Arnoldo Aguilar Zepeda 47Mexico1:28:43
Alfonso Zaragoza 48Mexico1:29:14
Jose Pulido 44United States1:29:19
Marco Antonio Caballero Padilla 32Mexico1:29:35
Wyatt Willand 21United States1:31:05
Tiaan Boschtee-on45South Africa1:33:17
Pedro Gandarilla Fernández 34Mexico1:34:17
Eduardo Dutra 42Uruguay1:35:26
Dustin Stallberg 22United States1:36:13
Ricardo Estrada Alvisori-car-do42Mexico1:43:21
Dean Furnessfer-ness52United States1:47:20
Matt Davis 58United States1:48:53
Gary Cooper 53United Kingdom1:57:18
Steve Montgomery 56United Kingdom2:16:56
Rodger Krause 67United States2:40:00
GRANDMA'S MARATHON --- Elite Women's Wheelers Start List
NamePronunciation GuideAgeCitizenshipPR
Vanessa Cristina de Souza 35Brazil1:40:21
Yeni Aide Hernandez Mendietajen-ee33Mexico1:52:37
Linden Williamsonlin-din23United States1:57:49
Hannah Babalola 36Nigeria1:58:01
Veronica Gonzalez 52Mexico2:18:23
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON --- Elite Men's Start List
NamePronunciation GuideAgeCitizenshipPR
Nathan Martin 35United States1:01:45
Brogan Austin 33United States1:01:52
Colin Bennieben-ee30United States1:02:46
Ayrton Ledesmaa-rton27Mexico1:03:25
Connor Reck 32United States1:03:44
Daniel Dochertydock-er-tee35United States1:03:47
Alejandro Martinez Ambrosioal-leh-han-dro27Mexico1:03:53
Isaac Wegner 24United States1:03:55
Charlie Lawrence 30United States1:04:14
Joseph Minor 25United States1:04:15
Mohammed Bati 25United States1:04:22
Jake Perrinpear-in27United States1:04:28
Evan Gaynor 37United States1:04:44
Adan Rodriguezay-din25United States1:05:23
Christopher Sloane 41United States1:05:25
Julius Rotichroe-teach50United States1:05:34
Colin Cerniksir-nick31United States1:05:40
Derek Fearon 23United States1:05:49
Garret Ehlers 33United States1:05:55
Cody Sedbrook 29United States1:06:05
Christian Stevens 25United States1:06:06
Eric Petersen 24United States1:06:06
Tom Altierall-teer25United States1:06:08
Lucas Florsheimfloor-shime23United States1:06:09
Nathaniel Orndorforn-dorf30United States1:06:17
Erik Teig 41United States1:06:20
Stephen Paddock 30United States1:06:20
Tom Breuckmanbrake-man25United States1:06:29
David Ecker 25United States1:06:34
Alec Baldwin 32United States1:06:44
Nick Ross 36United States1:06:44
Matt Lepinela-pine25United States1:06:45
Patrick Russell 49United States1:06:59
Wayde Hallwade30United States1:07:03
Jonathan Klaiber 28United States1:07:11
Munir Isahakmoo-near27United States1:07:28
Garrett Patrick 32United States1:07:29
Jack Manderscheidman-der-shy-d26United States1:07:40
Joseph Kehoe 24United States1:07:47
Thomas Lerdalller-doll27United States1:07:47
Charlie Teetertee-tur23United States1:08:08
Christopher Brenk 27United States1:08:09
Joshua Schraeder 28United States1:08:10
Aaron Davidson 40United States1:08:19
Luke Koopmankope-man25United States1:08:26
Tom Sederquistsea-der-quist36United States1:08:27
Nathan Kolbuskohl-bus25United States1:08:38
Ramon Romeroruh-moan rome-air-oh26Honduras1:08:54
Jack Moran 24Ireland {Republic}1:09:08
Paul Stevenson 32United States1:09:23
Chris Pahnkep-on-key26United States1:09:31
Caleb Christiansen 23United States1:09:33
Leo Smith 25United States1:09:42
Evan Walpolewall-pole30United States1:09:59
John Curley 32United States1:10:00
Charlie Banban (like “anne”)43United States1:10:10
Peter Schommershow-mer27United States1:10:10
Sam Forstnerfour-st-ner24United States1:10:32
Daniel Pederson 27United States1:10:35
Jonathan Harley 24United States1:10:46
John VanDanackervan-dan-a-ker62United States1:11:04
Bryon Malang 35United States1:14:24
Murphy Smith 22United StatesDebut
Zach Leachman 23United StatesDebut
Joseph Farley 23United StatesDebut
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON --- Elite Women's Start List
NamePronunciation GuideAgeCitizenshipPR
Dominique Scottdom-i-neak32South Africa1:07:32
Annie Frisbie 28United States1:07:34
Dakotah Popehnpoe-pain30United States1:08:03
Elena Haydayuh-lay-nuh25United States1:10:56
Sarah Czuprynskisoo-prin-skee32United States1:11:25
Jennifer Bergman 33United States1:11:35
Alice Wright 30United Kingdom1:11:38
Sarah Sellers 33United States1:11:53
Annmarie Tuxbury 31United States1:12:00
Madison Offsteinmad-ee29United States1:12:06
Katja Goldringcot-yah34United States1:12:18
Kathryn Fluehr 31United States1:12:46
Katie Kellner 33United States1:12:58
Heather Kampfcamp-f38United States1:13:12
Meriah Earlemer-eye-ah earl47United States1:13:27
Kelsey Beckmann 33United States1:14:16
Lexie Greitzergrite-sir32United States1:15:36
Rachel Hyland 38United States1:15:44
Sarah Hutchings Alton 35United States1:15:59
Sofie Schunk 33United States1:15:59
Marit Ross-Sonnesynmerit ross saw-nis-sin31United States1:16:29
Julie Wiemerslagewee-mur-shlog32United States1:16:33
Melanie Vlasicvla-sick29United States1:16:41
Hannah Moulton 26United States1:16:48
Kasandra Parker 25United States1:16:58
Megan Smith 34United States1:16:59
Courtney Alama 29United States1:17:03
Jessica Smith 37United States1:17:59
Sydney Friedelfree-dull24United States1:18:32
Jen Van Otterloo 39United States1:18:59
Meghan Roth 38United States1:19:21
Alexandra Nordquist 29United States1:19:36
Liz Kanzleiter 38United States1:19:42
Andrea Corazzaricora-za-ree46Costa Rica1:21:24
Kimberly Anderson 60United States1:22:56
Michelle Baxterme-shell42United States1:24:10
Gloria Jansen 78United States1:24:34
Allyson Verbauwhedeverb-a-weedy24United States1:25:00
Erika Fluehr 31United StatesDebut
Hannah Ryan 25United StatesDebut
Hannah Smrckasmirk-uh21United StatesDebut
MARATHON ELITE QUALIFICATION STANDARDS & ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
HALF MARATHON ELITE QUALIFICATION STANDARDS & ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

AN OLYMPIC DREAM

Grandma’s Marathon is proud to congratulate Dakotah Lindwurm (United States, 12th place) and Tebello Ramakongoana (Lesotho, 7th place) on their oustanding performances at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games!

Dating back to Ron Daws in 1968, there have now been 28 Olympic marathoners who have also competed in Duluth. Nine of those runners are past champions in either Grandma’s Marathon or the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, and three have won Olympic medals:

  • Meb Keflezighi (2nd Place, 2004)
  • Deena Kastor (3rd Place, 2004)
  • Lorraine Moller (3rd Place, 1992)

Tebello Ramakongoana (Lesotho) – 2024
Jordan Chipangama (Zambia) – 2016
Meb Keflezighi (United States) – 2004, 2012, 2016
Pardon Ndhlovu (Zimbabwe) – 2016
Pedro Mora (Venezuela) – 2012
Andrey Gordeyev (Belarus) – 2008
Zepherinus Joseph (Saint Lucia) – 2004
Smartex Tambala (Malawi) – 1992
Ed Eyestone (United States) – 1988, 1992
David Edge (Canada) – 1984, 1988
James Walker (Guam) – 1988
Joseph Kipsang (Kenya) – 1988
John Tuttle (United States) – 1984
Ryszard Marczak (Poland) – 1980
Ron Daws (United States) – 1968

Dakotah Lindwurm (United States) – 2024
Rosa Chacha (Ecuador) – 2012, 2016, 2020
Ariana Hilborn (Latvia) – 2016
Jane Vongvorachoti (Thailand) – 2016
Yolimar Pineda (Venzuela) – 2012, 2016
Amira Benamor (Tunisia) – 2012
Desiree Linden (United States) – 2012
Kara Goucher (United States) – 2012
Deena Kastor (United States) – 2004, 2008
Colleen De Reuck (South Africa, United States) – 1992, 2000, 2004
Lyubov Morgunova (Russia) – 2000
Lorraine Moller (New Zealand) – 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996
Janis Klecker (United States) – 1992

OLYMPIC TRIALS QUALIFIER

In 2022 & 2023, there were 97 participants of Grandma’s Marathon and the Garry Bkorklund Half Marathon that qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Minnesota native and two-time Grandma’s Marathon champion Dakotah Lindwurm finished in third place at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and went on to finish 12th place in the Paris Summer Olympics.

The qualifying window for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials will open in 2026 (marathon) and 2027 (half marathon).

BOSTON MARATHON QUALIFIER

In 2024, there were 1,393 participants (18.4% of finishers) of Grandma’s Marathon that qualified for the Boston Marathon, based on the current year’s B.A.A. Qualifying Standards.

In its 48-year history, Grandma’s Marathon has produced nearly 35,000 qualifying times for the Boston Marathon. On average, close to 14.5% of Grandma’s Marathon finishers qualify each year to run in Boston.

ABBOTT AGE GROUP QUALIFIER

The AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Rankings comprise a one-year qualifying period during which athletes in nine separate age groups can compete in over 50 marathons across the world to earn ranking points. The top ranked runners in each age group will be invited to the AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships.

NOTE: The AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Rankings and Championships currently do not offer a non-binary option for qualification but are keeping this under annual review and will continue to monitor runner data and growth to create meaningful competition.

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