Run Tucson Announces 2024 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown Artwork

May 21, 2024

Tucson’s popular three-race series begins with the June 1 TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run and Walk

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The inspiring artwork for the coveted three-piece 2024 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown medallion has been released.

Celebrating fitness, remembrance, and the scenic allure of Tucson, the three events comprising the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown invite athletes of all levels to partake in this uniquely inspiring series.

This magnetic medallion set features stunning stained-glass elements that pay homage to the Sonoran Desert, the vibrant City of Tucson, and beloved elements of Tucson’s scenic landscape. Each intricately designed pie-shaped magnetic medallion is magnetic connects into a three-piece cohesive circle, symbolizing the three-race achievement.

Explains series creator Randy Accetta, “Participant medals are ubiquitous, but the Gabe Z three-piece connected medal is a reminder of the athlete’s multiple accomplishments. Whether they walked or ran, everyone can celebrate their participation these symbols of Southern Arizona.”

The three-event series is expected to have over 4000 finishers and raise over $20,000 for local non-profit organizations. Sponsored by Tucson Medical Center, each event is on the Running Shop Grand Prix calendar of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners, Arizona’s largest running club. The three events include:

June 1: 18th Annual TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k and Festival of Miles, in dynamic Downtown Tucson. The stained-glass medal for this event features the evening colors that highlight the old La Placita Village in Downtown Tucson.

September 8: 8th Annual Tucson 10k and 5k in the Painted Hills region of the Tucson Mountains. Also featuring stained glass, the medal for this event highlights the scenic Tucson Mountains that frame the western edge of the Tucson region.

October 20: TMC A-Mountain Half-Marathon, including the A-Mountain 4-Miler and Cox Charities Free Family Mile. The artwork for this third and final event of the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown features the capital “A” that stands at the summit of Sentinel Peak, an iconic Tucson setting.

A native of Tucson and life-long runner, Gabe Zimmerman was an aide to U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. In January 2011 Gabe was killed in the political shooting of Gabby Giffords that saw seven people murdered.

With the support of his parents, Ross Zimmerman and Emily Nottingham, and the backing of Julia Strange from Tucson Medical Center, the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown has not only become a local tradition but also a meaningful tribute to Gabe’s enduring legacy.

Randy Accetta says, “We’re honored to be able to celebrate the spirit of Gabe and highlight the possibilities for Tucson through the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown. Thanks to all the participants, we’ve been able to raise over $60,000 for the BEYOND-Tucson Foundation, a local organization developed in response to the Giffords shooting.”

Join us in honoring the legacy of Gabe Zimmerman and the vibrant spirit of Tucson, where every step taken is a step toward unity and collective achievement.

About Run Tucson: Partnering with the Southern Arizona Roadrunners and other local organizations, Run Tucson is a full-service running company producing charity running and walking events as well as personalized coaching for runners of all abilities. For more information, please visit www.runtucson.net.

Contact: Randy Accetta, randy@runtucson.net and 520-991-0733

Media Contact:

Randy Accetta

RANDY@RUNTUCSON.NET