What started out as a friendly, fun competition between southern Alberta mayors at the annual Cochrane Outhouse Races turned serious earlier today (August 25) for Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown.

Competing in a race against Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung, Brown was tipped out of his cart and suffered an apparent neck injury when he landed face first in the street.

Cochrane resident Crystal Payant witnessed the incident and explains what she saw.  "The race started out really strong and they were definitely a tough contender for sure but as they rounded the corner to come back to the finish line it looked like the cart lost control and unfortunately the mayor went down and went down kind of face-first right into the street.  It was quite shocking."

Payant says she wasn't very close to where the accident occurred but she did see the ambulance come and take Brown away.  "I actually thought his face would be full of blood but he didn't have any blood on him but he did have a neck brace on him when the ambulance did take him away," Payant says. 

Payant says that everyone involved acted quickly to help Brown.  "My understanding was that the runners for his outhouse were some members of the (Airdrie) fire department.  So I think everyone responded quite quickly.  It was just a really unfortunate event."

UPDATE:

Mayor Peter Brown took to Facebook Monday morning providing an update on his injuries.

The mayor did not suffer any serious injuries or broken bones but says doctors told him he will feel like he's been in a car accident.

He is taking a few days off to recover, but said he will be back at the races next year for a redemption race. The mayor is also using the incident as a learning experience for everyone saying his helmet prevented him from more serious injury and reminding kids and parents to always wear their helmets when cycling, skateboarding or doing other similar activities.

 

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