2026 Official Training Group

2026 Official Training Group

Led by certified coach Tony Stensland, this training group is designed to prepare you for a successful Grandma's Marathon or Half Marathon race day. It's a great opportunity to gain confidence and experience camaraderie with like-minded runners.

What you get: Group runs, an event-specific training plan, and individual support from a USATF- & RRCA-certified coach. Participants can choose beginner, intermediate, or advanced training levels for either the half or full marathon. All members receive a 2026 Training Group Hat.

Group Runs: There will be a total of 65 group runs over 22 weeks in the Duluth-Superior area. Runs are typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. (7:00 a.m. starting in April).

Timeline:

• Registration Opens: September 1, 2025
• Optional Pre-Season Meeting: October 16, 2025 - 5:00 PM
• Optional Pre-Season Meeting: January 8, 2026 - 5:00 PM
• 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.

About Coach Tony Stensland: Tony Stensland is a certified coach with USA Track Field & Field (USTAF) and Road Runners of America (RRCA), holding a level 3 certification from the Lydiard Foundation. He has been coaching runners since 2009 and has helped hundreds achieve their running goals. He is a Duluth area resident with a deep passion for helping runners improve.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Bad Weather: Participants will be notified via email if a group run is canceled due to inclement weather.
• Group Run Locations: Most group runs will be held in the Duluth-Superior area, with common locations including the Rose Garden, Canal Park, and Lester Park in Duluth.
• Participation: You can participate in the training group even if you are not running a Grandma’s Marathon Weekend event.
• Refund Policy: Training program fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Event Contact: Alivia Nelson, Phone: 218-727-0947, Email: [email protected]