GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Great Falls residents laced up running shoes Sunday afternoon to honor Jake Arntson, who passed away in a tragic car accident six years ago.
The third annual My Best Day 5K and Kids’ Dash took place at West Bank Park.
The seven-year-old and his dad were on their way home to Oregon from Great Falls when the crash happened.
Organizers say this is one way to remember the light that Jake brought to those around him.
“I have a young boy named Bennett who is nine years old, so when Jake passed away it just struck a personal chord to do something here, where John and his sister and brother all grow up to honor his son and create a scholarship in his name,” Volunteer Organizer Jason Bliss said.
The run helps raise money for the Jake Arntson Teammate of the Year Scholarships.
The scholarships will be given to six seniors.
“We give away three scholarships to C.M. Russell High totaling $3,500 and three scholarships totaling $3,500 for Great Falls High for the best teammate of the year for three different sports that are nominated by their respective coaches,” Bliss said.
The My Best Day 5k and Kids Dash is also held in Oregon where Jake’s parents live.
Story by Margaret DeMarco, MTN News
