Peterborough Butterfly Run Returns to Millennium Park April 26

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF), in partnership with the Partners In Pregnancy Clinic (PIPC), have announced that the Peterborough Butterfly Run 5K Run/Walk is returning to Millennium Park for its 10th anniversary April 26.

photo courtesy of the peterborough butterfly run, facebook.

“This year is the 10th anniversary of the inception of the run. To mark this milestone, our theme this year is gratitude” said Ashley Hickson and Kori Zwarych, Co-chairs of the Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee. “We want to say thank you to the Peterborough community that has supported the run. Thank you to the volunteers and past committee members who have worked to make it happen. And most important, thanks to every runner, walker, donor and sponsor who has shown their support for the mission of the run. More than anything, the Peterborough Butterfly Run is about community. It takes a caring community to have an event reach a milestone like this.”

The run route will remain the same as in previous years, with registration opening at 9 a.m., the 1K Kids Fun Run starting at 10 a.m., 1K Memorial Walk starting at 10:20 a.m., opening ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. and the 5K chip timed run/walk starting by 11 a.m. 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 6 deadline will also receive a race shirt and various other items in their race kit.

For those who are unable to join on April 26 but would still like to support, a virtual option is also available. Registration is now open through the link.

“It is both humbling and gratifying to see the impact that the Peterborough Butterfly Run has made over the past 10 years,” said Vince Bierworth, Executive Director for GPHSF. “This will be my 5th year being part of organizing the event. I have seen so many people in that time take it upon themselves to do whatever they can to support those who have experienced loss in our community. There is no other way we could mark the 10th anniversary of the event then to turn the spotlight on the community that has supported it and say thank you.”

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, 900 bereavement kits have been created to be provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Proceeds will support Bereavement retreats, in partnership with Hospice Peterborough, which began in 2025. 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.

“The Partners in Pregnancy Clinic is deeply grateful for the support items made possible through funds raised by the run,” said Tracy Condon, Social Worker with the Partners in Pregnancy Clinic. “Being able to provide patients with a care package or book that they can turn to between appointments offers meaningful, ongoing support as they navigate their loss.”

Registration is available online or in-person at Runner’s Life (174 Charlotte Street, Peterborough).

Sponsorship opportunities are available. To find out more, visit the website or email either Vince@GPHSF.ca or PTBOButterflyRun@gmail.com. 

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