Grit Series Marathons In Moab

Above, runners were already on the course before sunrise. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This year's Grit Series marathons benefitting the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was held yesterday outside of Moab, Utah. 

I volunteered for the event and was assigned to the main parking area directing arrivals. I was told that 100 participants took part last year and 200 this year. I believe it. The lot at Red Cliffs Lodge was full and the shuttle buses were transporting participants to the starting/finishing area. I was kept busy for about two hours or more and on my feet. I was a little exhausted afterwards.

After finishing those "parking attendant" duties, I was given a ride to the marathon starting/finishing line. 

Above, Ethan Wayne holding my donation check in memory of Richard Pusateri.

There, met up with Ethan Wayne, John Wayne's youngest son, and gave him a donation to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation in memory of Richard Pusatari, who passed away in February (on my birthday). We took a picture with Ethan holding the check for posting at Richard's Facebook page (which I did last evening). 

I was going to stay Saturday night, but I heard that storms were coming in (at this writing, we're having a thunderstorm that woke me), so I decided to head out. It was a nice drive, with little rain while in Utah. But when I reached the Shiprock, New Mexico area, it was storming and got even worse when I reached Tohatchi, New Mexico. It continued on when I entered Gallup. 

I stopped for lunch at an A & W Root Beer restaurant in Blanding, Utah. It was a little disappointing: no frosted mug. I was just handed a plastic cup to fill it myself McDonalds style. They were selling glass mugs for $4.95, but I already have two vintage ones. That's enough.

Still, I had a good time and did my bit for the Foundation. 

Some photos:

Above, the Red Cliffs Lodge parking area with the Colorado River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Red Cliffs Lodge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the starting/finishing line arch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the canopies with Foundation swag. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, spectators relaxing at the maraton area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, horseback riders chatting with spectators. Photo by Armand Vaquer.