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Go running at Gypsum Daze!

Daily Staff Report
Happy anniversary, Dana. It was great marrying you in Bermuda, but it's even better living with you in Vail. Love, Steven.
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Tom Edwards sent the following to encourage runners to take part in the annual Gypsum Daze 5K Run/Walk. Here it is:

Twelve years ago, Gypsum Daze (then Gypsum Days) had its first 5K Run/Walk. The Eagle Valley High School cheerleaders were interested in putting on an event and came to me to mark out a course and give suggestions for hosting the event. I do not remember how many walked the course, but I do remember the runners included Joan Harned, my sister, who finished second. I finished second from last. Since that day of two runners and a few walkers, the race has grown to where last year’s order of 100 hats for volunteers and participants was entirely used up. More than 85 people participated in the run/walk, and more than a dozen volunteers donated time to help with registration, timing, giving direction and encouragement at corners, awards ceremony and the prize-rich drawing, which is held for volunteers and participants at the end of the event.

While still being one, if not the best, of the small-town races in Eagle County, the Gypsum Daze 5K is a family-and-friends affair with lots of spirit and camaraderie. Visitors to Vail from as far away as Minnesota have come to run the race and like it so well they return each year to run it again. Volunteers from Gypsum and the Eagle Valley man the street corners to direct participants and cheer them on. Plaques are awarded to the top three male and female runners, and there are age-group ribbons as well. Each runner and volunteer receives a goodie bag and a commemorative baseball cap embroidered with “Gypsum Daze – 5K Run/Walk – 2006.” Approximately 60 drawing prizes are awarded at the conclusion of the event to participants and volunteers. There is usually better than a 50 percent chance that you will get a prize. Prizes range from a dozen doughnuts donated by the local doughnut shop, the Honey Bun, to a dinner for 16 served at your home from Steve’s Barbecue (Steve being Steve Carver, the mayor of Gypsum). There are also rounds of golf from Cotton Ranch and lots of other cash prizes and gift certificates.



If you’re looking for a good time and a group of friendly people, be sure to show up at the Gypsum Town Hall on July 22 for the 8 a.m. start of the 12th annual Gypsum Daze 5K Run/Walk. Be there at least 20 minutes early for bib pickup and registration. Parking will be above Town Hall off Cooley Mesa Road at the Gypsum Sports Complex. Proceeds from the event go to the Gypsum Library for the purchase of children’s books.

Call the Gypsum Town Hall at 524-7514 or Tom Edwards at 524-9703 for more information or an application form, or e-mail townofgypsum.com.Vail, Colorado


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