Bjorklund Auction to Support Ngetich Family

Grandma's Marathon will conduct an on-line auction for starting-line spots in this year's Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon as a benefit for the family of fallen Grandma's Marathon champion Wesly Ngetich.

Ngetich (shown winning the 2007 Grandma's Marathon) was killed by an arrow in post-election, tribal violence in his home country of Kenya in January.

The event will open three packages, each of which will include entry into this year's Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, for bid in the charity auction. Bidding opens on the Grandma's web-site, HERE, on Monday. The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is otherwise closed to entry.

“Wesly was a great champion for our event, so assisting his family is the very least we can do. Our donations can’t bring him back, but hopefully they can bring some financial relief to his family members as they struggle through this difficult time,” Scott Keenan, executive director of Grandma’s Marathon, said in a media release.

Ngetich died January 21 while reportedly attempting to mediate conflict between two disputing tribes near his home Trans Mara, Kenya . He was 30 years old. The 2005 and 2007 men’s champion of Grandma’s Marathon, Ngetich was expected to return to Duluth in June to defend his title in an attempt to become the first ever three-time men’s winner of the event.

The event marks the second fundraising effort Grandma’s Marathon has conducted to assist Ngetich’s family. Earlier this month, Grandma's raised $6,000 by opening an additional 100 spots in the 2008 Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon to those runners not selected through the lottery.

Photo courtesy of Grandma's Marathon.