Running with the Bulls deemed a success

Running with the Bulls was a huge success this year, with a large increase in the number of runners participating and the amount of money raised. Planning has already started for next year’s event. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The woman behind Running with the Bulls called the second year of the event a success, almost doubling attendance.

In 2024, there were 222 walkers and runners combined. Things were different in 2025, explained Tamara Bull, with 375 runners registered, but no registration required. She estimated there were easily over 1,000 people at the event. Someone remarked to her later, “I feel like all of Tillsonburg was there.”

The event featured a 10-kilometre run, five-kilometre event, one-kilometre Kiddie Bull Charge and a two-kilometre memorial family walk.

Bull started the event after her son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and the family faced huge treatment costs in the United States. After there was a huge outpouring of financial support from the community, Bull saw this event as a way of giving back, raising money for families who had a young member with cancer and are facing huge costs. This year she associated with the Kindred Foundation, an organization which has the same purpose and promised all money raised locally would stay local.

The amount of money raised to assist families dealing with a young family member with cancer increased from last year’s $22,168 to $30,740. There is a need for the money with 19 applications for assistance from families of infants/children/ young adults under 30 with expenses related to a cancer diagnosis. In 2025, there were already 37 applications received to date.

While last year saw runners come from across the province, the change to an official registered run saw the appeal spread and runners come from further afield, including Alberta. New Brunswick, The Netherlands, Jacksonville Florida, and across Ontario.

Planning has already started for next year, with the date set for July 18.

“My motto in life has always been, ‘Go big or go home’ and this event is no exception,” Bull said. “Next year, my goal is 450 runners and to raise over $35,000.”

She said the event wouldn’t have been possible without support of volunteers.

“I am grateful to all my volunteers, participants and sponsors for helping create au h a successful event with the biggest thank you to my main event sponsor, Future Transfer Co Inc.,” she said. “I very truly could not have done it without them.”