Hundreds of thousands of people across Canada are expected to participate in the annual Terry Fox Run on Sept. 18.
The fundraising event, which takes place in over 800 communities nation-wide, continues to embody the spirit of Terry Fox.
His Marathon of Hope in 1980 heralded a new age in fundraising.
Terry was an innovator, raising funds for a disease that was still referred to in whispers while attempting to run across Canada.
He ran with his artificial leg exposed, he talked about his experience with cancer, he gave hope to those suffering from the disease. Terry’s grassroots approach was a direct reflection of who he was – and Canadians embraced him with an intensity rarely seen before.
On Sept. 18, hundreds of thousands of Terry Fox supporters, family and friends, will participate to ensure cancer research continues to make a difference.
Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) in his right leg in 1977 and had it amputated 15cm above the knee.
While in the hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.
Terry’s Marathon of Hope took place in 1980 with the simple objective of informing Canadians of the importance of finding a cure for cancer.
He ran an average of 42 kilometers a day for 143 days.
Terry was forced to end his run on Sept. 1, 1980 when the cancer spread to his lungs
By Feb. 1, 1981, Terry’s dream of raising $1 for every Canadian was realized – the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope fund totaled $24.17 million.
Terry died in June 1981.
On May 26, 1988, the Terry Fox Run became a trust as a registered public foundation. It is responsible for supporting over $20 million in discovery-based research each year.
Terry Fox Runs take place in communities across Canada on Sept. 18 – and in schools on Sept. 29.
Arthur
The Terry Fox Run in Arthur takes place at the Optimist Pavillion at the Arthur Fairgrounds. Registration is at 12:30pm with a start time of 1pm. The route is 4km.
Contact organizer Cliff Heffernan at heffcli@east link.ca for more information.
Drayton
The run this year will take place at the old arena at the Drayton fairgrounds. There are two route lengths to chose from: 2km and 10km.
Registration is from 12:30 to 1:25pm and the run starts at 1:30pm.
Contact organizer Louise Ellis at loularellis@yahoo.ca for more information.
Erin
The run in Erin starts at the Centre2000 and is 5km. Registration starts at 8:30am and the route is open from 9am to 12:30pm.
Contact Erik Mathisen at mensaerik@rogers.com for more information.
Fergus
The 10km Fergus run starts at Forfar Park. Registration opens at 9am and the start of the run is at 10am, but Chris Mulligan says they can run whatever length they see fit.
Contact Mulligan at info@cwterryfoxrun.com for more information.
Grand Valley
The run in Grand Valley has three route lengths to chose from: 3km, 5km and 10km.
The race starts at the Grand Valley Community Centre.
Registration opens at 9am, the race starts at 10am.
Contact Kim Davidson at jkdbdavi@hotmail.com for more information.
Guelph
The 10km Terry Fox Run in Guelph starts in Silvercreek Park. Registration opens at 7:30 and the run is from 8am to 12pm. For more information contact David Picard at dgp@frontlinesafety.ca.
Mount Forest
The 5km run starts at the Mount Forest Lawn Bowling Club. Registration opens at 8:30am and the run takes place 9am to 2pm.
Contact Bill Dineen at dineen3161@gmail.com for more information.
Palmerston
Participants in the Palmerston Terry Fox Run should meet at the Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum. They can chose either 1km, 2km, 5km or 10km routes.
Registration starts at 8am and the run takes place 8am to 2pm. There will also be a barbecue at 12pm.
Contact Kim Williamson at williamsons_kt@hotmail.com for more details. The route is partially wheelchair accessible.
Rockwood
Meet at Waterside Park for the Rockwood Terry Fox Run. Participants can choose either 5km or 10km.
Open from 12 to 2pm. Contact Steve Thomson at ssthomson@yahoo.com for more information.
