Participants were showered with coloured powder during the race. Photo by William Crooks.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The second edition of The Cougar Run was back and better than ever, offering a 5-kilometer course around Bishop’s University (BU) campus where participants were periodically immersed in a rainbow of coloured powder. This event welcomed participants of all ages and fitness levels to join in the fun, whether they chose to run, jog, walk, or dance through the course.

On May 11, the Cougar Run provided more than just an exciting course. Families could enjoy a lively atmosphere with music and a bouncy house for children. The first 150 participants to sign up received a pair of Cougar Run sunglasses and a Cougar Run t-shirt.

The event was a fundraiser supporting the Champlain-Lennoxville Foundation, with all proceeds directed toward athletic excellence (participation in national championships) and the General Fund, which aids in student success and well-being.

“We started it last year with the help of the Champlain-Lennoxville Foundation,” Organizer and Dean of Student Services Jean-François Joncas said in a brief interview with The Record on the scene. The goal of the run is to raise funds to support students in need. “We wanted something a bit different that brings the community together,” he said.

Some 92 people registered last year with this year’s total near 100 again. “We’re super excited, the weather is perfect,” he said. The women’s basketball team and the men’s football team helped out, along with BU security.

Joncas said it was optionally competitive, but the goal was for everyone to have fun. The course was comprised of two loops around campus. “We have a beautiful campus, so let’s use it,” he said.

After Joncas said a few words, participants warmed up. The race started near 10 a.m., with smiling competitors, sporting their brand-new sunglasses and t-shirts, running, jogging, or walking the course.