Organizers wondered what an earlier start time and new racecourse might do to the interest level in the kickoff race to Grandma’s Marathon weekend, the William A. Irvin 5K.
They now have their answer.
The race has officially sold out, with more than 2,500 people registering in less than 36 hours. That mark is nearly two months faster than the previous record of late November, set only last year.
“Whenever you make changes to something that’s been successful, it’s nerve-wrecking,” Grandma’ Marathon Marketing & PR Director Zach Schneider said. “The early results are in, and we know now more than ever this race and distance resonates with people. The notion of ‘it’s just a 5K’ is no more, and this has turned into something people truly look forward to as part of our race weekend.”
The race saw its largest turnout ever just a year ago with 2,188 finishers, but planned construction forced organizers to rethink the race course and ultimately the start time for 2025.
The race will now start at 1 p.m. as opposed to 6 p.m., and the new route will take participants on Canal Park Drive and underneath the finish structure that will be set up for the following day’s events, Grandma’s Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon.
“To run on the iconic finish stretch of our marathon and half marathon, to be able to cross under that finish line structure, we believe that’s a unique and exciting opportunity for our 5K participants,” Schneider said.
Organizers say the change in time and route will come with other changes to the Friday schedule on race weekend, which will be announced closer to June, but they expect those changes to be positives especially on out-of-towners arriving to Duluth in the afternoon and early evening.
For those who missed out on this year’s William A. Irvin 5K registration, organizers do still have an option that will allow them to sign up for the race:
Charity Partners — Participants can register through one of the event’s official 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. – Press release