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Team Rubicon in Durango runs 5k to raise awareness about PTSD

The Durango Herald - 4/2/2017

About 25 runners and walkers braved the morning chill Saturday in Durango to participate in a 5k run to support veterans, especially those battling post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

It was one of about 170 runs held Saturday across the country by Team Rubicon, a veterans disaster relief team that helps first responders do cleanup work after disasters worldwide.

Hunt was one of the original Team Rubicon members.

"We're honoring his memory, No. 1, but No. 2, we're also bringing awareness to our community," said Stephanie Salupo, who leads Team Rubicon in Durango. "I know the suicide rate in Durango is very high, and that's unfortunate. We want to bring awareness to that and to our veterans, and letting our veterans know we're here for them."

The run started shortly after 9 a.m. from the Durango Community Recreation Center to Rotary Park and back to the rec center. Afterward, several participants went to Ska Brewing.

Salupo said more than 6,000 people registered for the sixth annual Run As One events held Saturday across the country. She hopes veterans know the community supports them and that suicide is never the answer. Veterans having thoughts of suicide can call the veterans Crisis Hotline at (800) 273-8255.

Team Rubicon formed this January in Durango. It already has 43 members, including some from Utah and Farmington. The group volunteered last month at Wolfwood Refuge, which rescues wolves and wolf-dog hybrids in the Ignacio area. Residents don't have to be veterans to join Team Rubicon. For more information,email Salupo at Stephanie.lewis@teamrubiconusa.org.

"We're just trying to get our name out there and keep ourselves busy since we're so new here," Salupo said.

shane@durangoherald.com