Running Briefs

MDRA Annual Party

Save the date for the MDRA Annual Party on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at the Edina Community Center. Join us at 11:00 a.m. for pizza and sodas. Free for MDRA members, $5 for guests. The awards program begins at 12:45 and includes the MDRA Grand Prix awards, Volunteer of the Year and the Distinguished Service Award. Prize drawings will take place throughout the day! Race entries, running apparel, local running store gift certificates and more!

MDRA Spring Marathon/ Half Training Program

The MDRA Spring Marathon and Half Marathon Program begins in March! The class will have an emphasis on training for Grandma’s Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon (guaranteed entries are available) but will easily accommodate those who are training for Med City, Fargo and other spring marathons. An orientation and information session will be held March 5, 2019. Check runmdra.org for location and time. Come and find out how we get our members to their first marathon finish line or help them achieve a marathon PR! The first run is Saturday, March 9. Please see the flyer in this issue for more information. You can register for the program online at runmdra.org. MDRA is the Official Twin Cities Training Group for Grandma’s Marathon! Register during the month of January for a chance to win a complementary entry to any of the Grandma’s weekend races!

MDRA Polar Bears

The MDRA Polar Bears continue to meet on Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. The runs are FREE to everyone and all paces are welcome! To find the weekly location, search for “MDRA Polar Bears” on Facebook or go to runmdra.org for more information. Whether you are maintaining your fitness, building your base or training for Boston, join us for fun winter running!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 MDRA Grand Prix! MEN

Overall Dan Peters Under 34 Dan Peters 35-39 Peter Mack 40-44 Jason Chrudimsky 45-49 Daniel Strike

Dan Peters

andriette wickstrom

50-54 Jim Larranaga 55-59 Kirt Goetzke 60-64 Daniel Johnson 65-69 John Naslund 70-74 John Labalestra 75-79 Ed Rousseau 80-84 Darrell Christensen

WOMEN

Overall Andriette Wickstrom Under 34 Lisa Baumert 35-39 Nissa Larson 40- 44 Melissa Gacek 45-49 Annie Melek 55-59 Jenny Jaakola 55-59 Marise Widmer 60-64 Andriette Wickstrom 65-69 Kathleen Shea 70-74 Gloria Jansen 75-79 Sandra Dalquist 80+ Dorthy Marden

2019 MDRA race schedule announced!

Race info can be found at runmdra.org. Registration opens Jan. 19!

March 16 Lake Johanna 4 Mile **free for members**

March 30 MDRA 7 Mile **free for members* April 6 Ron Daws 25K April 13 Fred Kurz 10

April 28 MDRA Mudball Classic 4 Mile **free for members**

May 26 Mississippi 10 Mile Wednesdays in August Como Park Relays August 4 MDRA 15K

September 2 Victory Labor Day Races 5K, 10K, Double Header and Kids Victory Lap

September 8 Jeff Winter City of Lakes Half Marathon

MDRA announces 2018 Award honorees

Pat Lanin Distinguished Service Award - Since 1982, the MDRA has presented this award annually to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the running community in Minnesota: Scott Christensen

For his coaching career spanning 38 years. Scott has coached his teams to a state record 53 section championships, including 27 in cross country and 26 in track and field. He has made a positive difference through his (running) coaching in the lives of many.

Volunteer of the Year - Since 1984, the MDRA has presented this award annually to recognize a volunteer or group for their commitment of time and energy to the MDRA: Mike Miler for his long-time volunteerism at MDRA races

The awards will be presented at the: MDRA Annual Party, January 19, 2019 11:00 free pizza and soda for members, guests $5. 12:45 MDRA Award Presentation and Grand Prix Awards

MDRA Seeking volunteers

MDRA invites it’s members to share their knowledge by serving on a committee or volunteer role. Please consider volunteering your time to one of the following groups or activities:

Committee: • Race • Advocacy • Publications • Promotions • Programs • Foundation Roles: • Grant Writer • Training Class Water Support • Social Media/Marketing