Montana News

Sherry Arnold Memorial Run Planned for Sunburst

Posted: Feb 1, 2013 7:12 PM by Richie Melby - MTN News
Updated: Feb 1, 2013 7:12 PM

SUNBURST - The 1st annual North Toole County Sherry Arnold Memorial Run has been scheduled for Saturday, February 2nd in Sunburst.

Arnold, the former Sidney High School math teacher, went missing on January 7, 2012 on a morning run. She was later found to be murdered by two transients passing through the area. Memorial Runs have popped up across Montana since the tragic event.

NTCHS superintendent and athletic director Tim Tharp, a Sidney native, says the event is to honor Sherry as well as celebrate a healthy lifestyle.

"We're not going to be timing things or worrying about first or second place," explained Tharp, "people can choose to go as far or little of the 7.75 miles as they want to go."

Arnold has inspired runners, including Tharp, across the state and country to compete in various running events. Tharp says her memory has motivated him to push harder during his personal workouts.

"I find it extremely inspirational for me personally," stated Tharp. "When I'm getting tired or getting cramps I think 'what would Sherry want and what would she be doing?' She would power through it, stay strong and keep running. Her memory has been an inspiration to me and I believe it has to other runners as well."

The North Toole County Memorial Run will begin at 9:00am on Saturday at the Sunburst Schools bus barn and will continue throughout the morning as competitors finish the 7.75-mile course. Participants can register from 8:00-8:45am on Saturday morning. The cost of the race is $20, which goes toward a long-sleeve shirt with a "Running for Sherry" logo embroidered on the back. Refreshments will also be served by the Sunburst Ecumenical Youth Group.

For more information, contact Tim Tharp at timtharp@northerntel.net or by calling (406) 937-4500.