Former Gardiner Graduate, Gretchen Speed, Nominated for ‘The Best Name in Running’

Gardiner graduate Gretchen Speed is in the championship round of Runner's World magazine's 'The Best Name in Running” contest.' Gretchen, whose maiden name is Chick, married her college sweetheart, Nathan Speed, 3 years ago. The 33-year old is a competitive road racer, who now lives in Portland.

Gretchen is up against another runner with a unique name, Tripp Hurt. You can vote now at the magazine's website. This is how they describe their unusual contest and Gretchen:

Over the last two weeks, 32 athletes have been competing in head-to-head competition for the honor of having the coolest name in elite running. We are now down to the two finalists.

Gretchen Speed is a member of the Greater Boston Track Club and a regionally competitive road racer with a 1:21 half marathon PR.

Voting ends (July 6) tonight, with the winner to be announced (July 7) Monday. The only real prize for winning is bragging rights. Hey, who wouldn't want the coolest name in running?