Outdoor enthusiasts and fans of the wild west will come together to fight cancer when the John Wayne Grit Series True Grit Half Marathon and 5K trail run returns to Ridgway, Colorado, on Saturday, Aug. 27. This unique trail run guides runners through some of the most beautiful country in the San Juan Mountains. The run is one of the key fundraisers for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.
Ridgway was one of two sites in the inaugural year Grit Series in 2019. The iconic race location passes through the area where much of John Wayne’s 1969 masterpiece, True Grit, was filmed. In the movie, the Duke played Rooster Cogburn, a portrayal that earned Wayne an Oscar for Best Actor.
Runners will enjoy the challenging courses, which are run on single-track trails and fire roads on three private ranches only accessible to Grit Series participants. The spectacular scenery includes views of the San Juan Mountains, the True Grit barn, wildflower valleys and herds of majestic elk.
The John Wayne Grit Series offers rewards to teams and individuals who fundraise for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation as a part of their run experience:
• Participants can pay to register or can commit to fundraise instead to make an even bigger impact in the fight against cancer.
• Each participant gets a John Wayne Grit Series running shirt and finisher mug.
• Fundraisers can earn rewards like a John Wayne Grit Series trucker hat, a John Wayne Grit Series Nathan Stealth jacket, John Wayne Grit Series Patagonia Nano Puff jacket, and even the opportunity to name a research grant.
• Each event is timed and will feature podium prizes and medals for the fastest runners.
• Additionally, the top three individual fundraisers and top three team captains will be rewarded a Stetson Oak Ridge Hat.
John Wayne believed in searching for a cure for cancer. A survivor of lung cancer who ultimately succumbed to stomach cancer in 1979, the Duke was adamant about helping all people fight cancer. This John Wayne Cancer Foundation was created in his honor, and with your help it will be a lasting legacy of which Wayne would be proud.
Participants in the Grit Series will enjoy the beautiful scenery and warm hospitality for which Ridgway and the entire Uncompahgre Valley are known for. Visitors to the area flock to see Deb’s Meadow, one of the most iconic sights associated with True Grit. Additional homage to the film can be found at the True Grit Café in the town of Ridgway.
John Wayne said, “True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done.” So if you have been affected by cancer and want to fight back, here’s your chance. Click here to register today for the John Wayne Grit Series run in Ridgway.
Please contact [greg @ johnwayne.org] for more information about sponsorship opportunities.
ABOUT THE JOHN WAYNE GRIT SERIES
Show your grit in the fight against cancer by running through iconic John Wayne movie locations and rugged Western landscapes. The John Wayne Grit Series events benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, so every step you take advances the fight against cancer through pioneering research and programs. For more information, visit https://www.johnwayne.org/jwgs.
ABOUT THE JOHN WAYNE CANCER FOUNDATION
The mission of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF) is to bring courage, strength, and grit to the fight against cancer. JWCF funds novel and innovative programs that improve cancer patients’ outcomes and save lives through research, education, awareness and support. JWCF is a 501(c)(3) public charity. For more information, visit https://www.johnwayne.org.