Registration is now open for the 2025 Peterborough Butterfly Run

GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, in partnership with our race committee and the Partners In Pregnancy Clinic (PIPC), are excited to announce that the Peterborough Butterfly Run 5K Run/Walk is returning to Millennium Park April 27th, 2025.  For those who are unable to join us on April 27th, but would still like to support, a virtual option is also available.  Registration is now open through https://PeterboroughButterflyRun.itsyourrace.com/

We are happy to welcome Ashley Hickson and Kori Zwarych as the new Co-chairs of the Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee.  Ashley and Kori have been involved for a number of years (you may have seen them cheering on the runners at the half way point each year) and had this to say about their new role “After years of involvement on the backend of things, curating & distributing bereavement kits in the community, we (Ashley & Kori) are excited to have a more prominent role on the Executive Committee for the run itself this year! We are working on furthering initiatives with the money raised to help support families with their grief. We are looking forward to another successful event! “

“Since 2022, GPHSF has taken the lead role in organizing the Peterborough Butterfly Run, which has been a great privilege.  It is both humbling and gratifying to see the impact that it has made.”  said Vince Bierworth, Executive Director for GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, organizers of the event.  “We look forward to working with Ashley and Kori as they take on a more prominent role this year. We are excited to bring everyone together again April 27^th in Millennium Park.”

On behalf of the Peterborough community, we would also like to show our appreciation of the work that the Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee has put into this cause since they founded the event in 2017.  A special thank you to Kelly Ross, Jennie Vanier and Alessandra Friesen.  It is your vision that has created the impact the Peterborough Butterfly Run has had on so many on our community.  We will continue to strive to make this event as inclusive as possible and support as many individuals and families as we can.

 The run route will remain the same as in previous years, with registration opening at 9am, the 1K Kids Fun Run starting at 10am, 1K Memorial Walk starting at 10:20am, opening ceremonies at 10:45, and the 5K chip timed run/walk starting by 11am.  The Memorial Walk will remain free as in previous years, with 1km Kids Fun Run registration at $5 and the 5K Run/Walk registration at $45, plus applicable fees.  All registrations include a medal and customizable race bib.  5km Run/Walk participants who register before the April 4th, 2025, deadline will also receive a race shirt and various other items in their race kit.

Registration is available online at https://PeterboroughButterflyRun.itsyourrace.com/ or in-person at Runner’s Life 174 Charlotte Street, Peterborough, ON. We are also excited to announce that Dave Dame from Runner’s Life will be the race director for this year, utilizing his years of experience to make sure the event day runs as smoothly and seamlessly as possible.

Funds raised at the event have been used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County, establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss. Since 2018, 800 bereavement kits have been created to be provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Money raised at the race is also invested back into the race day itself as keeping costs affordable for participants, continuing to offer the free 1km Memorial Walk/Run, providing memorial bibs to all runners to write a personalized name or message, and the display of memorial banners are all important aspects to creating the sense of community that the Peterborough Butterfly Run has become known for.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. If you’d like to find out more, please email Vince@GPHSF.ca or PTBOButterflyRun@gmail.com.  More details always available at www.ptbobutterflyrun.ca

Funds raised at the event have been used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County, establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss. Since 2018, more than 800 bereavement kits have been provided to families and individuals by health care providers with the Peterborough Family Health Team and PRHC.  

Our Bereavement kits are put together and distributed by a group of volunteers. They contain comfort items, memorabilia, and grief support. They are distributed by health care providers with the Peterborough Family Health Team, PRHC, local physicians and mental health clinicians. They may also be requested by email at ptbobutterflyrunkits@gmail.com 

For more details email  Vince@GPHSF.ca

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