FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Running Legends to Entertain with Pre-Race Talk Show
(Duluth, MN): Grandma's Marathon invites runners and other guests to get
inspired and be entertained as they listen to this year's excellent line-up
of guests. The usual pre-race speakers will be swapped out for the
introduction of a new Pre-Race Talk Show that will be hosted by running
legends Dick Beardsley and Carrie Tollefson. Their talk show guests will
include Kara Goucher, John Naslund and Grandma Rosa.
The presentation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 15, 2018 in the
Edmund Fitzgerald Hall at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
(DECC). Along with their guest interviews, there will be prize giveaways
and a dedicated Q&A time with Dick and Carrie. The presentation is free and
open to the public.
Dick Beardsley is known as one of the best marathon runners in U.S.
history. Winner of Grandma's Marathon in 1981 and 1982, Dick held the
course record with a time of 2:09:37 for 33 years. His most famous race,
however, took place at the 1982 Boston Marathon where he crossed the finish
line in 2 hours, 8 minutes, 53 seconds, just two seconds behind Alberto
Salazar. Dick remains a prominent figure in the running community and
travels around the world to share his amazing stories.
Carrie Tollefson is recognized as one of the best runners to come out of
Minnesota. She grew up in Dawson, MN, and won 13 Minnesota high school
championships in cross country and track. While at Villanova University,
she won five NCAA championships individually and was a member of the 1999
NCAA Cross Country Championships team. Carrie joined Team USA Minnesota in
2001 and since then has been a three-time national champion (1500 meters,
3000 meters and 4k cross country) and a member of three U.S. World teams.
In addition to being a professional runner, Carrie is also a television
broadcaster and has provided commentary for many racing events throughout
the nation.
Kara Goucher is a Duluth native, and the current course record holder for
the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon with a time of 1:09:46 that she set in
2012. She graduated from the University of Colorado with three Division I
NCAA championships in cross-country, the 3000m and 5000m. She is a two-time
Olympian, an American record holder, World Championships silver medalist,
and one of the most accomplished female distance runners of all time. She
is an advocate for clean sport and women's rights, and she connects with
organizations and non-profits that are making a positive impact.
John Naslund is one of three people that have run all 41 Grandma's
Marathons and will be holding up the streak again this year for the 42nd
Annual. He was a member of the original North Shore Striders and has run
over 150 marathons throughout his life.
Grandma Rosa is the official mascot of Grandma's Marathon. The idea was
created in 1977 by Sandy Brennan and is now played by her daughter, Leah
Hulst. Leah took over for her mother in 1992 and has played the role ever
since. When Leah isn't dressed up as Grandma, she spends her time singing
in her band, Lake City Smokin' Section, which will be performing at the Big
Top Tent on race day, Saturday, June 16.
For more information about the 42nd Annual Grandma's Marathon Weekend
presented by Toyota and Members Cooperative Credit Union, visit
grandmasmarathon.com
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