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Running Community Pays Tribute to Gabriele Grunewald

The 32-year-old national champion and advocate for rare cancer research passed away Tuesday at her home in Minneapolis.

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In the wake of Gabe Grunewald’s death Tuesday, the country’s top runners continue to share their memories and reflections of a friend and peer whose legacy extends far beyond the sport she excelled at.

“Like so many of you, I woke up with a heavy heart today,” wrote two-time Olympian and world silver medalist Kara Goucher Wednesday morning. Her comment was posted along with a photo of the moment Gabe became the 2014 USA indoor women’s 3,000-meter champion. Her arms are stretched wide, and her smile even wider. “In this moment she realized she was as good as she dreamt she’d be. She was a national champion and heading to the World Championships. She had no idea of the battle ahead, she was allowed this moment of happiness.”

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Like so many of you, I woke up with a heavy heart today. I thought of this picture. I love this photo of @gigrunewald. In this moment she realized she was as good as she dreamt she’d be. She was a national champion and heading to the World Championships. She had no idea of the battle ahead, she was allowed this moment of happiness. Thank you @justingrunewald1 for sharing your personal and painful journey with all of us. For letting us in. We are so grateful to have known Gabe and her fight. We will all think of and love her forever. You said it best, “At the end of the day people won’t remember the PRs run or the teams qualified for but they will remember that hard period in their life where they were losing hope but they found inspiration in a young lady who refuses to give up.” No truer words have been spoken. #bravelikegabe #keeprunningonhope

A post shared by Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) on

Kara, like many others, went on to thank Gabe’s husband, Justin, who since June 2 has followed his wife’s brave footsteps and shared their toughest moments with the world. “Thank you Justin for sharing your personal and painful journey with all of us,” she continued. “For letting us in. We are so grateful to have known Gabe and her fight. We will all think of and love her forever.”

She finished her post with a quote Justin wrote on June 10, in a letter to Gabe that he shared on Instagram: “At the end of the day people won’t remember the PRs run or the teams qualified for but they will remember that hard period in their life where they were losing hope but they found inspiration in a young lady who refuses to give up.”

Gabriele “Gabe” Grunewald transcended the sport of running and the accolades of most athletes. She made people smile, believe, fight, endure—and truly live. And as the outpouring of social media messages below show, this world will forever be a better place because of it.

To make a donation to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation or find out more about its mission, visit the website.

Amanda Eccleston, professional runner for Brooks running:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Byii6hzH9yf

Emma Bates, 2018 U.S. Women’s Marathon Champion:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BygvZsHnFP_/

Mary Wittenberg, former President and CEO of New York Road Runners: 

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That smile. Gabe – I will never forget that smile of yours. Even when scared and uncertain, there was your smile. And always your fight. Your fight for what gave you life. Your fight for others with rare cancers and without your voice. Your smile & your fight. You gave more and more of yourself with every passing year. It struck me every time I saw you these last couple years as we knew your fight had intensified and the stakes were so high. Your giving. And smiling. And fighting. You are one of a kind. And have touched legions. And, it is still just the start. Of a lasting impact you’ll have forever. We’ll miss you, but never forget you. May you Rest In Peace. @justingrunewald1 – we are with you ❤️ #bravelikegabe #bravelikegabefoundation #chipinchallenge

A post shared by Mary Wittenberg (@marywruns) on

Carrie Tollefson, 2004 Olympian and elite middle distance runner from St. Paul, Minnesota:

Shalane Flanagan, Olympic silver medalist and 2017 New York Marathon Champion:

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We lost one of the best people in our, or any, sport last night, with the passing of Gabe Grunewald. Throughout her 10 year battle with cancer, Gabe was a fountain of joy, friendship, hope, laughter, and inspiration. The harsh reality she faced did not dim her spirit, but seemed to ignite her love of life. All of us here at BTC were inspired by Gabe and those who met her feel privileged to have done so. On Friday, Portland’s many running clubs will be gathering at 6:30pm at Duniway Track. We’ll run 5k in memorial of Gabe and do our best to honor the values she exemplified: the community and joy of running. If you’re in the area, come out and celebrate a true hero. We encourage all those who might be able to donate to the #BraveLikeGabe Foundation to support rare cancer research.

A post shared by Shalane Flanagan (@shalaneflanagan) on

Erin Finn, American long-distance runner:

Chip Gaines, host of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” and marathon finisher:

Heather Kampf, professional middle-distance runner and former University of Minnesota teammate: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Byk_9frnEfz/?igshid=qq5cihj5dyul

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