Elite runners are getting their final preparations in before racing in the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and Grandma’s Marathon. Among the elite runners throughout the weekend are second-time Grandma’s Marathon racer Kathy Vandehy and two-time Grandma’s Marathon champion Dakotah Popehn.

“I feel confident. This will be my first marathon in a year coming back from some pretty severe injuries. But I’ve had a really solid build and I’m confident going in,” said Vandehy.

Vandehy will be racing in her second Grandma’s Marathon, finishing in fifth back in 2023.

Popehn will be racing in her third Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, with sights set on being the first female to win both the Full and Half marathons.

“Mentally, I am honestly just not thinking about what’s left. I’m thinking about make it to the next mile. And if the mile seems too daunting, I’m thinking make it to the next water station, the next light pole. However small I have to break it down is how I’m really trying to keep my mind, I guess, because it can be too daunting,” said Popehn.

Among the elite men, the 2025 races will see the return of Grandma’s Marathon record holder Dominic Ondoro, Grandma’s Marathon winningest runner Elisha Barno, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon alum Daniel Docherty, and first-timer Brogan Austin.

“I’ve just always been surrounded by grandma’s marathon, let’s go out and do Grandma’s Marathon. So, what I’ve heard is that’s the place to be. So that’s why I’m out here, I’m excited to run it,” said Austin.

“I really just focus on competing, competing well and kind of going to a place, you can’t go in training. I think that’s what racing does, is it takes you to a place that you can’t go in training,” said Docherty.

The 35th annual Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon takes off at 6AM on Saturday, then the first group of the 49th Annual Grandma’s Marathon take off at 7:35AM. Click here to learn more about the 2025 Grandma’s Marathon weekend.