A Darrell Gardner Memorial run was held on June 10 at the Emery High track. Hundreds of runners and walkers showed up to honor Gardner in the best way they knew how, to run. Running was an integral part of Coach Gardner’s life as not many days slipped by without a good run. Gardner ran in several events throughout the years.
Organizers sold T-shirts with Coach Gardner’s favorite saying on them, “Pain is Temporary, Pride is forever, shut up and run.” They had a raffle with donations from county businesses to raise funds for the family. A donation jar was set-up to collect funds for the family.
The first group of runners and walkers went for a mile around the Emery High track. Then a large group of runners went out on the course which Coach Gardner had laid out for his cross country and distance runners for track and ran a 5k.
Afterwards everyone gathered on the field and the raffle items were drawn for and distributed. A table was set-up for everyone to write notes to the family and the notes will be made into cards.
A petition was organized to gather signatures to rename the track at Emery High in honor of Coach Gardner.
Coach Gardner’s family attended the event and took their turn on the track to honor their husband, son, and father.
Memorial run for Coach Darrell Gardner
"Darrell Gardner's wife Natalie and his parents Georgia and Van Gardner walk a lap at the Emery High track in memory of their husband and son."