It’s only been a month since the Stash family last ran a marathon, but they’ll be back for another run on Saturday, Dec.1, when the family of five participate in the 35th annual Winter Sun Run 10K.
Charlene and Herbert Stash and their three sons, Tyrese, Tyler and Tyrell, ages 19, 13 and 11, enjoy running together as a family. They all took up the sport after the oldest son announced he was joining his high school track team.
“The Winter Sun Run 10k is fun. It’s only 6 miles,” Charlene Stash said. “The youngest (son) likes it because its mostly downhill.”
Though the annual Winter Sun race has been around for more than three decades, it will be the second year that Denise and Justin Ricks, race directors and owners of Mad Moose Events, have hosted the run. Last year’s 10K run included 287 finishers, Denise Ricks said.
“It’s a smaller event,” than some of the other races around town, she said. “It’s a mix of locals and regional out-of-towners. There are a lot of people from Grand Junction. They usually get a party bus for those who race together.”
The race starts at 10 a.m. at the Moab Golf Club, 2705 E. Bench Rd., and finishes around the Grand County High School track, 608 S. 400 East. Runners are shuttled to the start line from the high school.
The course is mostly downhill or flat, going along Spanish Valley Drive before connecting up with a paved trail at Rotary Park and ending with a lap around the high school track field.
Unlike some running events, the roads will be open to motorized vehicles. Runners are instructed to run against the traffic, on the left side of the road. Those who disobey this rule will be disqualified, according to the event’s website. Spectators are encouraged to gather along the Mill Creek Parkway to cheer runners on.
An aid station offering water and Gatorade Endurance Formula will be placed at the 3-mile mark.
Some of the proceeds from the race will benefit three local nonprofit organizations: Youth Garden Project, Moab Charter School and a new boys’ running group in Moab, Denise Ricks said.
“The groups all provide volunteers to work at the aid stations and at the finish line,” Ricks said. “In exchange, they will get a nice donation.”
After the race, awards will be given to the overall winner, as well as age group winners.
All runners will receive a unique finisher’s medal, custom printed long-sleeved Brooks race shirt and post-race refreshments. Participants will also have a chance to win prizes donated by local sponsors.
Results for this final Mad Moose event for 2018 will be posted at the finish line and will also be available at madmooseevents.com.
Stash said her family is “always running,” although there’s never any pressure for their boys to do so.
“They like to be very active,” she said. “And I like that about our boys, too.”
Race will donate portion of proceeds to three nonprofits
When: Saturday, Dec. 1, starting at 10 a.m.
Where: Begins at Moab Golf Club, 2705 E. Bench Rd.
Cost: Free for spectators; $55 for adults; $15 for youth age 10-18. Register online by Nov. 30.
More info: Spectators are encouraged to stand along the race route on the Mill Creek Parkway. Racers can pick up their packet the day before the race, on Friday, Nov. 30, between 4 and 6 p.m. at the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center, 374 N. Park Ave. For information on registration and the race route, visit www.madmooseevents.com/winter-sun-10k
“The Winter Sun Run 10k is fun.”
