title: Essie Garrett
text: # Essie Garrett
  
  Essie Garrett (1947- 1 April 2014) was an American ultramarathon runner and instructor at Emily Griffith Opportunity School in Denver, Colorado.
  
  ## Biography
  
  Raised in Riesel, Texas, Garrett joined the Army at age 16 and served for three years before settling in Denver.
  
  Since 1981, Garrett is estimated to have run 25,000 miles and raised over $1 million for charity. Beneficiaries include Children's Hospital Colorado, Colorado AIDS Project, Denver Rescue Mission, Emily Griffith Foundation, Max Funds Animal Adoption Center, Rainbow House and Sacred Heart House. Every Thanksgiving since 1991 she has run for 48 hours in laps around the Colorado Capitol building to raise money for the homeless.
  
  ## Political and philosophical views
  
  Garrett was a follower of Sri Chinmoy and had maintains a vegetarian diet.
  
  ## Awards
  
  * 1992: Hall of Fame inductee, Sportswomen of Colorado
  * 1996: Olympic torchbearer for the state of Colorado
  