Annual Buttercup Run draws big crowd
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ARLEE – Four-year-old Chmte Pete charged across the finish line of the one-mile race with gusto, beating his father by 20 seconds. Pete was one of the younger participants in Saturday’s races, but the event brought out community members in every stage of life.
Chmte’s father, Shandin Pete, said he brought his family because “it’s something to do to get off the couch.”
The event featured a half-marathon, 10K, 5K and mile-long race. About 200 people participated. Some participants came to compete and others just wanted to be outside with the community on a Saturday in spring. The event also supports scholarships for teachers and graduating high school students.
The run is organized by the Friends of Arlee, which provides educational grants for students. The group also raises funds for teachers to work on special projects. Coupled with donations from private companies and foundations, the group’s funds will provide a number of scholarships in the coming year.
“It’s a community builder,” said Friends of Arlee board member Deb Chapman. “It brings awareness to health, exercise and the scholarships.”
The Buttercup Run has been happening since 1987. Runners and walkers from around Montana, even from Browning and Billings, came to the event. Each runner received a T-shirt embellished with a painting done by local artist Karl Stein. Runners from Arlee placed first in seven of the ten races.
