This Sunday, Deva and Eaden Shantay hope to initiate a new Carbondale tradition: the Connection 5K, benefiting the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, which the two True Nature founders started back in 2022.
“The Connection 5K is about more than a finish line,” Larry Smith, CEO of True Nature, said in a press release. “It’s a chance for folks to experience the Peace Garden, gather in community and take part in a wellness activity that gives back — supporting the foundation’s mission of connection with self, community and the natural world.”
The first Connection 5K starts from the Peace Garden, follows a route on the Rio Grande Trail and circles back to True Nature. The new event is envisioned as a family-friendly morning, focused more on movement and togetherness than competition. Runners, walkers, families and supporters are invited to join.
The hope is that it becomes an annual Carbondale tradition, promoting community and well-being. True Nature Cafe will provide refreshments for all participants, and the center has also organized a raffle with support from other local and regional businesses.
Eaden and Deva Shantay started True Nature as a small multi-purpose studio on Main Street in 2007. From 2009 to 2011, the organization moved to the Third Street Center, where they added spa services and retail. In 2011, they acquired the property along the Rio Grande Trail and began developing the campus. The gathering spaces there include the Peace Garden, Kiva and a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for reflection.
The campus is considered an intentional sanctuary, drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment, including the 12,953-foot Mount Sopris, south of Carbondale.
Connection is the Medicine aims to address the side effects of disconnection from ourselves, other humans and the natural world, and is of the belief that physical and emotional illness can be attributed in part to disconnection. The foundation builds upon True Nature’s offerings by providing programs for children and adults to create change and inspire connection in areas of their lives.
The new 5K event is intended as one vector helping participants connect with one another and their own bodies in a fun, low-pressure way.
True Nature has brought in expert support for the Connection 5K. Local running coach Zach Russell of Microcosm Coaching provided a general training plan and resources for early registrants. Russell has experience in endurance sports including running, ski mountaineering and biking. He is a certified sports nutritionist and athletic trainer.
The hour before the 5K, 8 to 9am, True Nature will host a labyrinth and reflexology walk for participants, and coffee and treats will be available to the community. At 9am, the 5K will start from the Peace Garden and follow the Rio Grande Trail for 1.5 miles, before being routed back to True Nature. Awards for podium-finishing runners and a raffle for all participants will start at 10am.
Registration for the Connection 5K costs $20, and can be completed online at the True Nature or Connection is the Medicine websites. Number pickup will be open at True Nature from 9am to 6pm on Friday, Sept. 18, as well as 8am onward on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Sponsors for the Connection 5K include Grateful Gardens, Alpine Bank, Madison Insurance Group, ISUN Skincare, Independence Run & Hike, Alpine Performance Labs, Bower Coffee, High Rockies Pastry Chef, Terralink, Shepherd Bread and Authentic.
For more information about Connection is the Medicine, visit connectionisthemedicine.com To register for the Connection 5K on Sunday, Sept. 20, visit truenaturehealingarts.com/connection-5k