Lace up those runners and work the kinks out of your strategy — the Cochrane Outhouse Races are upon us.
The yearly potty-pushing event is slated to run the last Saturday in September — Sept. 28 — at 10 a.m. And this year’s event is shaping up to be a good one, as of press time, 23 teams have signed up for the 13th running of the races.
From firefighters and politicians, to beer brewers and reporters, organizer Karrie Peace said the races have drawn a vast cross-section of the Cochrane community.
“How many chances do we have to have this many people come out and be silly,” said Peace, owner of the Heavenly Outhouse, the host of the event. “We can come out and laugh together. That’s rare.”
Teams include the Heavenly Outhouse’s Chicks in Charge, CIBC’s Team Think Pink, Legacy Guitar and Coffee House’s The deFenders, and the Ivan Brooker – Jeff Toews team Turbo Transparency.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the funniest team and the fastest time.
In addition, the event is raising money for a worth cause: the proceeds will be given to the United Way of Calgary and Area, then filtered down to the Cochrane Activettes’ Food Bank.
To enter the race, each team had to make a donation. In addition, Peace said there will be many chances for teams and spectators to donate cash the day of the event.
A special prize will be given to the team who makes the biggest donation.
Already the United Way is selling Outhouse Bingo tickets, Peace added. Tickets are $10 a piece and can be picked up from Cochrane Family and Community Support Services, Cochrane CookHouse and Fas Gas, as well as at the event. Prizes include a variety of outings and a trip for two anywhere that WestJet flies.
Last year, the event raised about $6,000 for the Cochrane Activettes.
Before the event, head down to the Cochrane CookHouse to fuel up on pancakes at the Zero Waste Pancake Breakfast (8:30-10 a.m.). Make sure to bring the kids along — a children’s art area will set up to entertain the young ones as parents cheer on the outhouse contenders.
For any additional information on Cochrane’s partnership with United Way, contact Brenda Sine at 403-932-3546.
For any more details on the Cochrane Outhouse Races, contact Karrie Peace at [email protected] or 403-932-9288.
