This September marks the 38th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.
Hundreds of thousands of people will remember this young Canadian’s audacious effort by uniting from coast to coast to coast for the annual Terry Fox Run on Sept. 16.
Officials say the longevity of the event and the cancer research legacy inspired by Fox’s run is a remarkable reflection of the nation’s respect for a man who gave Canadians an indelible example of what it means to persevere. With over 10,000 fundraising events taking place nationwide, it is clear that Canadians have every intention to see Terry’s dream through to fulfillment.
“I know it can be a busy time of year but there is no better feeling than to come together with family and friends, in your own community, for a great Canadian fall tradition that, quite simply, changes lives for the better,” said Terry Fox Foundation executive director Britt Andersen.
Since Fox ran his Marathon of Hope in 1980, Canadians have raised over $750 million for cancer research. This money is invested into projects with the greatest potential impact for patients. One such project is called Terry Fox Profyle, which focuses on hard-to-treat cancers for youth.
This project uses the principles of precision medicine and big data in a collaborative Pan-Canadian approach in an effort to give kids with hard-to-treat cancers another chance.
Terry Fox Runs throughout the Wellington County area include:
– Drayton: at the old arena at the Fairgrounds (Elm Street). Three route lengths: 2km, 5km and 10km. Registration from 12:30 to 1:25pm; start time 1:30pm;
– Erin: Centre 2000. Registration at 8:30am; 5km and 10km route open from 9am to 12:30pm. Free barbecue (courtesy of the Optimist Club) and a photographer provided;
– Fergus: Forfar Park. Registration opens at 9am; start time 10am. Route is 10km course along the Cataract Trail with multiple turn around points for participants to go whatever distance they wish. Bottled water and snacks will be provided;
– Guelph: Silvercreek Park. Registration 7:30am; open from 8am to 12pm. The route is 10km;
– Mount Forest: Foodland parking lot at 121 Main St. S. Three route lengths: 2km, 5km and 10km. Registration at 9am; open from 9am to 3pm; and
– Palmerston: Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum. Registration at 8am; open from 8am to 2pm. Four route lengths: 1km, 2km, 5km and 10km.
For more information about any of the runs email info@terryfoxrun.org.
The Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board schools will hold Terry Fox runs on Sept. 27.
Contact schools for details.
