May 11, 2021
DULUTH, Minn. – Following Governor Tim Walz’s announcement last week to end restrictions on outdoor limits and indoor activities by the end of May, Grandma’s Marathon announced Tuesday that they will now be allowing spectators and a post-race celebration for the 2021 race.
“Those things were crossed off pretty early in our planning process based on the previous guidelines, and the result was going to be a very different feeling come race weekend,” Executive Director Shane Bauer said. “Bringing those pieces back will not only amplify the experience of our participants, but it’s great for our community members who wait all year to be part of Grandma’s Marathon weekend.”
WDIO-TV Created: May 11, 2021 11:00 AM
Spectators will be allowed at this year s Grandma s Marathon and there will be a post-race celebration after all, but in a different location.
Organizers announced the changes to their plans Tuesday following Gov. Tim Walz s announcement about loosening capacity limits and distancing requirements. Though spectators will now be allowed, organizers will use mitigation tactics in an effort to prevent large groups from forming. People who come down to the finish line area will notice some obstructed sightlines, some viewpoints that used to be available that won t be this year, just in an effort to try and do our part to encourage people to disperse and keep their distance from other people, Director of Marketing & Public Relations Zach Schneider said.
WDIO-TV Created: January 13, 2021 04:38 PM
Grandma s Marathon organizers announced Thursday that the 2021 race weekend will remain at half-capacity due to ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Registration for the 45th Annual Grandma’s Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, and the William A. Irvin 5K began last fall at half-capacity with hopes that conditions would improve to allow more spots. However, race organizers now say their local health partners believe that keeping the events at half-capacity will give them the best chance of being able to go forward as scheduled. As badly as we wanted to increase our in-person capacity, Executive Director Shane Bauer said, we understand the importance of developing a COVID-modified race plan that can be approved by the state and executed as safely as possible for those who have already registered. Zeroing in on the expected number of participants was an important step in continuing our planning pr