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For participating in 2026 Grandma's Marathon Weekend Races

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My Story

I’m back for another year as a Charity Partner for the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon—running again for Save the Boundary Waters.

The Superior National Forest is my sanctuary. My husband and I spend most summer and fall weekends up there, and recently we took our first BWCA canoe trip this fall. I didn't know I could fall in love with this place we call home even more. Protecting this place matters deeply to me.

Last year I ran a 24-minute PR while on a team of charity partners who raised over $60,000 for this cause. This year, I’m back to see how much faster I can go—and how much more we can support those who are doing the foot on the ground work to protect this precious land.

If you believe in wild places, clean water, and the future of this ecosystem, I’d love your support!

Description

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is an undeveloped 1.1 million-acre federal and state-recognized Wilderness Area. It is an expanse of lakes, rivers, and forests in the Superior National Forest, located along the Minnesota-Canada border, that has been protected by statute and international treaty for more than a century. This is the sixth most critical region in the lower 48 to protect for climate resiliency and contains 20% of all the freshwater in the entire National Forest System. The water in the Boundary Waters is so clean, you can dip your cup and drink straight from the lake.

Save the Boundary Waters is the locally-based, national campaign led by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness based in Ely, Minnesota dedicated to permanently protecting America’s most beloved Wilderness Area – the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
Nov 24 Jennifer Marcson $108.50
Nov 23 Misgen Design Co. Nature is not a place to visit. It is home. Thank you for protecting our home! 💥✌🏼💥 $55.25
Nov 23 Deedee & Dale Thank you Alyssa for fighting to protect our beautiful National Treasure! 💧 is life! $28.63
Nov 23 Alyssa Swanson $28.63
Nov 23 Anonymous Run Lyss Run Undisclosed amount
Nov 22 Lindsey Bushnell Thank you for supporting the Boundary Waters! $28.63
Nov 22 S Boots Water is Life $268.25