The Vaughn Sawchuk Foundation is looking for a few more sponsors to come forward and help them pull off the most successful colour run to date.

On September 1st, runners of all ages will run through a different colour station of powder every kilometre, as they raise awareness and money for the Vaughn Sawchuk Foundation.

This is the third year Jaime and Greg Sawchuk have hosted the annual run in memory of their son Vaughn who passed at only 28 days due to a heart defect, known as Ebstein's Anomaly. Jaime, says they created the run not only to raise awareness about pediatric cardiac disease but also to heal their hearts. "Even though I always ran, running kind of became my therapy. It was when I could run and keep running, that I could sort through my head. The run is also connected to Vaughn as far as cardio and the heart goes, and I thought we could bring something unique to Cochrane with the coloured powder."

The five different coloured powders which are based primarily of cornstarch is sprinkled upon runners/ walkers as they pass each one kilometre marker. Attracting more and more participants each and every year, Jaime and Greg are thrilled with how the Cochrane community has supported the event. "I think the first year we had about 100 runners, and last year we had about 140. Last year we raised over 11,000 dollars, and it was really exciting."

Grateful for the businesses that have already stepped up to sponsor a station, the Sawchuk's say they are still looking for a few more to offer their support. "We have been really lucky, and we are super grateful that we already have sponsorship for three colour stations, but we still have the pink station, green station, and water station available. The colour stations are a minimum of $500 for sponsorship, and the water station is $250. We did compare those prices to a lot of other runs and sponsorships."

Proceeds from the run go to the Vaughn Sawchuk Foundation which in turn supports the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) at the Stollery Childen's Hospital in Edmonton, more than just money though, Jaime says awareness is key. "While the money is important because it does go to support the Unit and our cause, awareness is just as important. For me, so many people have come forward, and we have met a lot of people."

The colour run will once again have the support of Banff-Airdrie MP, Blake Richards and feature a memory mile for those who have lost a child. "You can send us a photo and name, even if it's a foundation, and we put that along our memory mile in remembrance and honour of anyone who has passed. We charge $50 and so even if you can't make the race but still want to do something; then you can do a commemorative sign."

The third annual Vaughn Sawchuk Colour Run is set for September 1st at Mitford Park and features a walk/run 10 km, 5 km, and 1 km Kiddie run fit for all fitness levels and ages. If you would like an opportunity to get a free t-shirt, you must sign up by August 16th. If not, you can register all the way up to the day of, including walk-up registration on the morning of the run.

As far as Jaime and Greg's long term vision, they are hopeful the colour run grows into a signature Cochrane event. "We hope to see more and more people come out, not just to have fun, but support a cause that affects so many. Everyone knows somebody that has had heart issues, transplant issues, or utilized care at the Children's Hospital, and while our's is very specific to the PCICU, I just feel that everybody knows somebody that has been in a situation like ours. Coming out, and having that support so we can grow, heal, and build awareness together is our long-range goal."

To date, the Vaughn Sawchuk Foundation has donated 33,000  dollars to support pediatric cardiac care initiatives. For more information on how you can support the run or sign up, go HERE.