Two milestones, one community

There are some moments that remind us what community is all about. For us, that moment arrives each June for something truly special: Grandma’s Marathon.

It’s a weekend when the streets of Duluth transform into something remarkable. Strangers become cheerleaders. Neighbors become volunteers. Families travel across state lines to celebrate loved ones at the finish line.

Tens of thousands of people gather with different stories, different goals, and different reasons for being there. Yet for one weekend, they become part of something bigger than themselves. They come together to celebrate hard work, perseverance, personal victories, the city of Duluth, and most importantly, one another.

Because while the race is measured by 26.2 challenging miles, the true impact of Grandma’s Marathon has always been measured by people.

Members, at the heart of it all

As our largest sponsorship event of the year, we’re honored to play a meaningful part in that story. 

Throughout the weekend, our team handed out 15,000 cowbells, helping spectators create the soundtrack that carried runners from Two Harbors to Canal Park. We watched families, friends, and complete strangers ring them until their arms were sore, eager to celebrate every participant brave enough to step up to the starting line. 

The energy was contagious. The encouragement was constant. And the support was inspiring.

The dream team 

This year marked our tenth year as a presenting sponsor of Grandma’s Marathon, and each year we’re inspired to show up bigger, better, and louder than the year before. (Our Marketing team has even started drawing up plans for next June!) 

The Members team could be found throughout race weekend, from volunteering at the Essentia Health Fitness Expo to presenting medals at the finish line. We had the privilege of witnessing countless moments of triumph, emotion, and celebration firsthand.

Grandma’s Marathon is no longer just another race. It’s a tradition, a celebration, and a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together.

Badges for bibs 

But the icing on the cake is that many of our volunteers weren’t just supporting the event.  

The same Members employees greeting thousands of runners and visitors at the Expo traded their volunteer badges for race bibs, joining the crowds at the starting line and embarking on their own personal challenge. They showed up for the community, and then they showed up for themselves, too. We couldn’t be more proud. 

A milestone year 

For some reason, this year’s race felt different. 

Maybe it was because Grandma’s Marathon celebrated its 50th anniversary. Maybe it was because Members is celebrating 90 years of serving the communities we call home. Or maybe it was because there was an undeniable energy throughout the weekend that reminded us just how powerful community can be when people come together around a shared purpose. 

Whatever it was, you could feel it. 

You could see it in the proud faces lining the course. You could hear it in 15,000 cowbells ringing from start to finish. You could witness it in the hugs, high-fives, tears, and smiles waiting at the finish line. 

For one unforgettable weekend, Duluth felt a little smaller, a little louder, and a lot more connected.

Looking ahead 

As we reflect on another successful year of sharing the city of Duluth with Grandma’s Marathon participants, we’re filled with gratitude.

Gratitude for the runners who committed to the journey, the volunteers who made the event possible, the spectators who showed up with cowbells, signs, and endless encouragement, and for the community partners who continue to make Grandma’s Marathon a world-class event—right here in our neighborhood.

We’re proud of the role our team played in this milestone year, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support an event that brings so much energy, connection, and positive economic impact to the Duluth community.

Our 10-foot inflatable cowbell has been packed away. The finish line has come down. But the excitement surely hasn’t faded.

Congratulations on 50 incredible years, Grandma’s Marathon. As we continue celebrating 90 years of Members, we’ll carry the momentum of this unforgettable weekend with us. And if this year’s race taught us anything, it’s that the future of our community looks bright.