Duluth, Grandma’s a Welcome Detour in Lindwurm’s Olympic Training

Two-Time Grandma's Marathon Champ competing in half marathon

DULUTH, Minn.- In the time between her two Grandma’s Marathon wins and now, Dakotah Lindwurm’s life looks a lot different.

In February, the Minnesota native qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics marathon, finishing in third place in the U.S. Olympic Trials.

“When I crossed the finish line making the Olympic team, everybody was like, ‘Oh, your life is going to change.’ And I was like, No way. It’ll always be the same. But it’s clearly changed.” Smiled Lindwurm.

The fan-favorite distance runner made a stop at UMD to speak with kids taking part in track and field camp. Coincidentally, Malosky Stadium holds a special place in Lindwurm’s heart.

“My very last high school track meet was right here on this track,” she recalls. “It makes me feel nostalgic, and I love to see the joy that these kids have while they’re running.”

With Lindwurm preparing for the Summer Olympics, she’s opting to run the half marathon this year. However, she has no plans of taking it easy.

“I come to Duluth to win,” she smiles. “I want to win and set a course record; I will have a teammate, Annie Frisbie, racing with me, who’s in really great shape. So, I think one of us is going to set the course record this weekend. It’ll be about who sets it a little faster.”

Whether or not she sets a course record — or earns a medal in Paris — Lindwurm wants young, aspiring runners to know that hard work is the first step towards crossing the finish line.

“My advice to any little girl who wants to become an Olympian is just to never give up bet on yourself,” she says. “You know, you might not always, it might not always be an easy journey. But if you keep on keeping on, you can do anything.”

Following Saturday’s races, Lindwurm will resume training, along with getting fitted for her Opening Ceremony outfit on Monday.