Strava presents Brave Like Gabe virtual run

June 25 would’ve been Gabriele Grunewald’s 33rd birthday. Since the runner’s passing two weeks ago, the state of Minnesota has named June 25 Brave Like Gabe Day.

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RELATED: Gabriele Grunewald passes away at age 32

She was initially diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the salivary gland, in 2009, and thyroid cancer the following year. She graduated as an NCAA All-American in the 1,500m, and pursued a professional running career despite dealing with several surgeries and chemotherapy. In 2014, she won the US indoor national championship in the 3,000m. Grunewald was sponsored by Brooks.

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In late 2016 she learned the cancer had spread to her liver, and she had an operation that left a long and visible scar on her abdomen, which became a badge of courage as she continued to race and began to speak publicly about her cancer journey.

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RELATED: Messages to Gabriele Grunewald

Runners will gather on Tuesday evening at 6:15 p.m. in B.F. Nelson Park in Minneapolis, Minnestoa to honour Grunewald.

If you’re not able to make the run in person, you can contribute via Strava. So far 6,693 participants have run a collective 8,735 miles. The Strava challenge is open for the entire day today. Additionally, runners can photograph their runs and use the #BravelikeGabe or #Runningonhope to contribute. There are also in-person runs in various American cities today in Sayville, New York, Charlottesville and Philadelphia. If you’d like to donate, see here.