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Grace Kearns

 Medford, New Jersey

 800m, 4x400m & 1500m runner

Runner Spotlight
When Grace was just five years old, her mom signed her and her brother up for their town’s track club—just a fun way to keep them active and try something new. But from the start, Grace was all in.

She didn’t just participate—she loved it. Weekend track meets quickly became her thing, and she wasn’t picky about events. Sprints? Sure. Distance? Why not. Probably even gave throws or jumps a try.

Young champions celebrating their wins

Even back then, you could see little Grace with a medal around her neck, holding up her tiny watch before the start of a race, already thinking about times and how to get faster. Running was just for fun at that age, but for her, there was always a little extra spark—something that made her want to keep pushing.

As she got older, two events stood out: the 800m and the 4x400m. By high school, she was all in on middle-distance racing. The 800 isn’t just about being fast—it’s about pushing through when your legs start burning and your body begs you to slow down. But for Grace, it felt right.


Favorite Running Spot

 
            Rickenbacker Causeway - Miami, FL

Favorite Running Shoe
The Saucony Endorphin Speed—her favorite pair of flats. These aren’t your everyday trainers; they’re designed for speed, making them the perfect choice for workouts when you want to feel light and fast. The responsive foam and nylon plate give just the right amount of pop without feeling too aggressive, making them a great in-between option for runners who want something faster than a daily trainer but not as rigid as a racing spike.

 

For Grace, they’re more than just performance—they’re confidence boosters. Every time she laces up her all-white pair, she knows it’s go time.


Best Achievement

One of Grace’s proudest moments came during her junior year at Monmouth University when she and her teammates absolutely crushed it in the 4x800 relay. The team broke the school record, running an 8:42, and the race was featured in the Championship of America at the prestigious Penn Relays—a huge deal in the track and field world.

Record-breaking relay team at Penn

Grace’s individual performance was just as impressive. She ran a 2:10 split, showing off her speed and strength in the middle-distance event.

She gooooes

But here’s the funny part: After chatting with Mallory Mulzer, our Assistant Track and Field Coach here at Bradley, they realized something wild. Her team had actually been in the same race as Mallory’s team! How cool is that? It’s a small world in track, and it’s always fun to look back on moments like this, especially when they come with such a big personal and team accomplishment.


Product Recommendation

  • GU Energy Gel (Jet Blackberry)
    When you’re gearing up for a race or a long run, Grace swears by the GU Energy Gel in Jet Blackberry. It’s the perfect pre-race fuel or mid-run boost, packed with quick-digesting carbohydrates to keep your energy high when you need it most. Plus, the blackberry flavor’s a nice treat when you're on the go!
  • NUUN Hydration Tablets
    Post-activity hydration is just as important as fueling up before, and that’s where NUUN Hydration Tablets come in. Grace uses these after intense workouts or races, especially on those hot, sweaty days. They’re packed with electrolytes and the perfect way to replenish and stay hydrated without overloading on sugars. Plus, they come in all sorts of refreshing flavors!
  • DripDrop Hydration Powder
    Another hydration favorite, DripDrop is Grace’s go-to when she needs to recover from heavy sweat loss. It’s a hydration powder that balances electrolytes and rehydrates you faster than water alone. It’s perfect for those times when you’ve pushed yourself and need that extra boost to bounce back.

Favorite Pre-Race Song

Word of the Week: Freedom

For Grace, "freedom" means embracing life on her own terms. After years of pushing through pain, she’s learned to listen to her body and shift focus to other passions that bring her fulfillment. Now, she’s able to explore new chapters, finding joy in things beyond running, and understanding that true freedom comes from knowing when to let go and pursue what truly makes her happy.

Location: Peoria, IL, USA

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