Sarissa Falk is shown here running in a high school cross country race held at Pincushion Mountain last fall. Falk, an outstanding long distance runner, has been invited to compete in the Down Under Sports tournament to be held in Australia this summer. She is one of six high school runners from Minnesota invited to the competition.
Anyone living in Grand Marais has seen the smooth striding Sarissa Falk effortlessly running down—or up—one street or another this past year, and now her hard work is paying off. Falk is only one of six high school runners in Minnesota to be invited to participate in the 25th annual Down Under Sports tournament hosted on the Gold Coast of Australia this summer.
The hard-working Cook County High School senior had an outstanding year in cross country and after running up to 55 miles per week through the winter hopes to have a great year on the track.
Of her selection, Falk said, “I am honored to be an ambassador of not only my community and state, but also our country.”
In Australia Falk will run for the North Central Conference Team on a 5.7k (3.5 miles) cross country course. She will compete against thousands of runners from around the world.
“This is a once in a lifetime chance for me,” said Falk. “It would be awesome to go to Australia to run and to meet new people. I’m not sure who’s all going. Only six runners from each state get invited for a total of 300 runners from the U.S.”
Two years ago Darren Waha from Grand Portage ran in the Down Under cross country race and he said it was an awesome experience, one that he will never forget.
But for Falk to get there she will need to raise some money.
“A major source of funding comes through voluntary contributions of family, friends, and business sponsors. Your sponsorship will be a very important part of fundraising for my team and me. This donation will help us fulfill a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Falk.
Falk has less then one month to raise enough funds to pay for the trip. She has to submit her money by May 15, but there is a caveat for those who give. Donors will be eligible to win a trip for two to Australia and Hawaii and/ or a subsequent drawing for a five-day cruise for two.
Sarissa is the daughter of Mark and Sue Falk of Grand Marais. She plans to attend Hamline University after graduation and while she is unsure of a major, she plans to run track and cross country. In addition to competing in Australia, Sarissa is also entered in Grandma’s Garry Bjorklund half marathon this summer.
If you would like to donate or need more information, call Sarissa Falk at (218) 387-2849.
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