Press Release - Grandma's Marathon - 6/2/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                   Contact: Scott Keenan 
                                            Executive Director
                                            Laura Wright
                                            Public Relations Director
                                            (218) 727-0947


            North Shore Striders Honored for Starting It All


Duluth, Minn.: Thirty-years ago a Duluth running club called the North 
Shore Striders (NSS) decided to host an official marathon along their 
favorite training route from Two Harbors, Minn. to Duluth. What began as a 
small road race consisting of 150 people has grown to be the 13th largest 
marathon in the nation. “Grandma’s Marathon wouldn’t exist today if it 
weren’t for the vision of the North Shore Striders,” says Scott Keenan, who 
was the president of the NSS when the marathon started in 1977 and is the 
current executive director of the race.

To honor the North Shore Striders for their role in creating one of the 
nation’s premiere marathons, Grandma’s Marathon is hosting the first-ever 
NSS reunion during the 30th anniversary celebration. Nearly 120 past 
members of the now disbanded club are expected to attend the reunion 
festivities that begin with a social event from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on 
Friday, June 16 in the tents outside of Grandma’s Saloon and Grill in Canal 
Park. The club will also be inducted into the Grandma’s Marathon Hall of 
Fame during an awards ceremony under the Big Top Tent at 3:30 p.m. on June 
17.

The North Shore Striders started in 1968 as a competitive track and field 
club that included 1976, 10,000-meter Olympian, Garry Bjorklund. In 1972 
the Striders became an almost exclusive road-racing and cross-country 
running club that organized 15 to 20 races per year. "The goal of the NSS 
was to host events, run them and maybe have a few beers after the races. It 
was a fun social organization," says Keenan. Membership grew to 120 paid 
members at its peak in 1978. The annual dues were $5.00 a year.

For more information about the North Shore Striders reunion contact 
Grandma’s Marathon headquarters at (218) 727-0947.



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