Duluth, MN to Host 2012-2013 US Half Marathon Championships

“We are
excited to have Duluth play host to our USA Half Marathon Championships
in 2012 and 2013,” said USATF CEO Doug Logan. “We look forward to
working with the Grandma’s Marathon to deliver what promises to be two
great events in the city that will highlight the talents of our best
runners.”

The men’s and women’s national
half-marathon title races will be run in conjunction with the Garry
Bjorklund Half Marathon on June 16, 2012 and June 22, 2013.

“We could not be more elated to receive the
bid for these events. Our proposal was an aggressive one, as our staff
and board members believe this is an opportune time to invest the
resources necessary to attract these premier running races to
northeastern Minnesota,” said Scott Keenan, executive director of
Grandma’s Marathon. “We are excited to showcase the city of Duluth and
its unparalleled hospitality to the country’s best half marathon
runners.”

The bid includes a per year prize purse of
$82,000, including first-place awards of $12,000 for the men’s and
women’s champions.

Duluth has a strong history of hosting
national championship events, including the 2003 and 2004 USA Women’s
Half Marathon Championships. The 2003 race was won by Colleen De Reuck
in a course record one hour, ten minutes – a mark that remains the
fastest women’s time on the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon course. The
race celebrates its 20^th anniversary next month.

The city also hosted the 1987, 1990 and
1994 USA Women’s Marathon Championships as part of Grandma’s Marathon,
currently the country’s 13^th largest marathon.