By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Grade 7 Osoyoos Elementary School student Zephyr Peltier bested both his time and the donations with his annual personal contribution to the Terry Fox School Run which saw the 12 year old make his third run in as many years between Oliver and Osoyoos.
Prior to the start of his 24 km run from Senpaq’cin School in Oliver to OES in Osoyoos Peltier said he was hopeful of shaving a half hour off of last year’s four hour time to complete the run, particularly given that he is another year older.
Zephyr Peltier running to Osoyoos on the Hike and Bike Trail. Shan Peltier photo.
Aside from the added muscle mass gained over the year he said he’s been doing a bit more training this year. Clearly both things, and a nice cool morning tailwind probably didn’t hurt, all worked in his favour, enabling him to complete the run in 2 hours 58 minutes which includes a 25 minute stoppage to repair a bike flat tire.
Peltier’s mom, Shan and grandpa Jim Peltier cycled alongside Zephyr.
Fundraising was also in high gear this year with a total of $2,700 already committed before he even took his first step. This year he set a goal of $3,000 and helped push up the total by canvassing the community on foot, raising just over $600 that way.
Shan Peltier photo.
By the weekend the donations for the Terry Fox Foundation raised by Zephyr had reached $4,000.
This year’s run had an extra special element with the students of Senpaq’cin School sending him off with a special morning drum circle.
His arrival at OES was met with loud cheers, hoots and hugs from friends, teachers and classmates.
Peltier said this was a special run because it was his last as an elementary school student. When asked whether next year he will bump up the distance he was coy. “We’ll see,” he replied pensively. “Terry Fox said anything’s possible if you try, so I try and follow through on that,” he added.
A traditional stop at the vineyard monster for a photo op. Shan Peltier photo
Contact Osoyoos Elementary School at 250-485-4444 for more information on donating specifically to Zephyr Peltier’s campaign or visit the Terry Fox Foundation website to make a general donation.
Shan Peltier photo
Mom Shan and Grandpa Jim with Zephyr at the end of another successful run. Shan Peltier photo
