Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Attention All Runners

Support Search & Rescue, Kokopelli Classic Run

Dedicated Ground Team Truck Will Be Unveiled

Mesa County, Colo. -- Calling all trail runners to the 8th Annual Kokopelli Classic 8 & 16 Mile Trail Runs, in Loma, on Saturday, August 23. And, for media, the brand new dedicated truck resource for the Mesa County Search & Rescue Ground Team, will be unveiled at 9 a.m.


The truck was primarily purchased with money raised through the entry fees and local sponsorships of the Kokopelli Classic Run from the past five years, with additional funding from the Grand Junction Lions Club and Mesa County Search & Rescue Control, Inc. The new truck will allow the Ground Team members to be 100% ready to go on a mission with the ability to access nearly any part of the rugged terrain of Mesa County. 

The Ground Team supports all the teams that comprise Mesa County Search & Rescue Control, Inc., a non-profit organization that operates under the umbrella of the Sheriff's Office, but is it's own entity. By Colorado statute, the Sheriff is required to provide search and rescue functions. Here in Mesa County, everyone (visitors and citizens) benefit from this partnership of local experts who volunteer their time allowing no charge to anyone requiring a rescue mission.

The new truck is the only vehicle dedicated to the Ground Team, who's current members drive their personal vehicles to rescue locations. According to Mark Hart, the Ground Team President, the truck will allow the team to respond quicker, gives them more flexibility (especially in the case of multiple missions) and will haul 6 adults. The finishing touches to the truck will include installing a box for securing equipment and putting the appropriate stickers on the truck to identify it and thank supporters. The truck is a Dodge 3/4 ton pick-up truck with club cab and 4-wheel drive.

Media are invited and encouraged to cover the run and the unveiling of the new truck at 9 a.m., on Saturday, August 23, at the Kokopelli Trailhead, in Loma. Ground Team President Mark Hart and others will be on-hand to speak with media and awesome visuals will be provided, too. Don't miss this opportunity!

For anyone interested in registering for the run, there is still time! But, don't delay. Register for either the 8-mile (kicks off at 7:30 a.m.) or 16-mile (kicks off at 7 a.m.) trail run through the Ground Team's website: www.mcsargt.com or call (970) 270-6147.