Steamworks Brewing Co. and Star Liquors have joined together to donate more than $4,500 to the Marc Witkes Memorial Scholarship at Fort Lewis College. The money was raised through activities associated with the Steamworks-Animas Valley Half Marathon that took place June 7, according to a news release issued by Steamworks.

The annual half marathon is a partnership of Steamworks, Durango Running Club and the Durango Sports Club. The 2014 event sold out, drawing 300 runners, which allowed the brewery to donate $4,345.69 to the scholarship.

Star Liquors highlighted Steamworks’ brews as “Beer of the Month” for June, donating 25 cents of each six-pack or bottles of Steamworks beer sold to the Witkes Scholarship. The donation totaled $198.

“All this continues to be possible because the community enthusiastically comes out and supports the effort,” said Kris Oyler, Steamworks co-founder, in the news release. “We’re thrilled to be able to continue to support young distance runners in memory of Marc. Since 2008 we’ve been able to contribute nearly $25,000 to the scholarship.”

The Marc Witkes Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to a Four Corners cross country runner attending Fort Lewis College. Witkes, an avid runner and former president of Durango Motorless Transit, died Dec. 10, 2006, less than 300 yards from the finish line at the Tucson Marathon.

“We are most appreciative of the very generous contribution to the Witkes Scholarship Fund from Steamworks Brewing and Star Liquors,” said Gary Hunter, director of athletics at Fort Lewis College, in the release. “This will allow some very deserving cross country runners to continue their education at Fort Lewis College and honor Marc Witkes.”

vguthrie@durangoherald.com