New Women’s Champion, first marathon for Lauren Hagans
Grandma’s Marathon has a new women’s champion, Lauren Hagans of Flagstaff, Arizona crossed the finish line with an unofficial time of 2:25:55.
Hagans, took over the lead from reigning champion, Dakotah Lindwurm, on London Road. The 36-year-old is in her debut marathon.

Lauren’s support team told her that she could win the marathon, she says there were a lot of emotions.
“I went through the range of emotions through the entire 26.2,” Hagans said. She said today she started to “race” at 17 or 18 miles, and was able to hold steady through the end.
RELATED STORY: Returning Champion: Elisha Barno wins 5th Grandma’s Marathon
“I have never run a marathon, I love this one,” Hagans said. “There are pockets of people everywhere, but especially the last four miles or so, approaching downtown was very helpful.”

Lauren Hagans is the 2023 Grandma's Marathon Women's Champion. (WDIO)
Hagans said Duluth was the perfect place to debut, “Perfect timing, Perfect Place. low-key but exciting.”
Grandma’s Marathon Photo Gallery
WDIO's Brandon Weatherz speed-walks through Lemon Drop Hill. Congratulations! Signage to pump up every runner. You've heard it mentioned, this is the view from the notorious Lemon Drop Hill. Grandma at the finish of Grandma's Marathon. Getting started in Two Harbors. Going Bananas on the sidelines. A smile as they near the finish. Bagpipes entertain the participants. Lead runners in the Men's Division. Wheeler Excited for the finish. Two crossing the finish line. All smiles at the finish. Lead wheelchair races at Lemon Drop Hill. Broadcast car set up. Health and weather conditions where at a low risk on Saturday. Volunteers put the finishing touches on the start – very early in the morning. Necessities. Need we say more? Our hosts, Alicia Tipcke and Kara Goucher near the finish in Canal Park. Happy at the finish of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. Crossing together, The finish of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon.