Club of 39+ Completed Marathons in Duluth Stands at 16
(DULUTH, MINN.) — Three more runners entered a very prestigious club over this year’s Grandma’s Marathon weekend – the 1,000-Miler Award was officially presented following the race to Jim Boatman, Michael Goodoien, and Timothy McCollor.
Created to celebrate longevity and commitment of Grandma’s Marathon participants, the award is given to individuals who successfully complete 39 races on the 26.2-mile racecourse from Two Harbors to Duluth.
JIM BOATMAN
Boatman ran his first-ever Grandma’s Marathon in 1980 and has missed only three events since, completing his 41st race in Duluth this past weekend.
In 1981, Boatman qualified for the Boston Marathon by running a 2:59:59 – just one second faster than the maximum time allowed. He remembers that his mother had promised she’d pay for the trip if he qualified, but they never did go.
His goal this year? Run another Boston qualifying time and make the trip in memory of his parents, who he says were always his greatest supporters. He accomplished that goal, finishing with a time of 3:52:11, and he plans to register for the 2024 Boston Marathon.
“Being recognized by Grandma’s Marathon is for sure the highlight of my running career,” Boatman said. “My mom and dad attended every marathon I ran while they were alive, and they both would be very proud of this honor.”
MICHAEL GOODOIEN
Just three years shy of having completed every Grandma’s Marathon, Goodoien now has
“I’m thankful to be joining the previous winners of this award,” Goodoien said, “that personifies marathoning – going the distance, longevity, and perseverance. It’s an honor to join this group of ‘old timers,’ but all with enough staying power to finish the race.”
TIMOTHY McCOLLOR
McCollor (pictured above) ran his first-ever Grandma’s Marathon in 1980 at the age of 15 and, since then, has been back at the starting line every year.
His second time running in Duluth was his best, finishing with a still-standing PR of 2:35:14 and winning the high school division. He hasn’t bested that time, but he’s kept his personal streak of finishing now for 44 years.
“Grandma’s Marathon, every year, is the race I look forward to the most,” McCollor said. “My family and friends have always been a big part of the experience. Some have joined me for a race here and there, some have always been around to support me. It’s a big reason this race is such an enjoyable experience each year.”
With Boatman, Goodoien, and McCollor now officially part of the club, there are now 16 people who have completed the 1,000 miles on the Grandma’s Marathon racecourse.
The trio was officially presented with their award – a Grandma’s Marathon 1,000-Miler belt buckle – during a post-race ceremony on Saturday, June 17.
PREVIOUS 1,000-MILER AWARD RECIPIENTS
2022 – Greg Allen, Matt Evans, John Hogan
2021 – Mike Korpi, Larry McNichols
2020 – n/a
2019 – Alan Evans, Jim Evans, Bob Starvig
2018 – James Kirkham
2017 – Neil Franz, Joe Johnson, John Naslund, Jim Nowak
ABOUT GRANDMA’S MARATHON
Grandma’s Marathon began in 1977 when a group of local runners planned a scenic road race from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota. After seeing just 150 participants that year, the race weekend has now grown into one of the largest in the United States and welcomes more than 20,000 participants for its three-race event each June.
The race got its name from the Duluth-based group of famous Grandma’s Restaurants, the first major sponsor of the marathon. In addition to the 26.2-mile race, the organization has now added the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and William A. Irvin 5K to its weekend offerings.
As the popularity of Grandma’s Marathon has grown, our mission has stayed the same – to organize, promote, and deliver annual events and programs that cultivate running, educational, social, and charitable opportunities to our communities.
Grandma’s Marathon-Duluth, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization with a nine-person, full-time staff and a 17-member Board of Directors.
