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Lead Stories: Sunday, September 7, 2008

Special Half-Marathon Entries To Benefit Fallen Marathoner

Posted March 27th, 2008 at 3:00 PM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Marathons

The officially sold-out Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon, which is held in conjunction with Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minn., will offer additional entries through an online auction to benefit the family of the fallen marathoner, Wesly Ngetich, who was killed during the violence in Kenya earlier this year. Ngetich won Grandma’s Marathon twice in 2005 and 2007.

“Wesly was a great champion for our event, so assisting his family is the very least we can do,” said Scott Keenan, executive director of Grandma’s Marathon. “Our donations can’t bring him back, but hopefully they can bring some financial relief to his family members as they struggle through this difficult time.”
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Prize Money Doubled for Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon

Posted February 28th, 2008 at 1:30 PM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Marathons

Organizers of the Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon, held on conjunction with the well-known Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minn., announced that they have doubled the prize money purse for the 2008 edition of the race, scheduled for Sunday, June 21. This will be the second year that the half-marathon will offer cash prizes.

“The addition of a cash purse in 2007 helped us attract a quality field of elite runners, and we expect this increase will bring in an even stronger group of half marathoners this year,” said Scott Keenan, executive director of Grandma’s Marathon, in a prepared statement.
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Two editions of the Minnesota Mile coming in July and September

Posted May 21st, 2007 at 8:03 AM by Bob Ramsak

Section: News & Results

The organizers of Grandma’s Marathon have resurected an 1980’s tradition by bringing back the Minnesota Mile on two dates in two cities: Wednesday, July 11 in St. Paul and again September 9 in Duluth. These road miles will feature several divisions and will include elite fields.

“Many of our participants travel from the Twin Cities area to attend Grandma’s Marathon weekend, so this time we decided to bring a race to them,” said Scott Keenan, executive director of Grandma’s Marathon, in a media release. “This opportunity to resurrect the Minnesota Mile is exciting, and we’re thrilled to create two races which include all skill levels.”
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Grandma’s Marathon institutes new Anti-Doping Policy

Posted May 1st, 2007 at 2:39 PM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Drugs In Sports

Grandma’s Marathon (Duluth, Minn.) has instituted a new anti-doping policy which is designed to supplement anti-doping efforts already being made by USA Track & Field (USATF) and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The four points of the policy are:

The disqualification of any athlete testing positive for a banned substance at any Grandma’s Marathon event.
The race will not recruit, subsidize or otherwise assist any athlete who has previously been suspended for using a banned substance.
Grandma’s Marathon organizers will cease relationships with the coach and/or agent of any athlete suspended for banned drug use.
Elite athletes competing in Grandma’s Marathon or the Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon are required to sign an affidavit acknowledging awareness of the new drug policy stating that they are not using performance-enhancing drugs.

“It is extremely important for our sport’s future to make it loud and clear that cheating will not be tolerated,” said Scott Keenan, executive director of Grandma’s Marathon in a media release. “This policy will help us continue to do our part to inform and educate runners about the consequences and negative impacts of drug use.”
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