Clint Austin named 2025 recipient of the Marsh Nelson Media Award

Legendary Duluth News Tribune photographer Clint Austin has been named the 2025 recipient of the Marsh Nelson Media Award, Grandma’s Marathon announced today.

Austin has been photographing the marathon for over two decades, documenting various parts of the race from start line to finish line, including one year covering the course along Lake Superior from a small airplane.

Good Watch: The legendary Marsh Nelson's final broadcast on KDLH-TV 3

In recent years, Austin has been the News Tribune’s primary photographer assigned to the finish line in Canal Park. To him, this has been his favorite place to find emotional and meaningful photos to convey the event’s true meaning.

“The reactions when runners complete the course are so immediate, raw, and real,” Austin said. “The marathon requires participants to dig deep in their physical and mental inventories, and it’s nothing short of amazing to see the range of emotions they experience at the finish line.”

Named after longtime KDLH-TV sports director Marsh Nelson, this award is given annually to a media member or organization to recognize and celebrate a longstanding commitment to the coverage and development of Grandma’s Marathon.

Austin has worked side-by-side for many years with other recipients of the award, including several at the News Tribune, but he never considered that he might one day be on the same list as them.

“I’m humbled by such a great honor. I’m always in awe when I hear stories of Marsh, and it’s amazing that he’s still such a pillar of the sports community in Duluth,” Austin said. “It means a lot to me to be elevated to the level of those who I have considered mentors, colleagues, and friends. I look forward to continuing to document Grandma’s Marathon and our community for many years to come.”

Austin will officially be presented with his award on Friday, June 20 at the 2025 Grandma’s Marathon Awards Brunch at The Garden Event Center in Duluth.