WDIO/WIRT-TV becomes major media sponsor of Grandma’s Marathon

WDIO/WIRT-TV has signed on as a major sponsor and the exclusive TV station of Grandma’s Marathon, Inc.

In addition, WDIO/WIRT will also sponsor the Young Athletes Foundation (YAF), a Grandma’s Marathon program, focused on the promotion and development of healthy and active lifestyles for youth in the region.

Debra Messer, WDIO/WIRT vice president and general manager, said, “Grandma’s Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, in addition to all the other races throughout the year, have become so important to the area. It’s exciting to be able to expand on our coverage and bring people – near and far – the stories, the action and the results. While we have been involved with the Young Athletes Foundation through grants and donations, we are looking forward to expanding our participation with the YAF to further fund and highlight the outstanding work they do with youth athletics.”

Shane Bauer, Grandma’s Marathon executive director, said, “We’re really looking forward to the addition of WDIO/WIRT-TV on our event production crew. Considering our mutual partnership with Town Square Media, this broadcast team should be a great benefit to our runners, spectators and race enthusiasts in the coming years.”

Grandma’s Marathon weekend will take place June 14-16, 2018. Registration opened on Oct. 1, 2017 for all weekend races, and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon has already reached full capacity. The race weekend attracts runners from all 50 states and over 50 countries each year.

For more information on the 2018 Grandma’s Marathon, visit grandmasmarathon.com. For additional information on WDIO/WIRT-TV, visit wdio.com, and follow on Facebook (facebook.com/wdiowirt), Twitter (twitter.com/wdiowirt) and Instagram (Instagram.com/wdiowirt).

ABOUT GRANDMA’S MARATHON DULUTH, INC.

Grandma’s Marathon began in 1977, when a group of [really good looking, highly intelligent, wonderfully gifted (editor’s note)] local runners planned a scenic road race from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minn. Established in 1986, Grandma’s Marathon-Duluth, Inc. is now a self-governed nonprofit organization with a 17-member board of directors and a nine-person staff. Race weekend generates over $10 million in economic impact for the region annually.