Gabrielson, Frey to Defend Titles at 35th Get in Gear 10K
Top elite field expected at Annual Rite of Spring; also USATF-Minnesota State 10K Championship; 8,000 registered for 2K, 5K, 10K, Half
Posted Thursday, 26 April, 2012
From Ryan Lamppa, Running USAMINNEAPOLIS - (April 24, 2012) - The elite field for the 35th Get in Gear 10K on Saturday, April 28 features the top three male and top two female finishers from last year, including winners Matt Gabrielson (St. Louis Park) and Michelle Frey (Minneapolis).
Additional competitors in the men's 10K race are Richard Kandie (Coon Rapids) and Dan Greeno (Roseville) who were second and third last year, along with Chris Erichsen (St. Paul), Kelly Fermoyle (Mendota Heights) and Festus Kgen (Kenya). The women's field includes Jenna Boren (St. Paul) who finished second in 2011, along with Emily Brown (Minnetonka) who was second in 2010, Ariella Gottfried (Minneapolis) and Doreen Kitaka (Kenya).
The 10K prize purse includes $1000, $500 and $250 for first, second and third places in both the male and female races, along with $500, $250, and $100 for Masters first, second and third places. Course record bonuses and age group incentive awards are available along with $250 for the first Minnesota male and female. The race is part of the USATF-Minnesota Team Circuit and serves as the USATF-Minnesota State 10K Championship.
More than 8,000 runners are registered for the various events with another 500 to 1,000 expected to sign up through Friday. There are already 4,100 in the signature 10K, 2,200 in the 5K, a field of 1,450 in the half-marathon (50 spots remain) and 400 in the 2K. All races begin and end at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis with the 2K starting at 8:00am, the 10K and half-marathon at 9:00am and the 5K at 9:20am.
"We are thrilled about the 35th anniversary Get in Gear events and look forward to our 'Annual Rite of Spring' with excitement and well executed planning for our participants, sponsors, spectators and volunteers," said Paulette Odenthal, executive director. "Both the 10K and half-marathon entries are running ahead of last year so we expect a great day of running."
Packet pickup will be held from Noon to 8:00pm on April 27 at the Pavilion at Minnehaha Park and again on race morning. There will be no race day registration. Packet pickup day will also feature a 35th anniversary birthday cake served at 2:00pm along with a pasta dinner buffet from 3:30-6:30pm (cost is $10 adults, $5 kids), both provided by McCormick & Schmick's.
For more information, go to: www.getingear10k.com
