2015 Grandma\’s Marathon Award Recipients Announced

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon has announced the recipients of its annual Ron Daws Ambassador Award and Verizon Wireless Award of Excellence, as well as its 2015 Hall of Fame class.

Peter Graves and Michael Pinocci are this year’s Ron Daws Ambassador Award winners.

For over 30 years, Peter Graves and Michael Pinocci have been the voices behind the Grandma's Marathon finish line, enthusiastically revving up the crowds that gather, providing play-by-play commentary when the first finishers battle it out on the final homestretch and cheering participants on as they complete their half or full marathon journey. The duo also works together as Co-Master of Ceremonies for the award ceremony, pre-race press conference and guest speaking presentations.

In 1993, Grandma's Marathon began the Ron Daws Ambassador Award in honor of the Minnesota native and 1968 Olympian who was a great ambassador to Grandma's Marathon and the city of Duluth. Daws was instrumental in the development of road racing in Minnesota until he passed away in 1992. The award is presented each year to an individual who has been a leader in the growth of long-distance running and who has a shared commitment to Grandma's Marathon and Duluth.

Upper Lakes Foods is the 2015 recipient of the Verizon Wireless Award of Excellence.

Thousands of Grandma's Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon finishers have Upper Lakes Foods to thank for providing them with replenishing food at the finish line. For the past 18 years, Upper Lakes Foods, Minnesota’s largest family-owned, broadline, full service distributor has been at the finish line of Grandma's Marathon. Each year, more than 50 employees and their families volunteer their time, handing out assorted fruit, yogurt, cookies and orange juice to racers.

The Verizon Wireless Award of Excellence is given annually to an individual(s) or group in recognition of dedication, commitment and service to Grandma’s Marathon.

2015 Grandma’s Marathon Hall of Fame Inductees: Tim Hollis and John Kessler

For Grandma’s Marathon participants, the journey of 26.2 miles begins when Tim Hollis triggers the starting line horn.

Tim first got involved with Grandma’s Marathon through his friendship with Kerry Loukes, the athletic director at Central High School in Duluth. When asked if Tim wanted to time a few runners who were competing in a marathon, Tim responded, “Why not?!” and the rest is history. That history has spanned over 35 years with Tim as the official starter of Grandma’s Marathon and a head timer for the race. Tim moved away from Duluth 18 years ago, but always has Grandma's Marathon weekend reserved on his calendar to make the trip back to his hometown so thousands of runners can begin their marathon journey.

John Kessler has helped Grandma's Marathon runners from start to finish. He began volunteering for Grandma’s Marathon in 1981 as part of the Finish Line Medical Crew – providing the first line of aid to athletes as they completed their race. Years later, John joined the timing crew with fellow hall of fame inductee, Tim Hollis. John eventually became the Chief Race Official at the start of the half marathon, a role he continues to play along with being a head timer for both the marathon and half marathon.

For 32 years, John has made race weekend a priority and attributes his longevity with the race to his tremendous team of volunteers, who know their tasks well and know how important accurate timing is to the race participants.

The 2015 Don Fennessy Volunteer of the Year Award will be announced at the race’s volunteer appreciation event on Sunday, June 28.

A total of 17,988 participants are registered to compete in next weekend’s races, presented by Wells Fargo and Toyota.

For more information, visit www.GrandmasMarathon.com or call (218) 727-0947.

RUNNING USA