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Judy Behning has been named the 2024 Don Fennessy Volunteer of the Year, Grandma’s Marathon announced today.
Behning has shown unparalleled commitment to the event for more than 35 years, taking on numerous roles and leaving an undeniable mark on the success of Grandma’s Marathon, according to a GM press release.
After starting in the 1980s working crowd control at Lemon Drop Hill, Behning soon after moved on to pouring beer and collecting money at the event’s popular beer tents in Canal Park. It was there she met Linda Hanson, the race’s longtime Finance Director, and the two worked together on creating a more efficient and streamlined operation.
“When I got the news, I had to read it a couple times,” Behning said of receiving the Volunteer of the Year award. “I still can’t believe I was chosen; I’m honored to be included with all the past winners. I met Don Fennessy many years ago, and people like him make you want to do more for our community.”
Behning spent many years managing ticket sales for the event’s weekend festival, which recently transitioned from near the finish line in Canal Park to Bayfront Festival Park.
One of Behning’s favorite memories, though, from her decades volunteering with Grandma’s Marathon is from the early years when her children, Derek and Keely, joined to help hand out water bottles to the elite runners. The kids, then in grade school, are now each in their 40s and have been instrumental in the longevity of Behning’s career with the marathon.
Named after longtime Grandma’s Marathon volunteer and Board member Don Fennessy, this award recognizes individuals or groups who have donated a tremendous amount of time and, in doing so, have assisted in the successful operation of the event. Behning will officially be presented with her award on Thursday, June 27 at the 2024 Grandma’s Marathon Volunteer Appreciation Party at Wade Stadium in Duluth.
DON FENNESSY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS
2024 – Judy Behning
2023 – Joan Andrews & Tom DeSutter
2022 – Shawn Carlson, David Pollard, & Mike Krzewinski
2021 – Darrin & Michelle Keiper
2020 – n/a
2019 – Mike Tipple
2018 – Peggy & Doug Simensen
2017 – Geri Peterson
2016 – Ellen & Wally Johnson
2015 – Cheryl Fosdick
2014 – Marge Swor & Family
2013 – Al & Jan Swanson
2012 – College of St. Scholastica
2011 – Jock Glendenning
2010 – John Herbertz
2009 – Woodland Hills
2008 – Brock Pelzel
2007 – Steve & Joyce Lent
2006 – Lyle Johnson
2005 – Barb & Terry Davis
2004 – Carol Gallinger
2003 – Sue Bussa
2002 – David & Jill Hisdahl
2001 – Buck McDonald
2000 – Chelly Ferguson
1999 – Durbin Keeney
1998 – Proctor Community Band & Mr. Moody’s Marching Band
1997 – Don & Ella Fennessy
1996 – Bruce & Colleen Hasforth
1995 – Jan DeRoche
1994 – Arrowhead Radio Amateurs Club
1993 – Ken & Mona Rae Cich
1992 – Herb Dillon
1991 – Ken Docteur
1990 – Seitz Family
1989 – Eric & Amy Kaiser
1988 – Candy Furo
1987 – Taire Lind
1986 – John Leppi
1985 – Ray Paavola
-- Grandma's Marathon press release
