John Wayne "Grit Series" Runs

Above, the starting point arch for the half marathon and 5K runs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It may have rained overnight in the Ouray-Ridgway area of Colorado, but it left a beautiful day for marathon runners and didn't dampen their spirits.

I arrived early this morning at the starting point for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's half marathon and 5K run. It was located eleven miles west of Ridgway off Colorado Hwy.62 and near the Lost Dollar Ranch.

The area is more famously known as the location of the Ross Ranch at the beginning and end of True Grit (1969). Several of the buildings used in those scenes still stand and are now undergoing restoration by the current ranch owner.

To get there, one must drive on a dirt road among pines and aspen trees. The place looks just as beautiful as it did in 1969. I can easily see why this area was picked for the movie.

The event was well organized by the Foundation and they had several booths, one of which sold items including hoodies, t-shirts, hats and other items. 

As I got there about an hour before the first event (the half marathon) I was able to mingle with the participants, Foundation staff, volunteers and other spectators. I also was able to meet and talk to Ethan Wayne. He told me that this is the second year for the Grit Series marathon events. The first were held in 2019, but the pandemic forced them to put them on hiatus for two years.

Ethan Wayne (for you trivia buffs) was so named after his father's character, Ethan Edwards, in The Searchers (1956). He looks very fit for a man aged 60.

A little later, Patrick Wayne arrived and for a man in his eighties, he looks good and healthy. I was also able to chat with him about The Searchers, particularly the scene where he asks Ward Bond if he is able to join in a "joint punitive" action against Chief Scar. His delivery was rapid fire. He told me that his dad, Bond and others had fun at his expense by pranking him during the filming of that scene. He was 14 at the time, he said. He lamented that "everyone's gone" when I mentioned McLintock (1963), with the exception of Stephanie Powers and himself. He mentioned how fine a horseman actor Hank Worden was.

During my time with both of the Wayne sons, I had them pose under the Grit Series arch. 

It is safe to say that John Wayne would be very proud of his two sons. Both were very likable and easy to talk to.

Patrick and Ethan made some ceremonial remarks and they thanked everyone there for participating before the starts of each event.

Naturally, I had my trusty Canon camera with me and took some photos.

Above and below, Ethan Wayne and his dog Fin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above and below, Patrick Wayne. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Ethan Wayne addressing the half marathon participants. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Patrick Wayne addresses the half marathon participants. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the half marathon begins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Grit Series van. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, and below, Ethan and Patrick Wayne addresses the 5K participants. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the 5K run begins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly with Patrick Wayne.

Above, the Lost Dollar Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, "Mattie Ross's House" in True Grit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Ross family cemetery and where John Wayne jumped
the fence took place at the top of the hill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To learn more about the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, go here.

For more photos, go here.