BECOME A YAF CHARITY RUNNER
Do you want to run for free AND add more meaning to your miles?
Become a Charity Runner for the Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) during the enxt Grandma’s Marathon weekend, and your success in reaching the finish line can help someone else reach theirs.
You raise money for the Foundation, and every mile you run on race day has meaning for someone other than just you!
In 2026, we are hoping to recruit 200 YAF Charity Runners to raise more than $100,000 for our organization. That money gets distributed directly back into our community and benefits our children, through kids’ programming, grants, scholarships, and more!
To inquire about the YAF Charity Runner program, please contact Program Director Alivia Nelson via email at [email protected].
Anyone interested in running the 2026 Grandma’s Marathon or Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon can participate as a Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) charity runner.
FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENTS
Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) charity runners commit to fundraising a minimum amount prior to race weekend, as outlined below. NOTE: If the minimum fundraising amount is not met, the remaining balance will be charged to the runner or their race bib will be pulled.
- Grandma’s Marathon — $500
- Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon — $500
PERKS
In addition to a 2025 entry to the Grandma’s Marathon weekend race of their choice, all Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) charity runners will also receive:
- (2) complimentary entries into 2025 YAF race(s) of your choice
- (1) YAF-branded piece of apparel
- Fundraising resources and support, including a personal fundraising page, to help you meet your fundraising goal
Want to run in the 50th annual Grandma’s Marathon weekend? Here’s your early way in!
YOUNG ATHLETES FOUNDATION CHARITY RUNNERS
Grandma’s Marathon has been built on community, and we’re recruiting you to help strengthen ours. For a $500 donation to the YAF, you can secure your spot at the start line before our general registration opens on October 1! YAF charity runners will also receive the following:
- (2) finish line bleacher passes for Grandma’s Marathon race weekend
- (2) complimentary entries into 2026 YAF race(s) of your choice
- Saint Fennessy 4K, Fitger’s 5K, Park Point 5-Miler, Minnesota Mile, or Superior Nightmare 5K
- (1) YAF-branded running shirt
- 20% off entry fee to Grandma’s Marathon Training Group
- 25% off single order at ASICS.com
- 25% off single order at Grandma’s Marathon Online Store
- Fundraising resources and support, including personal fundraising page
100 entries available for both Grandma’s Marathon or Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon.
YOUNG ATHLETES FOUNDATION
The mission of the Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) is to assist in the promotion, development, and growth of youth athletics and activities that encourage physical fitness, mental, and emotional well-being.
Since its inception in 1990, the YAF has contributed more than $1.8 million of community support through our grant program, running shoe program, and both the Eleanor Rynda and Steve & Carolyn Mather scholarships. The organization also hosts several kids’ events throughout the year including our Wednesday Night & Saturday Morning at the Races series.
The YAF’s mission is helped and funded by various road races throughout the year — KP Challenge, Saint Fennessy 4K, Fitger’s 5K, Park Point 5-Miler, Minnesota Mile, and Superior Nightmare 5K.
If you are interested in volunteering for any of our YAF events or have any other questions, please contact our Program Director Alivia Nelson via email at [email protected] or call our office at (218) 727-0947.