Photos: Kawartha Montessori School Hits the Ground Running Again With Return of Its Cross-Country Run After a Three-Year Hiatus

Students of Kawartha Montessori School got their feet moving as they hosted their cross country meet at their institution on Friday, an event they have not been able to participate in the last three years.

Grade 3 student Esther van Ostveen, 8, running in her heat as students, parents and faculty cheered the racers all day. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School, Uxbridge Montessori School, Whitby Montessori & Elementary School and Peterborough’s Rowan Tree Children's School were also a part of the event held by Kawartha Montessori totalling roughly 150 students in the event. Grades 1 to 8 ran in the meet, the first time Kawartha hosted in several years.

“Certainly, Covid got in the way,” said Carrie O’Toole, Kawartha Montessori vice-principal. “We've also in the past participated in the Catholic board but this year, they weren't not accepting other schools outside of their board so it was a way for us to give a cross-country running experience to our other schools who were not a part of those boards.”

Students began training for the meet at the start of the school year as part of their physical education curriculum.

“They would have included learning some running skills and build up their stamina for the event,” explained O’Toole.

Races were divided by gender and grade. The children ran varying distances on a figure-eight-like track depending on the category. During the races, parents, faculty and students cheered on the runners throughout the day.

“That is a big part of our school, building that grace, courtesy and community,” said O’Toole. “That's something that we pride ourselves in, building that community and building that teamwork.”

During the winter, students are taught sports and activities such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, downhill and cross-country skiing.

In the spring, students get to learn track and field. Grade 8 students also participate in rowing and mountain biking as part of their curriculum.

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Peterborough Butterfly Run Has Record Breaking In-Person Return

Although the morning was overcast and threatening rain, spirits were high and Millennium Park was full of energy as over 1,000 people came out to the Peterborough Butterfly Run on Sunday April 30.

photo courtesy of the peterborough butterfly run.

Attendees came out and participated in the 1KM Kids Fun Run, 1KM Memorial Walk or the 5KM Run/Walk. Every one of those 1,000 participants, supporters and volunteers also came to show their support for friends, family, co-workers, and even people they’ve never met, who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child, or are unable to conceive.

This was the first in-person Peterborough Butterfly Run since 2019, having moved virtual for 2021 and 2022. The support for the return to a live event was much greater than the organizers could have ever wished for.

On top of having a massive crowd in Millennium Park, a record total of funds was raised leading up to and during the event. Although donations are still coming in and being counted, the event raised over $100,000, making it the highest grossing Peterborough Butterfly Run since its inception in 2017.

“What an amazing return to the in-person format,” said Vince Bierworth, executive director for the GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, Event Organizers. “It was much more than we, the Peterborough Butterfly Run committee and Partners in Pregnancy Clinic, could have ever imagined. It was great to fell the fellowship, support, and comradery of the crowd, which is what the event has always been about. No matter what format the event has taken, there are so many that support its mission. For that we are very grateful.”

The top three fundraising teams were Team Benjamin Moffatt, Team Orangetheory Fitness and Team Jessica Dalliday. The top 3 individual fundraisers were Cody Welton, Danielle Mac Lean and Lauren McDonald. Event speaker Mike Dalliday shared with everyone the story of the loss of his wife Jessica and daughter Angeline, and how he, along with his 4-year-old daughter Rachel, have been managing since their devastating loss.

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 500 bereavement kits have been provided to families and individuals by health care providers in the community and at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).  

Those who would like to donate to support the Peterborough Butterfly Run can at any time by visiting the website, clicking donate and selecting Peterborough Butterfly Run.

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Peterborough Butterfly Run Temporary Road Closure on April 30

A temporary road closure will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 30 for the Peterborough Butterfly Run.

photo courtesy of the peterrborough butterfly run.

Streets with temporary closures include:

-  Engleburn Avenue from the south side of Charles Street to the north side of Maria Street

- Birdsall Street from the south side of Charles Street to the north side of Maria Street

Streets will be made available for local traffic. Be advised that runners will be coming through this area between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. the day of the event.

The Peterborough Butterfly Run supports families and individuals who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child or are unable to conceive. To find out more about the event and/or support, visit the website.

If there are concerns with this notice, contact Vince Bierworth at (705) 740-8074 ext. 300 or Vince@GPHSF.ca.

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Monarch Ultra Relay Run Inspires Pollinator Protection and Raises Funds for Camp Kawartha

The Monarch Ultra Relay Run kicks off on a 21-day running adventure, raising awareness and funds in support of monarch butterflies and Camp Kawartha in Peterborough on Sept. 19.

Carlotta James and Clay Williams running in Mexico during the 2019 Monarch Ultra Relay Run. Photo Courtesy of Rodney Fuentes.

A launch party is planned in Peterborough at 8:00 a.m. at the DePave Paradise garden, located at the southern end of Water Street. The public is encouraged to join for the send-off celebration which includes a monarch butterfly release, milkweed seed giveaway and an opportunity to meet the Monarch Ultra Team.

The relay run, originally planned to follow the monarch migration from Canada to Mexico as it did in 2019, has been shortened to a 1,800-kilometer run across southern Ontario with COVID-19 protocols in place to keep participants and supporters safe.

From Peterborough, the runners head southwest to Toronto, Burlington, Hamilton, St. Catherine's and Niagara Falls, before looping back around towards London, Cambridge and Kitchener. It will end in Barrie on Oct. 9. Each morning, two ultra runners will begin a 50-kilometer leg at 8:00 a.m. and finish around 2:00 p.m., depending on their pace. Another two runners will pick up exactly where the first two left off and run a 30-kilometre leg.

“Not only will this be one of Canada's longest relay runs, it will also be an opportunity to connect communities across Ontario on an inspiring journey of hope and resilience that combines ultra-running and environmental conservation,” said Carlotta James, project co-founder.

The team hopes to meet many Canadians who are also passionate about protecting the earth along the route and already have several popups planned to highlight communities involved in conservation actions such as native plant habitats and nectar gardens for pollinators.

This year’s run is raising funds for Camp Kawartha, a non-profit organization that offers nature education programming for youth. Almost $5,000 has been raised for the camp through the Monarch Ultra’s fundraising campaign with a goal of reaching $10,000.

The Monarch Ultra team invites people to come out and cheer on the runners along the way, as well as to dress up in costumes and make signs for the runners who are running extremely long distances in support of monarch butterflies. The relay run takes place along the Trans Canada Trail and Waterfront Trail. The full route can be viewed here.

The team will also be sharing stories on their 21-day journey through their social media sites, follow the Monarch Ultra on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or visit their website to learn more.

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Local Teacher Earns NYC Marathon Spot While Outpacing Mental Health

It is an opportunity very few people get but Julie Vallières has been selected as one of six Canadian teachers to run in the New York City Marathon in the fall.

Vallières has been helping her students battle mental health issues since 2015. She serves as the school’s cross-country and track and field coach. Photo Courtesy of Julie Vallières.

She was selected as part of Team Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) who pick 50 North American teachers as representatives.

Vallières submitted her video application to TCS with her story, how running helped her teaching and why she should be picked. She promoted running as a way to help with mental health issues her students were facing at St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School.

“I’m glad I get to be with people with the same passion for running,” she said. “It’s nice to gain some mental strength from running long distances.”

TCS supports physical and mental health among children and provided Vallières and other selected teachers with integrated technology education resources for easier teaching.

She learned about Team TCS from Niels Walkau, a local colleague and friend who participated in the marathon two years prior.

Vallières constantly trains, running four to five times a week to prepare for the 26.2 mile-long marathon. She has participated in several running events or marathons as part of her training regime.

The event is not set in stone for Canadians since border travelling is still in limbo from the pandemic. Vallières is hopeful that the world will have enough normalcy to allow her to participate.

“I’m hoping by then, everything will be good,” she explained. “I’m keeping a positive mindset here and we’ll be out of the woods with vaccines and stuff.”

Vallières plans to bring her family to watch her run at the marathon. Her children are eligible to participate in a 5-kilometre run, the day prior to the main event.

Last year, the NYC marathon was postponed but Vallières was able to earn a medal in their digitized version through an app.

“It will be a great experience for all of us,” she said. “It’s about the people that support the community. I know it’s a great experience and I want to be able to share it with my family.”

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Local Teacher Uses Running to Aid In Students' Mental Health Issues

Running not only maintained teacher Julie Vaillères’s physical health but her mental well-being and uses her story to help students with similar issues since 2015.

Vaillères has taught core and French immersion classes at St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School. She has also taught drama, religion and science classes with some as part of the immersion program. Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Vaillères suffered a major depressive breakdown in 2014 where she believed she could never teach again. During her time off work, her psychiatrist suggested running again, an on-and-off hobby throughout her life.

Since returning to St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School in the fall of 2015 after having time off recovering, the French teacher shared her stories with students. Vaillères’s pupils were inspired to open up about their mental health problems to her as a result.

“I use running to explain how it manages my mental illness,” said Vaillères. “It helps you with self-confidence, energy and how physical health goes hand in hand. It’s my me time and my way of meditating. I love nature and it’s my way of grounding myself.”

The group was unable to run in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but with in-person learning returning in the fall of 2021, the “Change Your M;nd’s” revival is the plan for Vailleres. Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Students would confide in Vaillères and then be redirected to professional help from the school board or a social worker for further treatment.

The group became known as “Change Your M;nd” for students to have weekly meetings to open up about their mental issues. They would do collaborations with organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association and Peterborough Memorial Centre to raise money for mental health awareness.

Since forming the group back in 2015, Vaillères and students are helping erase the stigma of having mental health issues, creating awareness while promoting healthier choices.

Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Vaillères volunteers her time as the school’s cross-country and track and field coach and shares her story to inspire the student-athletes.

“The students that we get are so strong mentally and the perseverance they show and support that they give to one another is amazing,” she said. “We’re all in this to better ourselves.”

Photo Courtesy of Julie Vailleres.

Vaillères says when she was a child, mental health was highly stigmatized but when she was admitted for treatment, it was a huge relief. It is a message she wants to spread to anyone suffering from any issues.

“There’s a positive story behind painful times,” said Vaillères. “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel when you reach out for help. We shouldn’t be feeling ashamed. Now I feel the need to share my story because if I’m able to help others, it’s the best reward I can get.”

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Man Runs Through Peterborough to Support Local Charity

After running 50 miles in the cold, Peterborough’s Cory Priaulx raised over $2,500 for the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough charity for their COVID-19 relief fund this past weekend.

The money will be given to Peterborough businesses that have struggled through the pandemic. Priaulx’s campaign goal is $5,000 and created a GoFundMe page on February 1.

“I wanted to make sure the funds raised stayed in Peterborough and were going to those affected by this pandemic,” said Priaulx. “I chose $5,000 cause I knew it would be difficult. I figured if I was going to try and raise money (to) go big or go home.”

Cody Priaulx is a huge fan of actor and former professional wrestlier Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx

The run called the “4x4x48 Challenge” was invented as an endurance challenge by former Navy SEAL, David Goggins. Runners travel four miles every four hours for 48 hours totalling 12 four-mile runs in two days. Priaulx began on Friday at 8:00 a.m. and finished Sunday at 4:00 a.m.

“The run was a mental struggle more than a physical one. Getting up and going every four hours became harder and harder,” said Priaulx. “My legs hurt and I had blisters all over my feet but I had so much support from friends, family and the community through social media. It really kept me going.”

He ran through several parts of Peterborough that had struggling local businesses such as Parkhill Road, George Street and Lansdowne Street.

Priaulx wanted to inspire others to have hope, promote mental health awareness and making healthy choices.

Cody Priaulx recorded 104,490 steps during his 4x4x48 challenge. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx

“I at one time about seven years ago weighed 300 pounds. I was very unhappy with myself and how I looked,” said Priaulx. “I was struggling with mental health so I decided to change everything. Started weight lifting and started to become stronger. I still have a long way to go but I'm trying to strive for optimal human performance.”

He lost over 100 pounds during that span, exercising regularly while eating a healthy diet. Priaulx had trained rigorously for the endurance run.

“I run to and from work every day cause we don't have a car,” he said. “It’s roughly 6.5 kilometres there and back so I incorporate that as part of my training as well. I eat super clean and healthy and I try to promote that to all my friends and family.”

This run will hopefully inspire others to make positive changes in their lives as well as their communities Priaulx said. There was a mutual inspiration between all members of his family.

Cody Priaulx says he had only slept a total of three hours while doing this challenge. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx

“I really want to thank my girlfriend Stephanie cause she was literally my rock and so were my two young daughters Olivia and Arya,” he said. “Olivia is only three and a half and she already wanted to come and run some of the legs with me. She told me she wanted to help people like her dad. That was very inspiring to me. I want to set the best example for everybody and show them that hard work pays off.”

As difficult as this challenge was for Priaulx, he is looking forward to his next one.

“I'm not afraid of hard work or challenges,” he said. “I actually look for them and try and push my limitations as I believe everyone should. “The only limitations are the ones you put on yourself.”

If you would like to donate to Priaulx’s GoFundMe page, you can find it here.

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