Press Release - Grandma's Marathon - 1/24/03

                                        Contact: Scott Keenan
                                                 executive director

                                                 Laura Wright
                                                 public relations director


              27th ANNUAL GRANDMA'S MARATHON GETS UNDERWAY
                        Registration is now open

Duluth, MN: Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the 27th annual 
Grandma's Marathon on Saturday, June 21, 2003! Entry forms were mailed on 
Thursday, January 23 to individuals who requested them, and to those who 
were registered for the race in 2002 and 2001. On Monday, January 27, 
applications will be available to download and print off the web site 
www.grandmasmarathon.com. 

Grandma’s Marathon reached the capacity limit of 9,000 in record time last 
year, filling in just 13 days. Marathon officials anticipate registration to
close quickly again this year, and encourage those interested in 
participating to complete and return their application as soon as possible. 

"The fact that this race continues to fill faster and faster each year is 
evidence that the sport of long distance running continues to grow. This 
trend is very exciting for our organization, and we are looking forward to 
continuing to provide runners from all over the world with a great racing 
experience," says Grandma's Marathon Executive Director, Scott Keenan.


The 2003 Grandma's Marathon weekend begins on Thursday, June 19 with the 
SMDC Health and Fitness Expo and continues on Friday, June 20 with the 
Michelina's All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner, Whipper Snapper Races for 
Kids, guest speaking presentations and the William A. Irvin 5K (6:00 p.m.). 
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and Grandma's Marathon are on Saturday, 
June 21, 2003 at 6:45 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. respectively. In addition, the 
Staff and Board of Grandma's Marathon are pleased to host the 2003 USATF 
Women’s National Half Marathon Championships on June 21. The race starts at 
6:15 a.m. and will be run on the same course as the Garry Bjorklund Half 
Marathon. 

For more information on the 2003 Grandma's Marathon weekend please visit the
web site www.grandmasmarathon.com or call (218) 727-0947.

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