What are you running for?
Every September thousands of Canadians come together to run, walk or bike in memory of Terry Fox to support his dream of curing cancer.
The Drayton Terry Fox run is a month away and the committee is sending out a warm invitation to all residents of Mapleton and beyond to attend the event on Sept. 16 at the Drayton Fairgrounds and Agricultural Hall.
“Cancer has veered its ugly head into every corner of Canada, including a number of families in our community,” local organizers state in a press release.
“Many of us cannot understand the burden of cancer, but we can rise up and support those around us. Terry Fox’s perseverance during his cross-country Canada run should not go unnoticed.
“Terry was passionate about his cause and had this to say to those who thought he was struggling every step of the way: ‘I loved it. I enjoyed myself so much and that was what other people couldn’t realize. They thought I was going through a nightmare running all day long. People thought I was going through hell. Maybe I was partly, but still I was doing what I wanted and a dream was coming true and that, above everything else, made it all worthwhile to me.’”
In 2017, over 200 participants attended the event in Drayton, raising an astounding $23,500. Mapleton should be proud, as the local run continues to be in the top three for fundraising per capita in Ontario.
“Thank you to all those who have made past races a grand slam, and for your continued support in the upcoming years,” organizers state.
New this year, access to the local Terry Fox Run webpage (www.terryfox.ca/terryfoxrun/drayton) will allow the public to donate online directly to Drayton’s run.
On Sept. 16, registration begins at 12:30pm, and organizers promise “an exciting send off” at 1:30pm.
Participants may walk, run or bike a 2km, 5km or 10km route. The public is invited to bring a donation if unable to participate, or to sponsor a participant prior to the event.
After the run, the committee has planned a fun-filled afternoon of activities suitable for all ages, including: memory boards, donation barbecue, cold treats, face painting and live music. Anyone interested in helping with the event or who has questions is asked to contact Melissa Gleeson at 519-500-4542 or Jenny Bults at 519-638-0661.
Once again many local businesses have offered their space for sponsor form pick-up locations, including: Blooms on Main (formerly Blooming Dales), Drayton Royal Bank, Drayton Food Market, Dobben’s Hardware and Moorefield Diner.
“Terry Fox entrusted all Canadians to continue his marathon of hope,” organizers state. “We look forward to seeing familiar and new faces of Mapleton on Sept. 16 to remember, support and celebrate those who are affected by cancer.”
