Like the long distance runners it represents, the Minnesota Distance Running Association has endured. The grassroots organization will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a celebration on March 19.The thriving organization was conceived on March 12, 1961 by nine runners gathered behind an automobile after a cross country race at the Columbia Golf Course in Minneapolis. With an annual budget of only $28.50, the "Minnesota Road Runners' Club" still managed to put on fourteen races in its first year of existence.
Pat Lanin, a 2001 inductee to the Minnesota Track and Field Hall of Fame, was the organization's
In its five decades of existence, MDRA -- whose mission is "to promote participation and safety in running and to serve as an information resource" -- changed its name, grew to 2200 members, and now supports the Minnesota distance running community via its nearly $220,000 annual budget.
MDRA's 50th Anniversary Celebration will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 19 in the Kay Fredericks Room Hamline University. Cost for the celebration, which includes dinner and two premium beverages, is $35.
Minnesota running luminaries scheduled to attend the event include: Pat Lanin, Steve Hoag, Jan Arenz, John Cramer, Jeff Winter, Jack Moran, Rick Recker, Jerry McNeal, Rick Kleyman, Bruce Mortenson, Tim Zbikowski, Gloria Jansen, Pat Goodwin, Paul Noreen, Garrett Tomczak, Katie McGregor, and Virginia Brophy Achman.
Find registration details HERE. The event is limited to 250 people.
No comments:
Post a Comment