Rudy Perpich Public Service Award Announced

Named after the late Minnesota governor who was a strong supporter of the annual event, there are two winners this year.

The award is given annually to current or former public employees or elected officials who have exhibited dedication and service to the event. This year, Joe Tarnowski and Phil Olsen are being honored.

According to Grandma's Marathon Press Release:

Joe Tarnowski has been involved with Grandma’s Marathon as part of the communications team, as the DECC operations director, and as a liaison to law enforcement, working with the Duluth Police Department on race weekend.

Phil Olsen began working with Grandma’s as a paramedic and has volunteered in the medical tent for decades. He also works event security leading up to and after Grandma’s Marathon.

Tarnowski and Olsen will receive their awards at a breakfast ceremony on Thursday, June 20th at 7:00 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Duluth.