94 Runners. $60,000 Raised. One incredible weekend at Grandma’s Marathon.

Jul 7, 2025
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On June 21, 2025, an amazing 94 runners from 13 different states laced up their shoes and hit the pavement along the shores of Lake Superior, raising more than $60,000 to permanently protect the Boundary Waters. This was our biggest Grandma’s Marathon team yet, and we’re blown away by their passion, grit, and commitment to protecting the Wilderness we all love.

To every charity runner who trained, fundraised, and ran for this cause: thank you! Your dedication is truly inspiring. 

From first-time marathoners to seasoned runners, every person brought a powerful story and personal connection to the Boundary Waters.

runners

Here are just a few of the incredible runners who made this year so special:

Sarah Kobelinski

Sarah Kobelinski – St. Louis Park, MN

Growing up in Minnesota, Sarah always heard about the Boundary Waters, but it wasn’t until a 2020 trip with her older brother that she truly experienced its magic. From paddling through storms to making camp stove pizzas, the trip sparked a lifelong connection.

Sarah ran her first Grandma’s Marathon this year (her second marathon ever!) and trained alongside her fiancé, Adam, ahead of their wedding this July. Wearing her Save the Boundary Waters gear throughout the race, she loved the mid-run shoutouts and the community support every step of the way.

“Race day was such an incredible experience being cheered on by so many spectators! I also got so many compliments on my Save the Boundary Waters loon sweatshirt.”
 

Lily Hubanks & Elsa Mowers

Lily Hubanks & Elsa Mowers – Duluth & Twin Cities, MN

Lily and Elsa’s friendship started in high school at Conserve School, where their love for wild places—and concern for protecting them—took root.

After paddling the Boundary Waters as kids and learning about the threats it faces, they jumped at the chance to join our charity team. Elsa even lobbied in D.C. with Kids for the Boundary Waters in 2022! Grandma’s was their first marathon, and it was a beautiful culmination of training, purpose, and friendship.

“Running for this cause gave every step more meaning. It’s a powerful way to connect your passions with direct action."

Morgan Rabuck with supporters

Morgan Rabuck – Minneapolis, MN

Morgan’s first Boundary Waters trip was at age 10 with her parents. Now living in Minneapolis, she still makes frequent trips up to visit them in Ely—right in the heart of the BWCA.

This year marked her first marathon ever, and she trained hard, fueled by the thought of giving back to a place that’s shaped so much of her life.

“It felt like a full-circle moment. Any time during training or the race when I struggled, it helped to remember what I was doing it for.”

Looking ahead to the 50th Grandma’s Marathon

We can’t wait to be back on the North Shore in 2026 for the 50th running of Grandma’s Marathon. It’s going to be a big one, and we’d love to have you on the team.

Interested in running with us next year? Email Kelsey Polcher to learn more about joining our 2026 team.

Email Kelsey 

Together, we can protect the Wilderness that inspires us to keep going—mile after mile, portage after portage, year after year.