Thousands of marathoners will be told next June not to start too fast in order to save energy for the later portions of the race – as it turns out, though, Grandma’s Marathon organizers didn’t listen to their own advice.
Set to celebrate its 50th year, Grandma’s Marathon raced out of the blocks this year with its registration en route to the event’s fastest-ever sellout – and not by just a little. The expanded field of 9,500 participants sold out in only 12 hours, smashing the previous record of a little over a month that was set just last year.
“It’s been a whirlwind kind of day, and we find ourselves this morning feeling especially grateful,” Marketing & Public Relations Director Zach Schneider said. “This goes beyond a lot of our wildest expectations, and it truly sets the stage for what will be an epic celebration of Grandma’s Marathon next June.”
Each of the 2026 Grandma’s Marathon weekend races are now sold out, with the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and William A. Irvin 5K also setting new records. More than 19,000 participants are registered for the 50th annual race weekend, and that number will continue to grow with elite, sponsor, and charity entries still to come.
Grandma’s Marathon – 9,500 entries, sold out in 12 hours
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon – 7,000 entries, sold out in 75 minutes
William A. Irvin 5K – 1,500 entries, sold out in 106 minutes
Full Great Grandma’s Challenge – 500 entries, sold out in 92 minutes
Half Great Grandma’s Challenge – 500 entries, sold out in 48 minutes
“Today’s a day for celebration,” Schneider said. “We’ll take 24 hours to enjoy this, but then the real work begins. These people signed up for something special, and that’s what we intend to deliver.”
For the general public, the only way left into one of the weekend’s races is through one of the event’s official charity partners. Participants can choose one of the 50 charitable causes with available entries, and when that participant reaches the fundraising goal – set by each organization – they will receive a free entry into the 2026 event of their choice. Approximately 1,000 total race entries are available through charity partners, though availability will vary by organization.
“We talk every year about the positive impact Grandma’s Marathon weekend has on our participants and community,” Schneider said, “and our Charity Partners program is a prime example of how that impact can extend even past our race weekend. Runners can get what they’re after, a spot at the starting line, and in exchange these nonprofit organizations can receive money to do some real good within our region.”
For more information on the Charity Partners program and participating organizations, please click HERE.
The 50th annual Grandma’s Marathon weekend is scheduled for June 18-20, 2026.
There are no comments
Please login to post comments