The second annual 5K Gridiron Gallop Fun Run/Walk took place Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15 at Lake Nokomis. Under sunny skies, over 150 people participated in the event organized by Jenni Greenway, a former cross country runner at the University of Iowa and the wife of 2006 first-round draft selection Chad Greenway.
“This years Gridiron Gallop was a success,” Jenni Greenway said. “We had great turnout plus it was great to see so many families come out and participate. Chad and I hope it continues to get bigger and better and that it becomes an annual thing for the participants.”
In addition to Greenway, several Vikings players and front office personnel were on-hand for the race, including Ben Leber, Heath Farwell, Vinny Ciurciu, Chris Kluwe, Tyrell Johnson, Brooks Bollinger and Albert Young.
Jeff Metzdorff, 25, of Minneapolis, won the overall men’s category finishing in 15:46. Elizabeth Johnson, 31, of Woodbury, finished in 19:52 to take first place among women.
Scott and Renae Homich both participated in the race and also brought their family along for the Kids Fun Run.
“Our kids love the Vikings,” Renae Homich said. “We took our kids to their first game last year and they totally got into it. We are runners, too, so we decided we should attend this event.”
Homich also had a stroke of luck, winning an autographed Jared Allen jersey in the post-event raffle – one of the many prizes awarded to event participants.
Each participating youth received a medal and all participants received a free T-shirt. The Gridiron Gallop, sponsored by Qwest and Aquafina, benefits Minneapolis Parks & Recreation.
“We hope as the event continues to grow that we continue to get more sponsors, Jenni Greenway explained. “Providing recreational equipment and coaches for our youth is a good cause. We hope this event becomes something that people want to do every year.”
Sub-category winners were:
Overall
Male: Jeff Metzdorff, 25, Minneapolis – 15:46
Female: Elizabeth Johnson, 31, Woodbury – 19:52
1-19
Male: Erik Truedson, 17, Bemidji – 16:19
Female: Molly Degnan, 17, Sunfish Lake – 21:13
20-29
Male: Jeff Metzdorff, 25, Minneapolis – 15:46
Female: Jenny Kluznik, 27, Minneapolis – 20:31
30-39
Male: Michael Stoick, 31, St. Paul – 16:02
Female: Elizabeth Johnson, 31, Woodbury – 19:52
40-49
Male: Kirt Goetzke, 47, Plymouth – 17:08
Female: Amy Wolf, 49, Faribault – 24:32
50-59
Male: David Kleingarn, 50, Minneapolis – 19:57
Female: Marina Jones, 56, Palm Desert CA – 23:45
60-69
Male: Patrick Ryan, 60, Minneapolis – 23:05
Female: N/A