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In a sport where time matters, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon came close to doing what many of its participants will hope to do this coming June – set a new personal record.
After reaching its capacity in under 100 hours a year ago, the race this year reached the same number in under 18 hours. It’s the second-fastest sellout in the event’s history, trailing only 2018 when organizers moved from a lottery structure to a first-come, first-served basis.
“Registration day is always humbling,” Grandma’s Marathon Marketing & Public Relations Director Zach Schneider said. “To see thousands of people waiting to enter this race and wanting to travel to our community, it’s something that we will never take for granted. That interest is rooted in the reputation Duluth has developed as a destination for runners from all over the world, and our community should be proud of that.”
The 2025 Grandma’s Marathon weekend, as a whole, is seeing perhaps its strongest start to registration in the organization’s history. Only 18 hours after registration opened, more than 15,000 people had registered for one of the weekend’s three races.
Even with the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and accompanying Half Great Grandma’s Challenge – which includes both the 5K and half marathon – now sold out, there is still a way for runners to sign up for the 13.1-mile race in June.
Charity Partners — Participants can register through one of our 2025 Charity Partners. When a participant has reached the fundraising goal – set by each organization – they will receive a free entry into the 2025 event of their choice. Approximately 750 total race entries are available through charity partners, though availability will vary by organization.
“We talk every year about the positive impact Grandma’s Marathon weekend has on our participants and community,” Schneider said, “and our Charity Partners program is a prime example of how that impact can extend even past our race weekend. Runners can get what they’re after, a spot at the starting line, and in exchange these nonprofit organizations can receive money to do some real good within our region.”
The 2025 Grandma’s Marathon weekend is scheduled for June 19-21, 2025. – Press release