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Grandma's Marathon sold out for 2023

This year is one of the fastest sellouts for the race ever as organizers anticipate record numbers in June.

Runners at start of Grandma's Marathon 2022
Runners take to the course at the starting line of Grandma's Marathon on June 18.
Steve Kuchera / 2022 file / Duluth News Tribune

DULUTH — If you were waiting for the snow to melt before committing to running Grandma’s Marathon in 2023, you’re out of luck.

First off, there’s more snow in the forecast for Duluth next week.

Second, Grandma’s was officially declared a sellout Thursday, marking one of the fastest sellouts for the race ever, according to marketing and public relations director Zach Schneider.

Over 9,000 participants are signed up for both the marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, which are June 17. The Bjorklund sold out in November. Schneider said the 2023 marathon weekend is on pace to be one of the largest in the history of the race.

“It’s phenomenal to be talking about this in mid-March,” Schneider said in the sell-out announcement. “It’s reason for celebration, for sure, but the real work still lies ahead in making sure all these participants, as well as their families and friends, have a true Grandma’s Marathon experience when they come here in June.”

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previously
A look back at Grandma's Marathon on Saturday from the viewpoint of an "official unofficial" spectator.
Minnesota runner, faster than ever, enjoys ‘best day ever.’
News Tribune photographers capture scenes from various areas of the race course.
A reduced field in 2021 due to COVID-19 led to fewer spectators along the course. Sold out races in 2022 brought people back to cheer on the runners and racers.
Fans with costumes and signs cheer on runners along Duluth's London Road.
In his first completed marathon since a 2019 injury, the Grandma’s marathon course record holder returned for a win and the second-best race time in the event’s history.
Aaron Pike and Susannah Scaroni broke their own course records, with Pike fighting off a challenger at the finish line.
While the men's winner took a commanding lead early, the women's winner had to fight her way back up to the front.
Men’s winner overcomes brain tumor and age to be his best.

As of Thursday afternoon, there were still 40 spots remaining for the William A. Irvin 5K on June 16. There is a way to still get in on the marathon, but it required taking running both the 5K on June 16 and marathon June 17 as part of the Full Great Grandma’s Challenge. As of Thursday, there were 150 spots remaining in the challenge.

Grandma's offers volunteer incentives

Organizers of Grandma’s Marathon is seeking volunteers to help with the 2023 event, and offering incentives to those who sign up early.

Individuals who sign up to volunteer prior to April 1 will be entered into a $100 gift card to Duluth Pack. Groups of 15 or more are eligible to win one of three $1,000 donations that will go to the nonprofit organization of the group’s choosing.

For more information on volunteering or signing up for the race, visit grandmasmarathon.com.

At the start of Grandma's Marathon.
Volunteer Rodney Scandin pours another water near the Grandma’s Marathon start line June 18.
Steve Kuchera / 2022 file / Duluth News Tribune

Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of "staff." Often, the "staff" byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.
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