FROM THE PRESIDENT DAVE MAREK
H
ello runners,
Welcome to another issue and I hope you are all doing well and enjoying summer running. I returned from a great weekend in Duluth watching the William Irvin 5K, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and Grandma’s Marathon. It was definitely summer in Duluth as the weather was terrific for spectating but maybe just a bit warm for racing. Always a fun time and a weekend I look forward to every year. I was also able to work in the MDRA booth at the expo and it was a pleasure to meet a lot of runners including current members and new members who signed up. To those of you reading this magazine for the first time – Welcome! And for those members who renewed your memberships thank you for your continuing support. We had another large contingent of runners representing MDRA. This year the marathoners were able to enjoy a new perk that Grandma’s introduced called the Running Club Experience. Private port-o-potties, food and coffee were provided at the start for all members of clubs who had ten or more runners. Just another reason to be a member and join our spring marathon class. Hopefully, Grandma’s continues to offer this as we have heard great feedback. Speaking of training classes, it is not too late to join our fall marathon and half marathon training class. All ages and all paces are welcome to join in on one of the longest running and successful training programs out there. Be sure to check out our website for more information. It’s also a perfect time to get signed up for our upcoming races – the MDRA 15K, Victory 5K/10K and kids race and the Jeff Winter City of Lakes Half Marathon. If you aren’t looking to train for a race and just want some great people to run with check out our Polar Bear group runs every Saturday morning. I look forward to seeing you there and, in that light, I want to take a moment to comment on something that has hit close to home for me personally this summer and that is runner safety. There have been a couple tragic incidents this year in the metro area and I just want to remind you to stay diligent and alert when you are crossing streets and running the roads. We want you safe and enjoying this sport for a long time. In closing, as I mentioned in my letter in the last magazine, the MDRA has presented our first Community Giving grant. It was a great honor to be part of this and I want to thank our board of directors for all their help in making it happen. We had several worthy applications and we were pleased to announce that the Washington Technology Magnet - Track and Field and Cross Country team was chosen to receive $500 to be used for team gear, providing a quality experience and building a community of runners. Their vision is in line with one of our stated goals: to promote participation in running. We are very happy to be part of supporting their effort. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all our members and supporters of our races as well.
Stephen Maupin of st. louis Park is pictured during the mississippi 10-miler. Photo courtesy of Wayne Kryduba
It is because of you and the health of the MDRA that we have the ability to give back to the sport we love. This is also something we will continue to do in the future as supporting the running community in this manner supports our vision and purpose as an organization. With that I wish you happy and healthy running. Enjoy the summer!
Dave Marek President, MDRA Board of Directors
JULY/AUGUST 2017
9
