Brooks Releases Special-Edition Launch 7 in Honor of Gabriele Grunewald
Just one more way we can all keep “running on hope.”
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In honor of Gabriele Grunewald’s passing one year ago today, Brooks has announced the release of a special-edition Brave Like Gabe Launch 7 running shoe, designed in partnership with her husband Justin Grunewald and friend Ladia Albertson-Junkans.
Gabriele “Gabe” Grunewald was one of the country’s top middle-distance runners and a national champion who ran professionally for Brooks from 2010 until her passing in 2019 at age 32. Grunewald was adored by fellow athletes and fans alike, openly sharing her life with cancer in hopes that her transparency would inspire others to pursue their goals even amid personal struggles. She also founded the Brave Like Gabe Foundation in 2018, which is focused on raising money and awareness to support research and accelerate treatments for rare cancer patients.
Throughout her life, Grunewald’s optimistic spirit and love of running were contagious—inspiring millions of people across the country. Her enduring legacy has continued to make the same impact.
This special edition takes the popular Launch 7—a road-running shoe known for it’s blend between streamlined race flat and lightweight-yet-cushioned daily trainer—and gives it a total exterior makeover, featuring the Brave Like Gabe Foundation’s signature blue color and the phrase that became synonymous with Grunewald: Running on Hope. The shoe also includes the foundation’s logo on the heel tag and footbed, and is complete with sparkly laces and shiny hits—just the way Grunewald would have wanted it.
The Brave Like Gabe Launch 7 will be available beginning Thursday, June 11 at brooksrunning.com and will retail for $100. All of the proceeds from the shoe will be donated to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center on behalf of the Brave Like Gabe Foundation.
The funds raised will support a year-long fellowship for a postdoctoral researcher who specializes in rare cancer research. Grunewald’s husband Justin, who is a doctor, will be involved in selecting the recipient from a group of candidates, hoping maybe it will even be someone who also has benefitted from a love of running.
To make a donation to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation or find out more about its mission, visit the website.