Elite Athletes


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Boston Marathon Qualifier
The 2022 Grandma's Marathon saw 1,030 runners finish with a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. Since 2018, more than 17.5% of all Grandma's Marathon finishers have run a BQ in Duluth.
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Olympic Trials Qualifier
Even with tougher time standards this cycle, the 2022 Grandma's Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon saw 51 runners run qualifying times for the 2024 US Olympic Trials.
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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.


Think you have what it takes to be a champion? We welcome an elite field for both Grandma’s Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon each year, so you can come be part of one of the fastest and most scenic courses in the United States!
Considerations for entry, travel, or lodging assistance will be based on the depth of the field and availability of funds at the time of inquiry.
IMPORTANT: The elite fields for the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is currently full.
If you have any questions, please contact our Elite Athlete & Administration Director Sarah Culver via email at [email protected].

This is my favorite race of the entire year. They treat me better than any other race ever has or ever will. I wasn’t born here, but I feel like a hometown hero in Duluth.
Dakotah Lindwurm
Grandma's Marathon Champion (2021, 2022)

HOW TO ENTER AS AN ELITE RUNNER
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].