BECOME A YAF CHARITY RUNNER
Do you want to run for free AND add more meaning to your miles?
Sign up ahead of the 2025 Grandma’s Marathon weekend to be a charity runner for the Young Athletes Foundation (YAF), and your success in reaching the finish line can help someone else reach theirs.
Anyone interested in running the 2025 Grandma’s Marathon, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, or William A. Irvin 5K can participate as a Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) charity runner.
To sign up as a charity runner, please contact Program Director Alivia Nelson via phone at (218) 727-0947 or email at [email protected].
You will receive registration instructions, a promo code to waive your entry fee, and instructions to set up your fundraising page.
NOTE: Any additional registration options or fees associated with the runner’s failure to follow registration instructions or use the promo code correctly will not be reimbursed.
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
- William A. Irvin 5K — $250
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
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.