The official Grandma’s Marathon training group, led by certified coach Tony Stensland, is designed to prepare you for a successful race day.
Whether you’re participating in the marathon or half marathon, this is the perfect place to gain confidence while feeling the camaraderie and support of other, like-minded runners!
Training Group Format and Benefits
WHAT YOU GET: Group runs, event-specific training plan, and individual support and resources from a USATF- & RRCA-certified coach. Participants will have the option to select beginner, intermediate, or advanced training levels for either the half or full marathon.
All members of the training group will also recieve a 2026 Training Group Hat
GROUP RUNS: There will be a total of 65 group runs in the Duluth-Superior area over 22 weeks, beginning in January — Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. (7:00 a.m. beginning in April).
TIMELINE
- Registration Opens: September 1, 2025
- Optional Pre-Season Meeting: October 16th, 2025- 5:00 PM GM Office
- Optional Pre- Season Meeting: January 8, 2026- 5:00PM GM Office
- First Day of Training Group: January 22, 2026
- Last Day to sign up: March 1, 2026
- Grandma’s Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon: June 20, 2026
Pricing Tiers
September 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025: $125
October 2, 2025 - December 31, 2025: $150
January 1, 2026- March 1, 2026: $175
Price does not include the event entry fee. Training group participants will receive instructions on how to register separately for their event of choice — Grandma’s Marathon or Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon.
About Coach Tony Stensland
Tony Stensland is a certified coach with USA Track Field & Field (USTAF) and Road Runners of America (RRCA) and has a level 3 certification from the Lydiard Foundation. He has been coaching runners since 2009.
Stensland has seen great success with both groups and individuals, helping hundreds achieve personal running goals ranging from first-time marathoners to Boston Marathon qualifiers.
A Duluth area resident, Stensland has long been involved with Grandma’s Marathon and holds a deep passion for helping his runners become the best versions of themselves.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE’S BAD WEATHER?
If it’s necessary to cancel a group run due to inclement weather, participants will be notified as soon as possible via email.
WHERE WILL MOST GROUP RUNS BE HELD?
All group runs will be held in the Duluth-Superior area, but the most often used locations will be the Rose Garden, Canal Park, and Lester Park in Duluth.
CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE TRAINING GROUP IF YOU’RE NOT RUNNING A GRANDMA’S MARATHON WEEKEND EVENT?
Yes. The signup for your marathon weekend event is separate, so everyone is invited to participate in the training group if desired.
WHAT IS THE REFUND AND/OR TRANSFER POLICY?
Training program fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Contact information
- Event contact
- Alivia Nelson
- Phone
- 218-727-0947
- Website
- Visit website
