West Bank Park in Great Falls played host to the “My Best Day 5K Race” on Sunday, September 10, 2022.
The event is held annually in the memory of Jake Arntson and 37 other young people who lost their lives too soon. Jake passed tragically on a trip back from visiting family in Montana.
Since then the race has raised more than $100,000 and donated more than $40,000 of it in the form of scholarships. Kids from each Great Falls High School are nominated as an “excellent teammate” and nominees are entered into a pool for the $3500 scholarship.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate what Jake was, and that was, as such a young boy, the epitome of what it means to be a great teammate,” says event organizer Jason Bliss.
The event was a smashing success this year.
“To see all of these people here, on this beautiful day. We have a record number of people registered for the race this year, over 300. It’s wonderful to see the community support the My Best Day 5k Race,” continues Bliss.
Prior to the 5K, younger attendees participated in the “Kids Dash." Walmart donated two bicycles for the the top two finishers of the Dash, but each runner received a medal.
“Jake loved to live life. Whether it was sledding, playing sports, or just being in the classroom, Jake was going to enjoy it and have his best day. Not only did Jake love enjoying life, but always wanted to make sure those around him were happy, and enjoying whatever they were doing,” recalled a childhood friend of Jake’s during a speech prior to the race.
Jake was a beacon to those who knew him, and his legacy along with the 37 other angel’s along Angel Avenue will continue to be remembered as the race begins year after year.
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