Picture Butte to bring back Terry Fox Run

Posted on July 13, 2023 by Sunny South News

By Erika Mathieu
Sunny South News

The Town of Picture Butte will see the return of a Terry Fox Run this fall.

For many years, the event has not been held in the town, however a delegation was made to council during the June 26 regular meeting requesting Council’s support in bringing the event back to town.

Resident and event organizer, Sarah van Gunst told council the run, which occurs as a means to fundraise for cancer research, has not been run in Picture Butte, “in quite a long time,” adding, “we are really interested to bring it back to Picture Butte.” The proposed date of the event is Saturday, Sept. 23.

As is the case with all Terry Fox events, proceeds raised are all donated to thee Terry Fox Foundation where it is then invested into cancer research.

“What we are here (for) today is to just communicate with the Town of Picture Butte and gain your support in hosting this run.”

Council was told the event would not require the authorization of any road closures and would utilize the Town’s sidewalks for the races, which would include a 2km, 5km, and 10km route.

With accessibility in mind, Van Gunst said the event is, “all-inclusive to walkers, runners, bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, and strollers. We want everybody and anybody to come out and support the cause.”

The race is proposed to  begin at Lion’s Park at 10 a.m., and would conclude with a by-donation barbecue in the park.

Van Gunst said organizers of the event are not seeking monetary donations from the Town but requested permission to advertise the event on the Town’s website and community calendar, in addition to approving the display of signage for the event at the Town office and arena, as well as access to a few extra town-issued garbage cans for the day of the event. The Terry Fox Foundation carries their own insurance policy for these official events, adding the Town nor event organizers would not be taking on any additional liability by supporting or hosting the run.

Although the national event will take place on Sept. 18, Van Gunst expressed the intent of the local run in Picture Butte is to avoid hosting an event on a Sunday, and not clash with any scheduled Terry Fox events occurring in the area on Saturday Sept. 16.

Organizers of the event are hoping to see between 150-200 participants in 2023, but said if they event receives enough support, it could be a larger event in future years, and if all goes well, potentially requiring road closures to accommodate more participants in the future if there is a strong interest in hosting the event in future year.

Van Gunst said the event is currently seeking volunteers and sponsors.

Although council did not vote on supporting the event via a motion, Mayor Cathy Moore said, “I don’t think you’ll have an issue getting our support,” and said administration would send a letter to confirm council’s response to the proposal.