FROM THE PRESIDENT BY ROCHELLE CHRISTENSEN
H
ello runners,
We are halfway through 2019 and by now many of us have had opportunities to measure some of our 2019 goals. Some are making progress towards goals while some have had some setbacks. I think we have all experienced both progress and setbacks during our running journey. But we keep lacing up the shoes and enjoying our hobby - running! While volunteering at several MDRA races this spring, I talked to many runners after finishing their races. I saw the joy, passion and the camaraderie of the running community. Thank you to those who volunteered and ran MDRA spring races. If you were not able to attend our spring races, there are still four MDRA events yet this year in August and September: Como Relays, MDRA 15K, Victory 5K/10K and City of Lakes Half Marathon. MDRA is going green by reducing the amount of waste generation and creating a more positive impact on the environment. MDRA has paperless race and training class registration. We reuse race bibs at several MDRA races. Marathon training classes are using individual reusable cups replacing paper cups. We are always looking for ideas to continue our sustainability efforts. The MDRA Grant Program through the MDRA Foundation is about providing resources to an organization that promotes participation, safety in running and that demonstrates a financial need to achieve their mission. This is the third year of the MDRA Grant Program providing financial resources. Congratulations to Lucy Laney Running Club on receiving the 2019 grant. Lucy Laney Running Club promotes running for fifth grade girls in North Minneapolis. We know these dollars make an immediate impact but the long term impact of encouraging running will be priceless to these kids.. Do you want to give back to MDRA? There are a couple options: by donating to the MDRA foundation and/or by volunteering. To contribute to the foundation, go to www. runmdra.org/about-mdra/mdrafoundation. We always need volunteers. If you are interested in being part of our volunteer team go to www.runmdra.org/about-mdra/volunteer/. In this issue, we remember Gabe Grunewald for her courage and bravery. Her drive, courage and grace has brought the running community together. Her many running achievements are far overshadowed by her personal achievements in her fight for rare cancer research. She taught us all how to be “Brave like Gabe�. Enjoy your summer and this edition of RunMinnesota.
Rochelle Christensen President, MDRA Board of Directors
Thomas Lindsay of minneapolis competes in the mdra 7 mile race in hopkins. Photo by Wayne Kryduba SUMMER 2019
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