Perham XC to host 24-teams during annual Brave Like Gabe Invite on Saturday

Perham, Minn (KDLM/KPRW) – The Perham Cross Country teams will host the fourth annual Brave Like Gabe Invitational on Saturday.

The event marks the start of the 2023 Cross Country Season, while also celebrating the memory of Gabriele Grunewald, a former Perham XC/Track Alumni, who valiantly battled a rare form of cancer before passing away in June of 2019. The Brave Like Gabe Foundation, named after Gabriele, continues her legacy, inspiring and aiding the running community through donations and support.

“Gabe’s passion and legacy are still changing lives with her foundation’s ongoing work,” said Perham cross country coach Jeff Morris. “It should be an amazing event this weekend.”

A record 24 teams and over 800 runners will be competing in Perham on Saturday and will feature Ada-Borup, Barnesville, Bagley, Bemidji, DGF, Fargo South, Frazee, Hawley, Hopkins, Lake Park Audubon, Lakeville South, Little Falls, Moorhead, Northern Freeze, OTC, Parkers Prairie, Pelican Rapids, Perham, Pequot Lakes, Thief River Falls, UNC, WDC, Willmar and Verndale.

The significance of the event extends to Gabe’s sister, Abby Anderson, a dedicated athlete and nurse, who tragically lost her life to a drunk driver in 2021. Abby’s contributions to both track and cross-country are commemorated, and her involvement with the Brave Like Gabe Organization is remembered. The event’s emotional resonance is captured by the dedication of Brave Like Gabe signs along the running trail, symbolizing the spirit of these two remarkable individuals. The meet not only serves as a competitive platform but also as a powerful tribute to the resilience and inspiration embodied by Gabriele and Abby, fostering a sense of unity within the running community.

The Perham Cross Country team will have Brave Like Gabe shirts for sale with all proceeds benefiting the Brave Like Gabe Foundation. The shirts cost $25 each. Last year, Perham XC donated close to $845 to Gabe’s foundation.

You can donate at bravelikegabe.org.

Meet Schedule:

8:45 a.m. Brave Like Gabe Mighty Mite Run 1 mile run

9:00 a.m. Brave Like Gabe JH Girls 3200 meters

9:20 a.m. Brave Like Gabe JH Boys 3200 meters

9:45 a.m. Brave Like Gabe JV & Varsity Girls 5000 meters

10:30 a.m. Brave Like Gabe JV & Varsity Boys 5000 meters

11:00 a.m. Brave Like Gabe Awards