Running Briefs

News and Notes from the Roads, Trails and Track

City of Lakes Thanks you!

The MDRA and City of Lakes staff want to thank all the volunteers for their assistance in making the event a success! With record breaking registrants over 80 people filled key roles helping to ensure the best experience for the runners. We also want to thank our event sponsors. Fleet Feet Marathon Sports has been a wonderful community partner, Great Harvest has provided MDRA with the classic race cookie for as long as most of us can remember and Inspired Athletx put the finishing touch on the event with the post-race massage and consultation. And finally, thank you to all the participants! We hope you’ll join us for the 38th edition, next year on Sept. 8, 2019!

MDRA is on Strava

Connect with MDRA Members statewide! Share runs and get motivated while enjoying the camaraderie of the group! See who logged the most time, elevation and mileage for the week. www.strava.com/clubs/runmdra

MEADP Solicits Applicants for 2019 Grants

The Minnesota Elite Athlete Development Program (MEADP) is accepting applications for its 2019 grants. MEADP provides grants to promising Minnesota elite distance runners who have completed their academic running careers to assist them in reaching their full athletic potential. MEADP is funded by a collaboration of Grandma’s Marathon, Twin Cities in Motion and the Minnesota Distance Running Association (MDRA).

In 2019, MEADP will provide grants in amounts up to $2,000 per recipient. The grants will be awarded equally to men and women. In selecting grant recipients, the MEADP committee focuses on the following criteria: • The athlete’s current state of athletic accomplishment • The athlete’s potential for further athletic accomplishment • The athlete’s contributions to the Minnesota distance running community • The extent to which a grant will assist the athlete in reaching his or her full athletic potential.

Applications are available by contacting Neil Franz via email at: frandid@albanytel.com. Completed forms are due on or before November 30, 2018.

Polar Bear Runs continue into winter

The MDRA Polar Bears is a FREE all comers, all paces, weekly group fun run for MDRA members AND nonmembers. The runs are non -supported so water stops will not be provided. Typically, 40 to 50 SUPER FUN runners of all abilities show up so you can almost be assured you’ll have someone to run with. Distances range from three to 15 miles. We usually meet at the Calhoun Executive Center in Minneapolis or near St. Thomas University along Summit Ave. in St. Paul on alternating Saturdays. Join us on Facebook by searching for “MDRA Polar Bears”. These runs are super fun and FREE. Bring a friend or five! Spread the word!

Submissions sought for MDRA’s race calendar

Submit your race to MDRA’s Annual Calendar, Running Minnesota! The MDRA’s Annual Calendar and log book is sent to over 2,500 members and is available at local running stores throughout Minnesota. It is “THE” reference guide for races and events in Minnesota and the surrounding five state area. Please submit your 2019 race details and a featured photo/logo online here: • All calendar submissions are free of charge! • Included: listing on runmdra.org’s online calendar and a listing in the 2019 Running Minnesota Annual Calendar and log book.