October 6, 2013
Linfield XC Alums Race at US Marathon Championships

Minneapolis, MN – Marci (Klimek) Gage, ’10 and Greg Mitchell, ’95 headed to the Twin Cities Marathon with their eyes on finishing among the top marathoners in the country and came away from the weekend having done just that. The Twin Cities Marathon was the host for the 2013 US Open Marathon Championships as well as the US Masters (age 40+) Marathon Championships.

Gage, 25, battled against many of the best women marathoners in the country and came away with an 11th place finish, just missing a spot in the top ten. “It was 20 miles of flight, three more of fight, and three more of pure survival,” stated Gage. “ The marathon is such an adventure.” Gage’s time of 2:39:31 was also good enough to qualify her for the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials.

Mitchell, 40, who is also the associate head cross country and assistant track coach for the Wildcats, finished in 6th place in the US Masters Championship, crossing the line in a time of 2:26:51. “I’m happy with a top 10 finish,” stated Mitchell, “But I thought I’d run a bit faster and grab a spot in the top 5. It was fun though – at least through mile 24 or so…” Mitchell finished 33rd overall in the marathon.

Greg Mitchell (#243) mid-race at the US Masters Marathon Championships in MN.

“I am always harping on the athletes I work with to continue running post-collegiately and to follow their running dreams,” stated Mitchell. “So it was pretty special to be at the start line with Marci in the field. It was really cool to see her place so high at her first US Marathon Championship too.”