Wheelchair and Adaptive Programs
Pushrim Wheelchair Divison
Grandma’s Marathon includes a push rim wheelchair racing division, comprised of both elite and citizen participants for athletes with Paralympic classification or eligible impairment.
The elite wheelchair competition is an invitational field and includes awards.
To ensure a safe field size and race experience for all, both elite and citizen wheelchair participants must notify the Grandma’s Marathon office of their intent to participate prior to registering.
All push rim wheelchair division participants must have a prior performance of at least a half marathon distance to demonstrate safety and ability to complete the event.
NOTE: The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon does not have a push rim wheelchair division.
IMPORTANT: For safety reasons, push rim wheelchair division participants must use a racing wheelchair. A day chair may be used only if fitted with an attachment such as a FreeWheel. Helmets must be worn at all times by all wheelchair division participants.
Duo Teams
Grandma’s Marathon is proud to host Duo Teams, comprised of an athlete with an eligible impairment pushed by one or more able-bodied runners in a specialized racing wheelchair (pictured to the right).
All participants of a Duo Team must be a paid registrant with an individual race number. To provide a safe experience for all participants, each race has a capacity of five Duo Teams.
The Duo Team program is non-competitive, and there are no separate award categories.
IMPORTANT: Grandma’s Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon require a prior performance for Duo Teams to demonstrate safety and ability to complete the event.
Prospective Duo Teams must contact the Grandma’s Marathon office or My Team Triumph Minnesota prior to registering for any event. For more details, please contact our Race Director Greg Haapala via email [email protected] or call our office at (218) 727-0947.
Runners with an Impairment
Grandma’s Marathon welcomes all race participants in all events who may have a permanent visual, physical, or intellectual impairment that affects their ability to participate in long-distance running.
Runners with an impairment are encouraged to contact the Grandma’s Marathon office with any requests for accommodations needed prior to registering. The Grandma’s Marathon staff will do its best to provide all reasonable accommodations to these athletes.
Athletes in this program participate as part of the general participant field, and there are no separate award categories.
Guide Runners
Runners with an impairment are eligible to have a Guide Runner assist them with their race if needed. A complimentary entry will be provided for Guide Runners upon request, prior to registration.
One guide is allowed per athlete, and they must complete the entire race with the participant they are supporting. Participants in this program are encouraged to find their own Guide Runner, as the Grandma’s Marathon staff does not actively recruit Guide Runner volunteers.
