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Dear Racers,

Due to the overwhelmingly amazing number of registrations that have come in this last week, we have a few updates for you.  The good news is that we will be able to show Officer Bell and AdsitStrong amazing support! The not so good news is that we have run out of race bibs and t-shirts.  Never fear, we have a plan!  You are welcome to still register and race!  You do not need a race bib to participate.  The bib assists with race timing only. If you registered early, you will receive your shirt right away.  If you waited until this week, there may not be a shirt for you right away.  But more shirts are on order!  If you want a shirt, we will make arrangements to get it to you.  For those of you who would rather have a challenge coin instead of a shirt can choose that!  Just let the folks at packet pick up know that's what you want.  

We cannot thank you enough! But we'll certainly try.

THANK YOU!

AdsitStrong.org Story:

On May 2, 2015, the first annual Rise and Run 5K to honor John Adsit was hosted. The event was an overwhelming success with nearly 1,000 runners participating. John and his family were so overwhelmed by the support of the community during this incredibly difficult time. Although John realizes that he could never repay them for the amazing support he received, he wants to do whatever is possible in paying it forward. John created AdsitStrong.org—a nonprofit charity, to benefit other first responders who have been gravely injured. This year, the Rise and Run 5K is being presented by AdsitStrong.org. Injured Pueblo Police Officer Jonathan Bell is this year’s beneficiary. We are excited to come together to honor a law enforcement officer with the community.  

Officer Bell's Story:

On April 6th Pueblo Police Officer Jonathan Bell & another officer contacted a male wanted for a parole violation near the entrance of a Pueblo apartment building. As the officers approached the male, he ran, and Officer Bell and his partner gave chase. As Officer Bell turned the corner of one of the buildings, the male was standing there with a gun and fired at Officer Bell and his partner. Officer Bell and his partner returned fire despite Officer Bell being struck 5 times in both of his legs. As a result Officer Bells’ femur was shattered and he had extensive muscular and vascular damage. Officer Bell & his wife Melinda happily welcomed their first child 9 weeks before the shooting. The resiliency and courage Melinda and Officer Bell have shown is amazing. They have had to endure multiple surgeries and various procedures all while caring for a newborn child. Officer Bell still faces a long and very difficult recovery. Officer Bell has recently been able to bear weight on his leg and practice walking again. Officer Bell has continued his service to this nation and State of Colorado as a Specialist with the Colorado Army National Guard. He is currently assigned as an Infantryman with the 1-157th IN (Mountain) in Colorado Springs. Officer Bell had previously deployed to Afghanistan with the US Army.