FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRANDMA'S MARATHON 2015 AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
Grandma's Marathon has announced the recipients of its annual Ron Daws
Ambassador Award and Verizon Wireless Award of Excellence, as well as its
2015 Hall of Fame class.
Peter Graves and Michael Pinocci are this year's Ron Daws Ambassador Award
winners.
For over 30 years, Peter Graves and Michael Pinocci have been the voices
behind the Grandma's Marathon finish line, enthusiastically revving up the
crowds that gather, providing play-by-play commentary when the first
finishers battle it out on the final homestretch and cheering participants
on as they complete their half or full marathon journey. The duo also works
together as Co-Master of Ceremonies for the award ceremony, pre-race press
conference and guest speaking presentations.
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.
Upper Lakes Foods is the 2015 recipient of the Verizon Wireless Award of
Excellence.
Thousands of Grandma's Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon finishers
have Upper Lakes Foods to thank for providing them with replenishing food
at the finish line. For the past 18 years, Upper Lakes Foods, Minnesota's
largest family-owned, broadline, full service distributor has been at the
finish line of Grandma's Marathon. Each year, more than 50 employees and
their families volunteer their time, handing out assorted fruit, yogurt,
cookies and orange juice to racers.
The Verizon Wireless Award of Excellence is given annually to an
individual(s) or group in recognition of dedication, commitment and service
to Grandma's Marathon.
2015 Grandma's Marathon Hall of Fame Inductees: Tim Hollis and John Kessler
For Grandma's Marathon participants, the journey of 26.2 miles begins when
Tim Hollis triggers the starting line horn.
Tim first got involved with Grandma's Marathon through his friendship with
Kerry Loukes, the athletic director at Central High School in Duluth. When
asked if Tim wanted to time a few runners who were competing in a marathon,
Tim responded, “Why not?!” and the rest is history. That history has
spanned over 35 years with Tim as the official starter of Grandma's
Marathon and a head timer for the race. Tim moved away from Duluth 18 years
ago, but always has Grandma's Marathon weekend reserved on his calendar to
make the trip back to his hometown so thousands of runners can begin their
marathon journey.
John Kessler has helped Grandma's Marathon runners from start to finish. He
began volunteering for Grandma's Marathon in 1981 as part of the Finish
Line Medical Crew – providing the first line of aid to athletes as they
completed their race. Years later, John joined the timing crew with fellow
hall of fame inductee, Tim Hollis. John eventually became the Chief Race
Official at the start of the half marathon, a role he continues to play
along with being a head timer for both the marathon and half marathon.
For 32 years, John has made race weekend a priority and attributes his
longevity with the race to his tremendous team of volunteers, who know
their tasks well and know how important accurate timing is to the race
participants.
The 2015 Don Fennessy Volunteer of the Year Award will be announced at the
race's volunteer appreciation event on Sunday, June 28.
A total of 17,988 participants 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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