It’s hard to believe it was 30 years ago when Terry Fox dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean at St John’s, Newfoundland, and began his epic journey, running 42km per day for 143 days.
That was April 12, 1980, and by Sept. 1, after completing 5,374 kilometres, Fox was forced to end his run near Thunder Bay, after he collapsed. The cancer that caused him to lose a leg in 1976 had returned and spread to his lungs.
Fox died one month short of his 23rd birthday in June of 1981, after realizing his goal of raising $1 from every Canadian. At that time, Canada’s population was 24.1 million, and the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope raised $24.17-million.
By Sept. 13, 1981, the first Terry Fox Run was held at more than 760 sites in Canada and around the world, and continues to be held every year on the second Sunday after Labour Day.
Drayton’s first run was held in 1990, when eight participants raise $240. It was not until 1994 that the run returned to Drayton, and six people raised $396. Every year thereafter, Drayton hosted a run and by 1999, 59 people raised almost $10,000.
The 20th anniversary of the run in 2000 generated more participation, revenues doubled to over $20,000, and Drayton was noticed as one of the top runs for revenue per capita in Ontario.
Since then, participation and funds raised continued to increase, and the 25th anniversary run in 2005 netted almost $34,000 for cancer research, with Drayton enjoying second place in the province for revenue per capita.
But since then, participation and revenue have declined. Last year’s run netted $23,000, and the village slipped to sixth in the province for revenue per capita. As 2010 marks the 30th anniversary for the run across Canada, organizers have set a goal of $30,000 for the 30th run.
If successful, that would put Drayton’s total revenue at $300,000 for cancer research. To reach that goal, organizers are making the same request of that Fox made 30 years ago: “We still have to find a cure for cancer. Keep going, don’t give up, you can do it, you can make it.”
Drayton’s run will start and end at the old arena at the fairgrounds and has a 2km route through town, or a 10km route through the country.
Participants can run, jog, walk, cycle, or roller blade, and are encouraged to participate in pairs, teams, families or groups of any size. All that is required is to pick up a pledge sheet from a local business in Drayton or Moorefield, or download one from www.terryfox.org and get some sponsors.
Register at the old arena on Sept. 19 any time between 12:30 and 1:25pm. At 1:30 sharp, the run will kick off with a group start and participants will be awarded for their efforts with a certificate when they return. The 2010 slogan is Working Together to Outrun Cancer. For more information, contact Sue Hogenkamp at 519-848-6601.
submitted by Sue Hogenkamp
