Gabriella Rooker

Date of Birth

10/09/87

Age on Race Day

Current Residence

Minneapolis, MN

Hometown

New Brighton, MN

High School

Totino-Grace High School

Current Affiliation

Raev Endurance, Mill City Running

Profession

Physician Assistant, M Health Fairview at The University of Minnesota

Marathon PB

2:24:35

Social Media

First Trials qualification

Yes

Number of attempts to qualify

College(s)

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. I competed in gymnastics in college and did not run.

Career Highlights

2023 Grandma's Marathon, 3rd place; 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon (4th American) 11th place; 2022 California International Marathon, 8th place. College Gymnastics: 6-time Division III National Champion (Vault 2007 and 2008, Floor 2010, Team National Champions 2008, 2009, 2010)

Family

I met my husband, Alex, during my senior year of high school. We attended college together (he ran track and I did gymnastics), and were married a few years after we graduated. When running became more serious for me in 2019, Alex started formally coaching me. Today, he is my full-time running and strength coach and coaches my Raev Endurance teammates as well. My mom ran throughout her pregnancy with me. I credit my athletic interests to running with her before I was born. My niece, Tessa, was born at 27 weeks weighing just 1 lb, 1 ounce. Today, she is a fierce and healthy 9-year-old. She comes to all of my races and is my inspiration to keep working hard when things get tough.

Greatest Accomplishment

I am most proud of becoming a physician assistant. I feel lucky to be trusted by patients and families to take care of hospitalized patients everyday.

Interesting Story

I grew up as a competitive gymnast and competed through college. After college, I sampled different sports and found a new love for competition in running. I started training seriously in 2019 and enlisted the help of my husband, Alex, to coach me. I used the pandemic as a time to increase my volume and have more-consistent interval sessions. I ran my first marathon in 2021 and set a goal to hit the OTQ standard in 2022. Since then, I have continued to move the needle and focus on getting as strong and fast as I can. Throughout my training, I have continued to work full-time as a physician assistant. Recently, I dropped down to part-time work to allow me to train for the Olympic Trials.

Favorite Book

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Favorite Movie

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Favorite TV Show/Series

The Bear

Favorite Song

Dance Yrself Clean by LCD Soundsystem

Favorite Post-race Indulgence

Post-race beer or mimosa

Favorite Breakfast

Avocado toast with egg, coffee, and an old-fashioned sour cream donut

Favorite Motivational Quote

"Love yourself, for who and what you are; protect your dream and develop your talent to the fullest extent." - Joan Benoit Samuelson

Favorite Running Memory

Celebrating with all of the women who hit the OTQ at CIM in 2022. It was a party at the finish line!

Athlete Bios