Athlete Bio
Heather Kampf
A native of Minnesota, Heather attended Rosemount High School prior to the University of Minnesota, where she earned a degree in Kinesiology, minoring in Psychology. While competing for the Gophers, Heather (then Dorniden) became the most highly decorated women's track athlete in school history, earning nine All-American honors, and bringing home the 2006 NCAA Indoor 800m title. Also, she became a YouTube sensation shortly after the 2008 Big Ten Indoor Championships 600m race, during which she fell on the bell lap, and got up racing furiously to the win (video below - over half a million views and counting). Now training with the Minnesota Distance Elite, Heather has become known as the 'Queen of the Road Mile' due to her recent success at the distance, taking four USA Championships, and the first and second ever Bring Back the Mile Series. On her drive and ferocity, Heather states, "I am a courageous racer who isn't afraid to run from the front. I have a perspective of constantly moving forward, through good performances, and tough learning experiences as I chase after my goals."
Off the track, Heather's passion for the sport is evident. She is a high school track and cross country coach for Apple Valley High School, as well as a private coach. Even outside the loop, Heather keeps close to the running community, working at Mill City Running, a run specialty shop in NE Minneapolis. In addition to all this, she is an ardent supporter for the Animal Humane Society and Underdog Rescue. Proud owner of Ellie the Shepherd Mix and Dewey the Pomeranian, Heather relates, “My husband and I think it’s so special to be able to provide a ‘forever home’ for a pup who needs it, and in turn, they make your home feel complete!”
