Gabriele Grunewald, Minnesota Runner, Dies At 32

MINNEAPOLIS — Gabriele Grunewald, a professional distance runner who competed for the University of Minnesota, died Tuesday after a 10-year battle with cancer. Grunewald, 32, was born in Perham, Minnesota.

She was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma — a form of cancer — in 2009. She was on both the Gophers’ track and cross-country teams at that time.

“At 7:52 I said ‘I can’t wait until I get to see you again’ to my hero, my best friend, my inspiration, my wife,” Justin, Gabriele’s husband, wrote on Instagram.

“I always felt like the Robin to your Batman and I know I will never be able to fill this gaping hole in my heart or fill the shoes you have left behind. Your family loves you dearly as do your friends.”

Even after treatment for her began — which included surgery and radiation therapy — Grunewald continued to compete and inspired many. She was the 2014 U.S. indoor champion in the 3,000, reports the Star Tribune.

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She also trained HGTV star Chip Gaines to run his first marathon.

“When @chipgaines made the final push in his #chipinchallenge I could feel your happiness building and could also see that this made you ready to head up to heaven,” Justin wrote Tuesday.

“Chip thanks for helping her to go up so peacefully with no suffering. To everyone else from all ends of the earth, Gabriele heard your messages and was so deeply moved. She wants you to stay brave and keep all the hope in the world. Thanks for helping keep her brave in her time of need.”