(Photo: Facebook)
Duluth, MN — June 22, 2025
Under clear skies and cool North Shore temperatures, Grandma’s Marathon 2025 delivered a landmark weekend for distance running, drawing a record-setting field to Duluth and reaffirming the race’s status as one of the premier endurance events in the Great Lakes region.
The 49th annual Grandma’s Marathon, held Saturday, June 21, capped a three-day race weekend that brought more than 18,300 finishers to Duluth across the full marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, and the William A. Irvin 5K — the largest total participation in the event’s history.
A Fast Day at the Front of the Pack
In the full marathon, Joel Reichow of St. Paul, Minnesota, claimed the men’s title in 2:11:58, becoming the first Minnesota-born runner to win Grandma’s Marathon since 2009. Reichow’s victory carried additional historical weight: earlier in the weekend, he also captured the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, making him the first athlete ever to win both major races during the same Grandma’s Marathon weekend.
On the women’s side, Lilian Chebii of Grand Prairie, Texas, surged to victory in 2:25:14, one of the fastest women’s times in event history. The performance marked just Chebii’s second career marathon, underscoring her emergence as a rising force in American distance running.
The non-binary division was won by Eli Blascyk of Duluth, who finished in 3:07:53, earning strong local support along the course.
A Course That Defines the Race
Grandma’s Marathon’s appeal remains rooted in its setting. The 26.2-mile course begins just outside Two Harbors, Minnesota, and follows Scenic Highway 61 along Lake Superior before finishing in Canal Park. The combination of rolling terrain, lakefront views, and enthusiastic crowd support continues to draw runners from all 50 states and dozens of countries.
In 2025, 7,555 runners completed the full marathon, placing Grandma’s among the ten largest marathons in the United States by finishers.
A Weekend That Belongs to the Community
Beyond elite performances, the race weekend once again transformed Duluth into a festival city. Downtown streets filled with spectators, volunteers, and families as runners tackled the course. Local businesses reported strong foot traffic throughout the weekend, with hotels near capacity and restaurants extending hours to meet demand.
Friday night’s William A. Irvin 5K added to the celebratory atmosphere. Mason Shea claimed his third consecutive men’s 5K title, while 13-year-old Mackenzie Myran won the women’s division, becoming one of the youngest champions in race history.
Half Marathon Highlights
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, held Saturday morning alongside the full marathon, saw Murphy Smith win the men’s race in 1:02:49, while Annie Frisbie captured the women’s title in 1:09:05, successfully defending her 2024 victory.
Looking Ahead to 50
With its 50th anniversary approaching in 2026, Grandma’s Marathon appears poised to continue its upward trajectory. Race organizers pointed to strong volunteer turnout, smooth logistics, and favorable weather as factors behind this year’s success, while hinting at special programming planned for next year’s milestone event.
As runners crossed the Canal Park finish line and Lake Superior shimmered in the background, Grandma’s Marathon 2025 once again delivered what has made it a Great Lakes tradition for nearly five decades: elite competition, community pride, and a course as memorable as the athletes who run it.