Join us on September 20th, 2025

Our 8th Annual 5K benefitting rare cancer research will take place at Como Regional Park in St. Paul, Minnesota + Anywhere Virtually

During registration, you will be able to purchase additional 5K t-shirts. Please use the discount code GROUP to receive 10% off your registration of 3+ participants.

Pro runner. Rare cancer advocate. Relentless optimist.

Gabriele “Gabe” Grunewald (née Anderson) was a professional American middle-distance runner and lifelong Minnesotan, born and raised in Perham, MN. 

Gabriele walked-on to the University of Minnesota cross country and track & field teams in 2004, where she was a part of several Big Ten Championship squads and eventually became an NCAA track & field All-American with a runner-up finish in the 1500-meters in 2010, her final collegiate race. Gabriele ran professionally for Brooks beginning in 2010 until her passing in 2019.

Gabriele survived multiple bouts with cancer—initially diagnosed with a rare salivary gland cancer, adenoid cystic carcinoma, in 2009, and thyroid cancer in 2010. Throughout her cancer journey, Gabriele continued to compete and run professionally. "Brave Like Gabe" started as a hashtag to support her efforts. 

After living for 10 years with ACC, Gabriele passed away on June 11, 2019, at her home in Minneapolis surrounded by family and friends. Her story and legacy continue with the Brave Like Gabe Foundation that inspires others to share their own struggles while also helping to find better, more effective treatments for rare cancers.

The Brave Like Gabe 5K is an annual event with over 10,000 participants since 2018. Proceeds go to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation to support rare cancer research around the country.