Press Release - Grandma's Marathon - 6/14/13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
            Grandma's Marathon 2013 Award Recipients Announced

(Duluth, Minn.) Grandma's Marathon has announced the recipients of its 
annual Ron Daws Ambassador Award and Verizon Wireless Award of Excellence, 
as well as its 2013 Hall of Fame class.

Huck Andresen is this year's Ron Daws Ambassador Award winner. Andresen has 
been involved with Grandma's Marathon for many years. As a runner, he ran 
Grandma's Marathon numerous times and the first Garry Bjorklund Half 
Marathon in 1991. He's also been a finish line volunteer and is a key 
member of the hospitality team, most recently as coordinator of the elite 
runner hospitality room at the Canal Park Lodge.

In 1993, Grandma's Marathon began the Ron Daws Ambassador Award in honor of 
the Minnesota native and 1968 Olympian who was a great ambassador to 
Grandma's Marathon and the city of Duluth. Daws was instrumental in the 
development of road racing in Minnesota until he passed away in 1992. The 
award is presented each year to an individual who has been a leader in the 
growth of long distance running and who has a shared commitment to 
Grandma's Marathon and Duluth.

Duane Madison is the 2013 recipient of the Verizon Wireless Award of 
Excellence.

Duane Madison has been involved with Grandma's Marathon for about 25 years, 
providing water for the 15 racecourse aid stations. Duane and his crew are 
instrumental in the success of race-day operations.

The Award of Excellence is given annually to an individual or group in 
recognition of dedication, commitment and service to Grandma's Marathon. 

2013 Grandma's Marathon Hall of Fame inductees:

Carol Gallinger, Mike Krois, Rudy Lundahl and Saul Mendoza. 

Carol Gallinger has been a key member of the hospitality team since 1985. 
Among her duties is coordinating of the hospitality drivers and the 
transportation of elite athletes. 

Voyageur Bus Company co-owner Mike Krois and operations manager Rudy 
Lundahl coordinate the transportation of the thousands of runners to the 
start of Grandma's Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, as well as 
other transportation needs throughout the weekend.

Saul Mendoza holds seven champion titles in the Grandma's Marathon men's 
wheelchair division.

The 2013 Don Fennessy Volunteer of the Year Award will be announced at the 
race's volunteer appreciation event Sunday, June 30.

More than 17,000 are registered to compete in next weekend's races, 
presented by Wells Fargo and Toyota. For more information, visit 
www.GrandmasMarathon.com or call (218) 727-0947.  

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