Friends and Family Honor Tommy Costello by Running Second Full and Half Grandma’s Marathon

In a heartwarming display of love and remembrance, a group of friends and family of Tommy Costello recently participated in their second annual running of Grandma’s Marathon, held in Duluth, Minnesota, in his honor. Runners from all over, united by their deep connection to Tommy, took part in both the full marathon and half marathon events, commemorating the life of a young man whose spirit continues to inspire those who knew him.

Tommy, a passionate runner with dreams of one day crossing the finish line of the prestigious Grandma’s Marathon himself, tragically passed away before he could fulfill that goal. But his legacy of perseverance, dedication, and the joy he found in running led a group of his closest friends and family to carry out his dream. This year’s marathon marked the second time they’ve gathered to honor him, with the event serving as both a celebration of his life and a poignant reminder of the impact he had on everyone around him.

Leading the charge were Tommy’s parents, who had long encouraged his love for athletics. "Tommy was always driven and passionate about everything he did, especially running. This marathon is not just about crossing a finish line – it's about living out his legacy," said his sister, Sarah Costello. "It means the world to us to see so many people come together in his memory and run for him."

The runners faced challenging conditions during the race, including the often unpredictable weather of Duluth, but the group remained determined, knowing Tommy’s spirit was with them every step of the way. “We knew we couldn’t let him down,” said JD Lane, one of Tommy’s lifelong friends and a runner in the half marathon. “Tommy was the type of person who believed in pushing himself beyond limits, and that’s what we did in his honor.”

While some chose to compete in the full marathon, running 26.2 miles, others participated in the half marathon, completing 13.1 miles. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie, as Tommy’s loved ones ran together, supporting each other through the course. Along the way, they wore special shirts emblazoned with Tommy’s picture and a meaningful quote he once said: “Life with Passion.”

The group’s efforts weren’t only about honoring Tommy’s memory, however. They also used the event as an opportunity to raise funds for a charity Tommy had passionately supported during his lifetime. Funds raised through the marathon will go toward supporting mental health initiatives, an issue close to Tommy’s heart.

At the end of the race, as friends and family crossed the finish line, there was a profound sense of accomplishment, not just from completing the marathon, but from knowing they had carried Tommy’s dream forward. "Tommy may not have been able to run this race himself, but today, we all did it for him," said Joe Block, another close friend of Tommy’s. “This is his marathon, just as much as it is ours.”

The success of the second annual Grandma’s Marathon run in Tommy’s memory has created a powerful tradition that his family and friends plan to carry on for years to come. As they reflected on the event, there was a shared feeling that Tommy’s spirit continues to guide them in everything they do, leaving behind a lasting impact that will never be forgotten.

Runners for this year:

Ashley Costello

Sarah Costello

JD Lane

Joe Block