As per Helena Sun Run tradition, nearly 100 participants supported clean energy for public institutions on Saturday morning under cloudy skies.
Now in its seventh year, the annual event raises money for clean energy projects such as solar panels at Central and Jim Darcy and the Lewis & Clark Library.
Bryant Elementary School will benefit from this year’s race, which is hosted by the Helena Vigilante Runners and Sleeping Giant Citizens Council, three county environmental advocacy groups affiliated with the Northern Plains Resource Council.
Race director, Vigilante Runners board member and SGCC member Joel Harris said Saturday morning’s rainstorm flooded streets in the eastern gulch neighborhood that serves as the five-kilometer course.
“Out of seven sunny days, we only had one sun run,” Harris said with a laugh. It really showed.”
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From left, Emily Leigh, Ida Manson, and Kira Bachovner Central Elementary School students all pose for a photo after completing the 2022 Helena Sun Run on Saturday.
Nolan Lister
Volunteer Madalyn Quinlan has been instrumental in the cause by completing the Northwestern Energy Universal System Benefit grant application on behalf of the school district to secure the remaining funding needed to install the solar array.
Quinlan, who lives in the Central District, said he was thrilled to learn that three new schools would be built in 2019 and called on Helena Public Schools to design their facilities for solar power. I pointed out that
“I think this community is very interested in moving in the direction of clean energy for our city, state and country. This is a great way for them to get involved,” she said. I was.
Quinlan cheered on the contestants from under a pop-up canopy near the finish line on 8th Avenue.
Jeff Thomas, Vice President of Vigilante Runners, hosted the day and said that in addition to the philanthropic aspect, the Sun Run is simply a good time.
“We promote a healthy lifestyle, group participation, and a fun atmosphere,” said Thomas. “And you can see it in the people here. Who else will come out in the rainstorm?”
Central School freshman Maria Metzger and her mother, Celline Metzger, participated in the 1-mile Walk and Bike Parade.
Cheryn Metzger (left) and her daughter, Malia Metzger, benefited Bryant Elementary School on Saturday as they approached the finish line of the 1-mile “Walk and Bike Parade” at the 2022 Helena Sun Run.
Nolan Lister
Thirty-nine school-age children, parents, and grandparents participated in the one-mile excursion.
Maria said the rain didn’t deter her.
“I want to get wet,” she said, adding that the race was fun.
Cheryn, the building’s energy engineer, said her family wouldn’t miss the Helena Sun Run.
“Supporting energy efficiency in schools is important,” she said.
57 runners ran the 5K. Peter Schkromer, who won the 46th Mount Helena Run on 19 September, recorded his 16:19.8 at San Runfield.
Race registration fees and individual and corporate sponsorships benefit the cause. Nearly 50 local businesses and organizations sponsored this year’s event.
Harris, who finished fourth in the 5K, said he doesn’t have the numbers yet, but estimates that about $8,000 has been raised this year for solar panels at Bryant Elementary School.
Quinlan said he expects the school district to submit grant applications for the project’s Universal System benefit by the end of October.
