Elite Athletes

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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].

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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.

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].

Fitger's 5K History

The Fitger’s 5K began in 1990 and over more than three decades has now become Duluth’s premier spring running event.

The 3.1-mile race traditionally starts and finishes in front of the historic Fitger’s building. The scenic race course takes participants through downtown Duluth and Canal Park.

Below are the all-time Fitger’s 5K race records and winners from each year. NOTE: Some early records are incomplete and our staff is working to retrieve those dating back to 1990.

2022 Fitger's 5K Parking Info

The Fitger’s 5K course starts and finishes just outside the historic Fitger’s Lakefront Hotel in downtown Duluth. They travel eastward toward 23rd Avenue East on Superior Street, London Road, and South Street.

2022 Fitger's 5K Parking Info

The Fitger’s 5K course starts and finishes just outside the historic Fitger’s Lakefront Hotel in downtown Duluth. They travel eastward toward 23rd Avenue East on Superior Street, London Road, and South Street.

2022 Fitger's 5K Parking Info

Free parking for the event is available in the parking ramp located next to Fitger’s.

Fitger’s Complex
600 E. Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802

2022 Fitger's 5K Race Packet Pickup Info

The Fitger’s 5K course starts and finishes just outside the historic Fitger’s Lakefront Hotel in downtown Duluth. They travel eastward toward 23rd Avenue East on Superior Street, London Road, and South Street.

2022 Fitger's 5K Swag Items

The Fitger’s 5K course starts and finishes just outside the historic Fitger’s Lakefront Hotel in downtown Duluth. They travel eastward toward 23rd Avenue East on Superior Street, London Road, and South Street.