For the 7th time, Perham high school will host the largest early-season cross country meet in Minnesota: the Brave Like Gabe Invitational. The invitational takes place at Arvig Park in Perham, Minnesota, on Saturday, August 29. This year's will be the largest yet, with 38 teams from North Dakota and Minnesota set to descend upon Arvig Park.
This invitational celebrates Gabe Grunewald and Abby Anderson, both Perham runners who left lasting legacies. Gabe was a top middle-distance runner, and Abby, a nurse and marathoner, worked with the Brave Like Gabe Foundation.
Why Brave Like Gabe?
Gabe Grunewald was a former Perham High School, University of Minnesota, and professional athlete for Brooks Running whose struggle with multiple bouts of cancer became an inspiration to people around the world. Following Gabe's passing in June of 2019, Perham Cross Country hosted their first ever Brave Like Gabe Invitational. Her words: "it's okay to struggle, but it's not okay to give up" are intentionally woven throughout the day in her memory.
A Tragic Addition
Following Gabe's death, the invitational was started to honor her memory and impact. Unfortunately, not long after Gabe's loss to cancer, her sister Abby Anderson lost her life after being struck by a vehicle while on her way to watch her boyfriend coach a soccer match. Abby, like Gabe, was an avid runner who also competed for the University of Minnesota. Shortly after Gabe's death she completed the New York City Marathon in 3 hours and 8 minutes. Abby also became very involved in the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, creating artwork in honor of her sister. Remembering the life Abby lived and her roots in Perham are also woven into the fabric of the Brave Like Gabe Invitational.
Starting Small and Building the Future
Gabe Grunewald passed away on June 11, 2019 after surviving multiple bouts of cancer, specifically, adenoid cystic carcinoma. During Gabe's struggle with cancer, what began as a simple message -- #BraveLikeGabe -- became a larger movement and inspiration to those who were dealing with personal struggles and illnesses. What started small became something much larger and the Brave Like Gabe website lists as its mission statement: "As a professional runner and rare cancer advocate, Gabe founded The Brave Like Gabe Foundation to share her story, inspire others to connect and do the same, and to make a difference in the cancer community. During her cancer journey, Gabe experienced firsthand many of the challenges faced by rare cancer patients and the need for dedicated research funding. She also felt strongly that running and physical activity were like medicine during all phases of her cancer journey."
Fast forward to 2026 and this mission statement is living strong through the Brave Like Gabe Invitational and the community of Perham itself. With a population of roughly 3,000 people, Coach Jeff Morris shared they have 47 new runners on their team this season -- bringing their total to more than 110 runners this fall! Running has become part of this community and something they take pride in.
Stories Matter
We are reminded in moments of tragedy how fleeting life can be. Often, this causes us to look inward and reflect upon our own life and circumstances. The purpose of the Brave Like Gabe Foundation is to let people know they are not alone on their journey. What started as something small #BraveLikeGabe has turned into a larger movement.
People saw the strength with which Gabe fought cancer and her willingness to never give up (even when it became inevitable what the final outcome would be). Gabe's story has inspired an entire state of runners (young girls in particular) in Minnesota to find joy in running; never giving up; and facing challenges with humility and grace. We are reminded as well of the importance of never forgetting those who came before us. Often, invitationals have a name honoring a former coach, athlete, or community, but as time goes on those who knew them best pass and their legacies become just a name and the stories become lost.
The Brave Like Gabe Invitational seeks to honor the memory, stories, and legacies of two Perham runners whose lives were lost too early. But, their lasting impact on the Perham community and runners in Minnesota can still be felt through the dedication and work of the Perham Cross Country program and community.
Honoring Memories and Legacies on Meet Day
It's one thing to put together an invitational and attach someone's name to it. It's something else to incorporate intentional moments, honoring memories of those lost and seeking to create a greater community through it. When looking at the Brave Like Gabe Invitational, you will see many of these intentional moments; a couple are highlighted below:
Warm-Up Tribute for Gabriele Grunewald: Begin warm-ups 14 minutes and 5 seconds before each race (1405 was Gabe's favorite number). Share photos with #BraveLikeGabe and #RunningOnHope.
Cooldown Tribute for Abby Anderson: After the final varsity race, join a cooldown loop at the start line, with an optional extra loop on the Brave Like Gabe Bike Path.
The Brave Like Gabe Foundation will have a booth on-site. Learn more about Gabe's legacy: https://www.bravelikegabe.org/
Minnesota running legend Dick Beardlesley will be on hand signing autographs during the races, and after the awards ceremony, all teams are invited to stay and hear him share his story. It is a powerful, emotional message of overcoming that goes hand-in-hand with the Brave Like Gabe spirit.
Meet Schedule
8:45 a.m. -- Mighty Mite Girls & Boys (Grades 4--6) -- Timed -- 1800 meters
9:00 a.m. -- MSHSL BLG Junior High/C Team Girls (7th to 9th) -- 3200 meters
9:20 a.m. -- MSHSL BLG Junior High/C Team Boys (7th to 9th) -- 3200 meters
9:45 a.m. -- BLG Black JV & Varsity Girls (Enrollment < 650) -- 5000 meters
10:15 a.m. -- BLG Gold JV & Varsity Girls (Enrollment > 650) -- 5000 meters
10:45 a.m. -- BLG Black JV & Varsity Boys (Enrollment < 650) -- 5000 meters
11:15 a.m. -- BLG Gold JV & Varsity Boys (Enrollment > 650) -- 5000 meters
11:45 a.m. -- Awards Ceremony
12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. -- Guest Speaker Dick Beardsley shares his story
For the 7th time, Perham high school will host the largest early-season cross country meet in Minnesota: the Brave Like Gabe Invitational. The invitational takes place at Arvig Park in Perham, Minnesota, on Saturday, August 29. This year's will be the largest yet, with 38 teams from North Dakota and Minnesota set to descend upon Arvig Park.