FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WILLIAM A. IRVIN 5K REGISTRATION OPENS WEDNESDAY
Field Increased to 1,500 for June 19 Race

(Duluth, Minn.) Online registration for the 2009 William A. Irvin 5K opens
at 12:01 a.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, March 18.

To register, runners should sign up at www.GrandmasMarathon.com. The $30
entry fee includes an official event T-shirt and commemorative pin.

This year's field capacity has been increased to 1,500 — an increase of 300
from 2008, when the race filled in just over two days.

"Even with the additional spots we still expect this race to fill quickly,
so we encourage runners to sign up as early as possible," says Scott
Keenan, executive director of Grandma's Marathon.

The 3.1-mile run begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 19, near the permanently
docked William A. Irvin ore boat on Duluth's waterfront and is the first of
three major running events during Grandma's Marathon weekend. Registration
remains open for the 33rd annual Grandma's Marathon on Saturday, June 20,
while registration for the 19th annual Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is
closed.

Runners and race fans from around the world will participate in the 33rd
annual Grandma's Marathon weekend, which is presented by Target, Toyota and
Wells Fargo Bank Duluth. For more information, visit
www.GrandmasMarathon.com or call (218) 727-0947.

2009 Grandma's Marathon Online Registration Schedule

Grandma's Marathon (Limited to first 9,500 entrants)
Currently OPEN

Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon (4,500 entrants selected via lottery)
Registration is CLOSED

William A. Irvin 5K (Limited to first 1,500 entrants)
Registration opens Wednesday, March 18 at 12:01 a.m. CDT

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